NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SEN
s. No. 1067
of ttjc fttU'p
*22 AUG-8 A10:24
RHCElVtO BY:
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OF THE PHILIPPINE 
NATIONAL POLICE, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE CERTAIN 
PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 8551, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution provides that "The maintenance 
of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property and the promotion of 
the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings 
of democracy." It is for this reason that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is 
established—essentially to maintain peace and preserve stability In our country.
However, accounts of offenses committed by members of the PNP—our 
supposed protectors and guardians—are continually being reported, especially 
during the height of the pandemic. For example, in April 2020, a former soldier who 
had a mental Illness was shot dead by a PNP officer because of an altercation related 
to quarantine measures.1 In December 2020, just 5 days before Christmas, a PNP 
officer killed a mother and son in cold blood over an argument.2 And in May 2021, 
citizens watched in shock and horror as a video of a policeman shooting a 52-year- 
old grandmother in the neck circulated on the internet.3 Clearly, there is a need to 
strengthen measures to uphold the accountability of our police officers.
Currently, the entity with the power to conduct Investigations on erring PNP 
officers Is the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP, which was created by virtue 
of Republic Act No. 8551 or "The PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998" (RA
1 Talabong, Rambo. (23 April 2020). "Who is Winston Ragos, the Former Military Man Killed by Police?". 
Rappler. Accessed from: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/258845-things-to-know-winston-ragos- 
former-soldier-killed-by-police/
2 Tantuco, Vernise. (24 December 2020). "Timeline of Tarlac Shooting: What We Know So Far7'. Rappler. 
Accessed from: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/timeline-things-to-know-cop-shooting-mother-son- 
paniqui-tarlac/
3 Bolledo, Jairo. (01 June 2021). "Cop Kills 52-Year-Old Woman in Quezon City, Faces Murder Complaint". 
Rappler. Accessed from: https://www.rappler.com/nation/cop-kills-woman-lilybeth-valdez-quezon-city-may- 
31-2021/


8551). However, as presently constituted, the IAS has no authority to impose 
sanctions; it is only limited to making recommendations which are subject to the 
review and approval of the Chief PNP or the PNP Regional Directors.
This bill is a product of two legislative hearings conducted by the Senate 
Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs during the 16th Congress on the 
rising incidence of police personnel Involved In criminal activity. It seeks to 
strengthen the IAS' capacity and independence by granting it authority to Impose 
disciplinary sanctions in certain offenses, appealable to the National Appellate Board 
(NAB). It ensures speedy disposition of cases filed with the IAS by streamlining 
procedures in accordance with an established timeline.
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No.1 Of) 7
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
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of ttjf
*22 AUG "8 Al0:24
RECEIVED 5V.
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AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OF THE PHILIPPINE 
NATIONAL POLICE, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE CERTAIN 
PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 8551, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be ft enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. This Act shall be known as the nPNP-IAS Reform Act of2022." 
Sec. 2. Section 39 of Republic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"Section 39. Creation, Powers, and Functions. - An Internal Affairs
Service (IAS) of the PNP is hereby created which shall:
a) pro-actively conduct inspections and audits on PNP personnel and 
units;
b) Investigate complaints and gather evidence in support of an open 
investigation;
c) HEAR AND DECIDE ADMINISTRATIVE CASES AGAINST 
ERRING UNIFORMED AND NON-UNIFORMED PNP PERSONNEL 
IN CASES REQUIRING MOW PROPRIO AUTOMATIC 
INVESTIGATION;
d) Submit a periodic report on the assessment, analysis, and evaluation 
of the character and behavior of PNP personnel and units to the Chief 
PNP and the Commission;
e) File appropriate criminal cases against PNP members before the court 
as evidence warrants and assist in the prosecution of the case;


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f) Provide assistance to the Office of the Ombudsman in cases involving
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the personnel of the PNP.
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The IAS shall also conduct, motu proprio, automatic investigation of the
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following cases:
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a) incidents where a police personnel discharges a firearm;
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b) Incidents where death, serious physical injury, or any violation of
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human rights occurred in the conduct of a police operation;
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c) Incidents where evidence was compromised, tampered with,
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obliterated, or lost while in the custody of police personnel;
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d) Incidents where a suspect in the custody of the police was seriously
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injured; an^
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e) Incidents where the established rules of engagement have been
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violatedv; AND
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f) INCIDENTS WHERE A POLICE PERSONNEL IS ALLEGEDLY
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INVOLVED IN CRIMES SUCH AS MURDER, KIDNAPPING AND
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SERIOUS ILLEGAL 
DETENTION, 
ROBBERY, AND OTHER
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CRIMES INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE.
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Finally, the IAS shall provide documents or recommendations as regards
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to the promotion of the members of the PNP or the assignment of PNP
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personnel to any key position.
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THE DISCIPLINARY POWERS HEREIN GRANTED TO THE
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INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE SHALL BE WITHOUT PREJUDICE,
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AND SHALL NOT DIMINISH, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED
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ABOVE, THE DISCIPLINARY POWERS GRANTED TO THE
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COMMISSION, THE CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL
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POLICE, THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS AND THE PEOPLE'S LAW
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ENFORCEMENT BOARDS UNDER SECTIONS 42 AND 43 OF
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REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975''
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Sec. 3. Section 40 of Republic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
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"Section 40. Organization. - There are hereby created national, regional,
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and provincial offices of the Internal Affairs Service. That national office


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shall be headed by the Inspector General. The regional offices shall each
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be headed by a Director. The provincial offices shall be headed by a
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Superintendent.
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The commission shall establish a rationalized staffing pattern in the
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Reorganization Plan as provided for in Section 13 hereof.
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Sec. 4. Section 41 of Republic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as
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foliows:
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"Section 41. Appointments. - THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND THE
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DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL SHALL BE CIVILIANS. THEY
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SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT AND NO PERSON
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SHALL BE APPOINTED INSPECTOR GENERAL OR DEPUTY
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INSPECTOR GENERAL UNLESS HE OR SHE IS A FILIPINO
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CITIZEN, AT LEAST FORTY-FIVE (45) YEARS OF AGE, AND A
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MEMBER OF THE PHIUPPINE BAR FOR AT LEAST TEN (10) YEARS
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PRIOR TO THE DATE OF HIS OR HER APPOINTMENT.
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THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND THE DEPUTY INSPECTOR
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GENERAL SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF FIVE (5) YEARS
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WITHOUT REAPPOINTMENT. THE INSPECTOR GENERAL SHALL
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RECEIVE THE SALARIES, BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES
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EQUIVALENT TO THOSE RECEIVED BY A POUCE LIEUTENANT
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GENERAL OF THE PNP. THE DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL
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SHALL RECEIVE THE SALARIES, BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES
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EQUIVALENT TO THOSE RECEIVED BY A POUCE MAIOR GENERAL
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OF THE PNP.
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"THE HEADS OF THE PROVINCIAL AND REGIONAL INTERNAL
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AFFAIRS OFFICES SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF OF THE
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PHIUPPINE NATIONAL POLICE UPON THE PRIOR
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RECOMMENDATION 
OF 
THE 
INSPECTOR
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GENERAL.APPOINTMENTS OF OTHER PERSONNEL WHO SHALL
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OCCUPY VARIOUS POSITIONS OF THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS
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SERVICE SHALL BE MADE BY THE INSPECTOR GENERAL AND


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SHALL BE BASED ON AN ESTABLISHED CAREER PATTERN AND
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CRITERIA TO BE PROMULGATED BY THE COMMISSION."
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Sec. 5. Section 49 of Republic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
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"Section 49. PROCEDURE IN DISCIPLINARY CASES.
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PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE SHALL
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BE SUMMARY IN CHARACTER AND SHALL FOLLOW THE
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FOLLOWING PROCEDURE:
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(a)COMPLAINTS AGAINST ERRING UNIFORMED OR NON-
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UNIFORMED PERSONNEL OF THE PNP MAY BE FILED WITH
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THE PROVINCIAL INTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE OR THE
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REGIONAL INTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE HAVING
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JURISDICTION OVER THE PLACE WHERE THE OFFENSE WAS
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COMMITTED.
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(b)THE COMPLAINT SHALL BE IN WRITING AND UNDER OATH.
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THE COMPLAINANT SHALL SUBMIT, TOGETHER WITH THE
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COMPLAINT, 
ALL THE REAL, DOCUMENTARY 
AND
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TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE, BY WAY OF AFFIDAVITS TO
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SUPPORT THE COMPLAINT;
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(c) WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF THE COMPLAINT,
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THE PROVINCIAL OR REGIONAL INTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE
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CONCERNED SHALL CAUSE THE SERVICE OF A COPY OF THE
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COMPLAINT 
AND ITS ATTACHMENTS UPON 
THE
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RESPONDENT, TOGETHER WITH AN ORDER REQUIRING THE
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RESPONDENT TO FILE HIS OR HER ANSWER TO 
THE
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COMPLAINT, FURNISHING A COPY THEREOF TO 
THE
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COMPLAINANT, WITHIN A PERIOD OF TEN (10) DAYS FROM
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HIS OR HER RECEIPT OF THE COMPLAINT AND THE ORDER.
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(d)THE RESPONDENT'S ANSWER SHALL LIKEWISE BE UNDER
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OATH AND SHALL INCLUDE ALL THE REAL, DOCUMENTARY
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AND TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE, BY WAY OF AFFIDAVITS, IN
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SUPPORT OF HIS DEFENSE.


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(e)WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE PARTIES' SUBMISSION
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OF THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITION PAPERS, OR FROM THE
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LAPSE OF THE PERIOD TO FILE THE SAME, THE PROVINCIAL
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OR REGIONAL INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OFFICE
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CONCERNED SHALL FORWARD THE ENTIRE RECORDS OF THE
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CASE TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL TOGETHER WITH A
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WRITTEN RECOMMENDATION WHICH SHALL INCLUDE:
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(i) THE FINDINGS OF FACT;
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(ii) 
THE LAWS, RULES OR REGULATIONS VIOLATED BY
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THE RESPONDENT, IF ANY; AND
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(iii) 
THE PENALTY OR PENALTIES TO BE IMPOSED UPON
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THE RESPONDENT.
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(f) WITHIN A PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM HIS RECEIPT
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OF THE RECORDS AND RECOMMENDATION, THE INSPECTOR
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GENERAL SHALL RENDER A DECISION ADOPTING,
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REVERSING OR MODIFYING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
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PROVINCIAL OR REGIONAL INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE
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OFFICE CONCERNED.
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(g) THE PERIODS PROVIDED HEREIN SHALL BE NON-
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EXTENDIBLE."
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Sec. 6. Section 50 of Republic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
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"Section 50. Appeals. - Decisions rendered by the-provindai inspeeters
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shall be forwarded to the-afea internal affairs office for review within ten
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(10) working days upon the receipt thereof. Decisions -of the area office
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may be appealed-to the national office through the Office of Inspector
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General. ■Decisions rendered-by the National IAS shall be appealed te-^the
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National- Appellate-Board or to the court as may be appropriates A
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DECISION OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL DISMISSING A CASE OR
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IMPOSING A PENALTY OF LOWER THAN SUSPENSION FOR
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NINETY (90) DAYS OR LESS, OR FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS
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EQUIVALENT TO NINETY (90) DAYS' PAY OR LESS SHALL BE


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FINAL, UNAPPEALABLE AND IMMEDIATELY EXECUTORY. A
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DECISION OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL IMPOSING THE
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PENALTY OF DISMISSAL FROM THE SERVICE OR DEMOTION ,
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SUSPENSION OF MORE THAN NINETY (90) DAYS OR
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FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS EQUIVALENT TO MORE THAN NINETY
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(90) DAYS' PAY MAY BE APPEALED TO THE NATIONAL
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APPELLATE BOARD WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF
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THE DECISION. ALL OTHER PENALTIES TO BE IMPOSED BY THE
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INSPECTOR GENERAL SHALL BE FINAL AND IMMEDIATELY
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EXECUTORY: provided, that the summary dismissal powers of the
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Director General POLICE GENERAL and Regional Directors as provided
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in section 42 of Republic act no. 6975, AS AMENDED, shall remain valid
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Sec. 7. Section 41 of Republic Act No. 6975, as amended, is hereby further
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amended to read as follows:
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Section 41. (a). Citizen's Complaints. — Any complaint by a natural or
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juridical person against any member of the PNP shall be brought before
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the following:
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(1) Chiefs of Police, where the offense Is punishable by withholding of
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privileges, restriction to specified limits, suspension or forfeiture 
of
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salary, or any combination thereof, for a period not exceeding fifteen
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(15) days;
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(2) Mayors of cities and municipalities, where the offense is punishable by
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withholding of privileges, restriction to specified limits, suspension or
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forfeiture of salary, or any combination thereof, for a period of not less
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than sixteen (16) days but not exceeding thirty (30) days;
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(3) People's Law Enforcement Board, as created under Section 43 hereof,
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where the offense is punishable by withholding of privileges, restriction
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to specified limits, suspension or forfeiture of salary, or any
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combination thereof, for a period exceeding thirty (30) days; or by
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dlsmissaL;
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(4) INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE, IN CASES REQUIRING ITS
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MOTU PROPRIO AUTOMATIC INVESTIGATION UNDER


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SECTION 39 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8551.
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X X X."
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Sec. 8. Section 44 of Republic Act No. 6975, as amended, is hereby further
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amended to read as follows:
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Section 44. Disciplinary Appellate Boards. — The formal administrative
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disciplinary machinery of the PNP shall be the National Appellate Board
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and the regional appellate boards.
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The National Appellate Board shall be composed of the four (4) regular
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commissioners and shall be chaired by the executive officer. The Board
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shall consider appeals from decisions of the Chief of the PNP AND THE
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INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE.
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The National Appellate Board may conduct Its hearings or sessions in
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Metropolitan Manila or any part of the country as it may deem necessary.
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There shall be at least one (1) regional appellate board per administrative
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region In the country to be composed of a senior officer of the regional
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Commission as Chairman and one (1) representative each from the PNP,
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and the regional peace and order council as members. It shall consider
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appeals from decisions of the regional directors, other officials, mayors,
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and the PLEBs: provided, that the Commission may create additional
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regional appellate boards as the need arises."
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Sec. 9. Section 45 of Republic Act No. 6975 is hereby amended to read as
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follows:
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"SECTION 45. Finality of Disciplinary Action. — The disciplinary action
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imposed upon a member of the PNP shall be final and executory:
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Provided, That a disciplinary action imposed by the regional director or by
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the PLEB involving demotion or dismissal from the service may be
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appealed to the regional appellate board within ten (10) days from receipt
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of the copy of the notice of decision: Provided, further. That the
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disciplinary action imposed by the Chief of the PNP OR INSPECTOR
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GENERAL OF THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE involving demotion
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or dismissal may be appealed to the National Appellate Board within ten
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(10) days from receipt thereof: Provided, furthermore. That the regional


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or National Appellate Board, as the case may be, shall decide the appeal
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within sixty (60) days from receipt of the notice of appeal: Provided,
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finally. That failure of the regional appellate board to act on the appeal
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within said period shall render the decision final and executory without
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prejudice, however, to the filing of an appeal by either party with the
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Secretary."
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Sec. 10. If any portion or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the
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remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and
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effect.
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Sec. 11. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of
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instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby
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repealed or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 12. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete
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publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,