OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT SYSTEM
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Rodrigo Garcia Manuel Jr.＊I. INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES
A. Historical Development of Community-Based Treatment
The community-based treatment of offenders in the Philippines is governed by Presidential Decree No.
968 (PD 968) promulgated on July 24, 1976.
Probation was first introduced in the Philippines during the American colonial period (1898-1945) withthe enactment of Act 4221 on August 7, 1935 by the Philippine legislature. This law created a Probation
Office under the Department of Justice. However due to some defects in its procedural framework, it was
declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court on November 16, 1937 after barely two years of existence.
On July 24, 1976, Presidential Decree No. 968, also known as Adult Probation Law of 1976, was signed
into law by the President of the Philippines, His Excellency Ferdinand E. Marcos. The law gave birth to
the Probation Administration, a line agency under the Department of Justice.
The operation of the probation system in 1976-1977 was a massive undertaking during which all judges
and prosecutors nationwide were trained in probation methods and procedures; administrative and procedural manuals were developed; probation officers were recruited and trained; and the central office andalso the probation field offices were organized throughout the country, and on January 3, 1978, theprobation system started to operate in the entire country of the Philippines. At present there are 183 field
offices spread all over the country supervised by 16 regions.
B. Legal Basis of Community-Based Treatment
⿟⿟ Presidential Decree No. 968 or the Adult Probation Law of 1976
⿟⿟ Administrative Code of 1987
⿟⿟ Board of Pardons and Parole Resolution No. 229, dated April 2, 1991
⿟⿟ Republic Act 6425, the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972
⿟⿟ Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
C. Organization and Personnel
1. Organization
The Parole and Probation Administration is a line-bureau type of organization created under the Department of Justice. To carry out the objectives of the Probation Law of 1976, the Administration wasorganized in 15 Regional Offices and Provincial/City Probation and Parole offices with a total of 183
Probation and Parole Offices nationwide.
The Administration has seven divisions which consist of the following: Administrative, Legal, Financeand Management, Planning, Community Service, Technical Service, and Case Management and Records.
Regional Director, Parole and Probation Administration, Department of Justice, Philippines.

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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 96
PAROLE AND PROBATION ADMINISTRATIONORGANIZATIONAL CHART
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
Oﬃce of the Deputy Administrator

Administrative

Division

Financial
andManagement

Planning
Division

Case
Management andRecords Division

Community
Service
Division

Legal
Division

Technical
Service
Division

REGIONAL PAROLE AND PROBATION OFFICES (16)

PROVINCIAL/CITY PAROLE AND
PROBATION OFFICES (224)

SUB OFFICESEXTENSION OFFICES

Four staff divisions, namely, Administrative, Planning, Finance and Management, and Legal perform
staff functions that are primarily designed for the internal affairs of the Administration’s offices. They areconcerned with the day-to-day operations essential for the orderly and effective management of the Administration’s activities.
On the other hand, technical services are done by three divisions namely, Case Management andRecords, Community Service and Technical.
In the front-line services, the Regional Parole and Probation Office serve as the administrative andsupport services and supervise the overall operations of the Region. Provincial and City Parole andProbation Offices conduct the primary services, which are investigation and supervision of offenders placed
under probation and parole.
The personnel complement of each field office varies. In Region 12 alone there are field offices that have
only one or two Probation and Parole Officers with supervision caseloads of about 150 to 250.
2. Personnel
In general, appointments of personnel at the Parole and Probation Administration are in accordance tomerit and fitness following the Civil Service Law and Rules. Entry qualifications for probation and parole
officers are that they must be at least 25 years of age, satisfy the minimum educational requirement of abachelor’s degree with a major in social work, sociology, psychology, criminology, penology, corrections,police administration, public administration, or related fields and have no criminal record.
3. Training of Personnel
The training unit of the Parole and Probation Administration is primarily responsible for providing
training in specific professional courses and developing programmes of trainers, and such training courses
92159TH INTERNATIONAL SENIOR SEMINARPARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS
are conducted as in-house programmes. Where there are available specialized trainings offered by othergovernment or non-government agencies, selected personnel are authorized to attend or enroll in said programmes with fees paid by the Parole and Probation administration.
Training in specific skills is done based on the needs of the employee but the agency has an initialtraining programme mandatory for all newly hired employees. These are Employee Orientation Courses
for all newly hired employees and the Parole and Probation Officers Basic Course for newly appointed
probation and parole officers.
Actual Working Staff as of January 31, 2014
Probation and Parole Officers
887
Lawyers5
Administrative
404
Total
1,296
D. Main Tasks
1. Post-Sentence Investigation
After conviction and sentence, an offender or his counsel files a petition for probation with the trial
court, which in turn orders the probation officer to conduct a post-sentence investigation to determine
whether or not an offender may be placed on probation. The grant of probation is presumed upon three
conditions: 1.) An application for probation by the offender 2.) An investigation conducted by the probationand parole officer 3.) a determination by the court that the ends of justice and the best interest of the
public as well as the offender shall be served thereby. The grant of probation in effect suspends theexecution of the sentence of imprisonment.
2. Pre-Parole Investigation
In Resolution No. 229, the Board of Pardons and Parole on April 22, 1991 directed the Parole andProbation Administration to conduct pre-parole investigation of all sentenced prisoners confined in prisonsand jails within their jurisdiction. The purpose is to determine whether offenders in prison may bequalified for parole or any form of executive clemency and to discuss with them their plan after theirrelease. The probation and parole officers submit their pre-parole assessment report to the Board of
Pardons and Parole.
Offenders sentenced under the Indeterminate Sentence Law are eligible for parole after serving theminimum sentence. The Rules of the Board of Pardons and Parole also provide that they may be considered for conditional pardon after serving one-half of their minimum sentence.
3. Supervision of Offenders
The Parole and Probation Administration supervises two types of offenders on conditional release: (1)probationers or persons placed under probation by the courts and, (2) parolees, pardonees or prisoners
released on parole or conditional pardon and referred by the Board of Pardons and Parole to the Paroleand Probation Administration.

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E. Probation and Parole Supervision
1. Types of Community Measures/OrdersType

Description/Eligible
OffenderAdult
Probation

Persons Under Suspension of
Execution of Sentence

Criminal Court

Maximum of six years

Parolees

Conditional release of prisoner
from correctional institution
after serving the minimum
prison sentence

Board of Pardons and Parole

Expiration of the maximum
sentence

Conditional
Pardonees

Prisoners who have served atleast one half of the maximumof the original prison term

Office of the President

As recommended by the Officeof the President

Sentencing/Authority

Supervision/Treatment
Period

2. Conditions of Probation
The grant of probation is accompanied by the conditions imposed by the court. There are two types ofconditions that must be adhered to. These are the general mandatory conditions and the discretionary conditions, which are both incorporated in every probation order issued by the court.
(a)		 Mandatory Conditions
The mandatory conditions require that the probationer shall (a) present himself to the probation officer
assigned to undertake the supervision at each place as may be specified in the order within 72 hours fromreceipt of said order: and, (b) report to the probation officer at least once a month at such time and place as
specified by said order.
(b)		 Discretionary Conditions
Discretionary conditions are those additional conditions imposed on the probationer which are geared
towards his correction and rehabilitation outside of prison and in the community in which the probationer
resides. The court may require the probationer to: (a) cooperate with a programme of supervision througha therapeutic community modality; (b) meet his family responsibilities; (c) devote himself to a specific employment and not to change said employment without the prior written approval of the probation officer; (d)undergo medical, psychological or psychiatric examination and treatment and enter and remain in a
specified institution, when required for that purpose; (e) pursue a prescribed secular study or vocational
training; (f) attend or reside in a facility established for instruction, creation or residence or persons on
probation; (g) refrain from visiting houses of ill-repute; (h) abstain from drinking intoxicating beverages inexcess; (i) permit the probation officer or an authorized social worker to visit his home or place of work; (j)reside at the premises approved by it and not change his residence without prior written approval; or (k)satisfy any other condition related to the rehabilitation of the defendant and not unduly restrictive of his
liberty or incompatible with his freedom of conscience.
A violation of any of the conditions may lead either to a more restrictive modification of the same or
the revocation of the grant of probation. Consequent to the revocation, the probationer will have to serve
the sentence originally imposed.
3. Implementation of Probation and Parole Supervision(a)		 Modification of conditions of probation
During the period of probation, the court may, upon application of either the probationers or the
probation officer, revise or modify the conditions or period of probation. The court shall notify either the
probationer or the probation officer of the filing of such an application so as to give both parties an opportunity to be heard thereon. The court shall inform the probation officer and the probationer in writing of
any change in the period or conditions of probation.

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159TH INTERNATIONAL SENIOR SEMINARPARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS(b)		 Transfer of Residence
The probationer and his probation programme shall be under the control of the court which placed him
on probation subject to actual supervision and visitation by a probation officer. Whenever a probationer ispermitted to reside in a place under the jurisdiction of another court, control over him shall be transferredto the executive judge of the regional trial court of that place, and in such a case, a copy of the probation
order, the investigation report and other pertinent records shall be furnished to said executive judge.
The transfer of residence of a parolee or pardonee is requested by the Supervising Probation and
Parole Officer to the Chief Probation and Parole officer; said request is forwarded to the Board of Pardonsand Parole for an issuance of a board resolution approving the request of transfer of residence.
(c)		 Revocation
At any time during probation, the court may issue a warrant for the arrest of a probationer who, once
arrested and detained, shall immediately be brought before the court for a hearing of the violation charged.
If the violation is established, the court may revoke or continue his probation and modify the conditions
thereof. If revoked, the court shall order the probationer to serve the sentence originally imposed.
Once a parolee/pardonee commits an infraction on the conditions embodied in their discharge onparole/conditional pardon, the supervising probation and parole officer shall prepare an infraction reportfor the Board of Pardons and Parole through the Technical Service Division of the agency to be submitted
to the Board of Pardons and Parole for its approval.
(d)		 Termination of Probation/Parole
After the period of probation and upon consideration of the report and recommendation of the probation
officer, the court may order the final discharge of the probationer upon finding that he has fulfilled theterms and conditions of his probation and thereupon the case is deemed terminated.
In the case of parole, the Supervising Probation and Parole Officer prepares the Summary Report upon
expiration of the maximum sentence as stated in the Discharge on Parole/Conditional Pardon andsubmitted to the Chief Probation and Parole Officer and thereafter to the Technical Service Division andsaid division to submit to the Board of Pardons and Parole for an issuance of a resolution of termination.
4. Assessment, Classification and Level of Supervision of Probationers and Parolees
The standards of criteria of case classification of offence are: individual characteristics/personality
problems, education, motives, and, employable skills.
(a)		 Levels of Supervision(i)		 Maximum SupervisionThis requires personal contact at least once a week with the probationer/parolee including at least aonce a month report in person at the probation office to attend to the ladderized therapeutic community
programme. This also requires multiple services from the probation office and the community resources
available. The probation officers provide their clients with services such as employment assistance, vocational training, education, medical assistance and seed money for livelihood activities and home industries.
(ii)		 Medium SupervisionThis requires once a month personal contact with the probationer/parolee and attendance of a therapeutic community ladderized programme and few services from the probation office and/or community
resources.
(iii) Minimum SupervisionThis requires once a month personal contact and attendance of the therapeutic community ladderized
programme.
F. Halfway Houses
The Parole and Probation Administration is constructing a halfway house in Guimaras, Region VI.
However, since the building is still under construction, it is not yet operational.

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On October 23, 2013, the Parole and Probation Administration, as the first party, the Board of Pardonsand Parole as the second party and the Sikatuna First Baptist Church as the third party entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement where the Sikatuna First Baptist Church at Quezon City agreed to serve as ahalfway house for the reintegration of parolees/pardonees who have been recently released from prison or
jail to the community. They shall provide active rehabilitation treatment programmes for residents andnon-residents such as counselling, socialization and livelihood projects.
G. Specific Measures / Programmes of Community Corrections
1. Therapeutic Community Ladderized Program (TCLP)The Therapeutic Community Ladderized Program integrates TC tools, norms and methods withprobation and parole requirements, implemented in progressive phases within the non-residential
community based setting of the Parole and Probation Administration programme for clients.
2. Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is the philosophical foundation of the rehabilitation programme of the agency
through processes such as mediation, conferencing and circles of support.

II. PARTICIPATION OF THE COMMUNITY
A. Volunteer Probation Aides
1. Mission
To promote the rehabilitation and development of Parole and Probation Administration Clients througha competent corps of volunteers using a holistic approach in volunteer and community resource development.
2. Status
The volunteer probation aides do not receive any regular compensation for services rendered except fora reasonable travel allowance when they supervise an assigned probationer, parolee at a maximum of fiveclients. They hold office for a period of five years.
3. Main Tasks(a) To amplify the extent of services rendered to the clients in an effective yet economical means
through the use of volunteers;(b) To develop a competent corps of Volunteer Probation Aides who will assist Parole and Probation
Administration Officers in the effective supervision of its clients;(c) To inculcate greater citizen awareness and understanding of the criminal justice system and its
components;(d) To enhance community participation in crime prevention, treatment of offenders and criminal justiceadministration; and(e) To foster an attitude of meaningful involvement in the social, economic, cultural and political affairsof the community.
4. Appointment/Recruitment
A. Strategies for Recruitment
1.		 Public Information Campaign/Information Drivea. Identification of possible candidates through personal invitation, informal interview, referrals,
letters to interested applicants from all sectors.
b. Conduct preparatory meetings with field officers on information drives.
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159TH INTERNATIONAL SENIOR SEMINARPARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS
c. Schedule orientation or briefing of potential Volunteer Probation Aide candidates.
d. Aim for quality candidates rather than quantity
e. Recruit individually rather than in a group.
2.		 Establishment of Linkages
a. Referral systemb.	Courtesy calls to heads of organizations (GO/NGO) regarding Volunteer Probation Aide
Program Identification and Exploration of Possible volunteers during field work or home visits
to clients.
3.		 Preference in Recruitment
a. Seek candidates with character, competence and commitment
b. Seek candidates with strong involvement in community, civic, social or religious affairs
B. Screening/Selection of Volunteer Probation Aides
1.		 Qualifications of Volunteer Probation Aides
a. Preferably 35 years or older
b. A reputable member of the community and of good moral characterc. Preferably a resident of the same community as the clientd. Preferably with adequate source of income or financially stablee. Willing to serve without compensation
f. Willing to prepare reportsg.	No criminal record or conviction except former clients with exemplary behavior who are fit
to be role models.
h. In good health2.		 Requirements
a. Duly completed Volunteer Probation Aide application form with two ID pictures
b. Certification of Barangay Chairman as to place of residencec.	Endorsement of and/or certification of Chief of Probation and Parole Officer/Officer in Charge
based on background investigation.
d. Recommendation of the Regional Director/Regional Officer-In-Charge
3.		 Appointment Procedurea. Candidate accomplishes the Volunteer Probation Aide application formb. Officer conducts background investigation
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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 96
c.	Chief of Probation and Parole Officer/Officer-in-Charge endorses application with required
documents to the Regional office.
d. Regional Director/Regional Officer-in-Charge recommends application to the Administrator.
e.	Community Service Division reviews and evaluates application form and attachments, andprepares appointment.
f. Administrator signs appointment for a five year term.
g.	Community Service Division officially notifies the Regional Directors of Volunteer Probation
Aide’s appointment
h. Department of Justice Secretary attests appointmenti.	Volunteer Probation Aide takes an Oath of Office administered by the Chief of Probation and
Parole Officer/Officer-in-Charge concerned.
j.	Parole and Probation Administration issues Volunteer Probation Aide Identification Card tobe surrendered upon termination or revocation of appointment, or upon renewal of Identification Card.
4.		 Capacity Building and Training
The training course is focused on the areas where the Volunteer Probation Aide needs someknowledge, namely:a. Probation―The mandate, objectives, principles and methods as embodied in Presidential
Decree No. 968 and its amendments.
b. Basic Volunteer Probation Aide Course―The rationale for volunteer services, mechanics ofprobation supervision work, duties, and functions and responsibilities of a volunteer probation
aide.
c. Therapeutic Community Modality
d. Restorative JusticeIII. STATISTICS
Number of Offenders (As of 2013)(A)		 Total Admission Number
PROBATIONERS
29,236

PAROLEESPARDONEES

13,758TOTAL

408

43,402(B)		 Number by Type of Offense (As of 2013)
CRIMES

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PROBATIONERSPAROLEESPARDONEESTOTAL

Crimes Against Public
Interest

342

1

0

343

Crimes and Relative toOpium and Other
Prohibited Drugs

8,976

55

26

9,057

Crimes Against Persons

6,468

8,500

210

15,178

159TH INTERNATIONAL SENIOR SEMINARPARTICIPANTS’ PAPERS

Crimes Against Property

5,538

3,139

85

8,762

Crimes Against Chastity

1,523

452

28

2003

Crimes Against Security

690

0

0

690

Crimes Against Honor

538

55

0

593

Crimes Against Special
Laws

4,937

1,431

37

6,405

Crimes Against Public
Officer

67

98

0

165

Crimes Against Public
Ordinance

28

21

22

71

Crimes Against Public
Morals

22

1

0

23

Multiple Crimes

107

0

0

107

Crimes Against Public
Order

0

5

0

5

Crimes Against Liberty

0

0

0

0

Crimes Against The Civil
Status of Persons

0

0

0

0

29,236

13,758408

43,402TOTAL

⿟⿟ Number by Gender (as of 2013)
SEX

PROBATIONERSPAROLEESPARDONEES

TOTAL

Male

26,20813,448392

40,048

Female

3,028

310

16

3,354

TOTAL

29,236

13,758408

43,402

A. Recidivism Rate
PROBATIONERSPAROLEESPARDONEES-

Within 1 year
1.96%
1.25%
0.49%

B. Number of Personnel
No. of Probation and Parole Officers (as of January 2014)
No. of Volunteer Probation Aides (as of March 2014)-

887
13,507

C. Average Caseload
Avg. No. of Cases Handled per PPO-

48

D. Budget The Budget released by the Department of Budget and Management for the Volunteer
Probation Aide Program of the Parole and Probation Administration is P5,470,000.00

99