REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS:
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _6635

Introduced by MAGDALO Party-List Representative
HON. MANUEL DG. CABOCHAN IIT

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The present height requirement for police applicants of the Philippine National Police is fixed
at one meter and sixty-two centimeters (1.62m) or five feet and four inches (5°4”) for males,
and one meter and fifty-seven centimeters (1.57m) or five feet and two inches (5°2") for
females. However, according to studies, Filipinos have an average height of 5°3.7” for males,
and 4°11” for females, The PNP height requirement effectively disqualifies and discriminates
most Filipinos from pursuing a career in law enforcement. The prescription of a height
requirement also violates the 1987 Philippine Constitution which affirms the principles of
employment and non-discrimination in the workplace.

Moreover, many law enforcement institutions around the world have discarded height
restrictions as basis for employment. Height restriction was seen to possibly discriminate
against those of ethnic backgrounds who may be genetically predisposed to be shorter.
Further, there is no reliable research or study that affirmatively shows or demonstrates that
minimum height and weight requirements are essential to the performance of duties of a
specific occupation or position.

This bill seeks to repeal the height requirement for applicants to the Philippine National
Police (PNP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) based on the principle that all people have equal rights to be employed or
unhampered by prejudices that have nothing to do with their merit or competence to carry out
their duties.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

MANUEL DGJCABOCHAN IIT
Representative
Magdalo Para Sa Pilipino Party-List


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Billo. __ 6635

Introduced by MAGDALO Party-List Representative
HON. MANUEL DG. CABOCHAN IIT

AN ACT
AMENDING THE HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE APPLICANTS
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 30 OF RA 6975 AS AMENDED BY RA.
8551

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

1 SECTION 1. Section 30 (h) of Republic Act No. 6975, as amended by
2 Section 14 of Republic Act No. 8551, is hereby further amended to read as
3 follows:

4

5 “SEC. 30. General Qualifications for Appointment. — No person shall be
6 appointed as officer or member of the PNP unless he or she possesses the
7 following minimum qualification:

8 XXX

9
10 (h) must be at least [one meter and sixty-two centimeters (1.62m.)] ONE
1 METER AND FIFTY-SEVEN CENTIMETERS (1.57m.) OR FIVE
2 FEET AND TWO INCHES (5°2”) IN HEIGHT FOR MALE AND
3 fone meter and fifty-seven centimeters (1.57m.)] ONE METER AND
4 FIFTY-TWO CENTIMETERS (1.52m.) OR FIVE FEET (5'0”) FOR
15 FEMALE;

16 xxx”
7

48 SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The National Police

19 Commission and the Philippine National Police shall promulgate the necessary
20 rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
21


auawne

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this
Act are hereby repealed accordingly.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days its
Publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

Approved,