SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
) 
) 
) 
Senate Bill No. 1864 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
'13 
t(lV 27 P 3 :13 
It is the Constitutional duty of the government to provide a peaceful 
environment of the people by ensuring public safety through, the delivery of 
effective and efficient police service, 
Considering the critical role of the 
Philippine National Police personnel towards the realization of the said objective, 
the national government should be able to guarantee the improvement of their 
well-being, 
This bill seeks to address the fundamental problems that beset the police 
structure which made the ranks of the police organization disgruntled. At times 
our policemen in uniform are made forced to seek other avenues to resolve their 
basic demands, This bill will set the tone for a positive transformation of the PNP 
into a professional and efficient police organization by improving the educational 
qualifications for those seeking to joint the PNP, 
The provisions of this bill would provide additional benefits to the members 
of the PNP which they rightfully are entitled to receive. 
In view of the importance of this bill, its immediate passage is earnestly 
req uested, 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.· 1964 
) 
) 
) 
'13 
NOV 27 P 3 :13 
RECEIVEIJ BY: -f .. 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA FOR THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL 
POLICE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
PRELIMINARY TITLE 
CHAPTER 1 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta 
for the Philippine National Police". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. It is a declared policy of the State to 
promote peace and order, maintain good business environment, support 
economic growth, ensure public safety through the delivery of effective, efficient, 
competent, modern, professional and non-partisan police service. It recognizes 
role of the police service in helping achieve the development of the nation. With 
this, the State shall promote and protect the physical, mental, as well as the 
emotional, moral, spiritual, intellectual faculties and social-well being of every 
uniformed personnel. 
SEC. 3. Statement of Objectives. The existing problems that beset the 
traditional police structure have spawned various grievances from among the 
ranks of the police organization. They believe that the exercise of vast power 
and wide discretion in the utilization of. manpower and material resources, 
particularly in the areas of promotion, development and grant of opportunities for 
career advancement are highly concentrated in the hands of a few. Accordingly, 
these gave rise to widespread discontent, demoralization, professional conflict 
and jealousy thereby making the police service inept and unresponsive to its 
missions and functions. Since redress of such legitimate grievances is a 
fundamental objective of the site, it is imperative to ensure reforms in the PNP 
organization by bestowing to every policemen the enjoyment of basic rights and 
privileges in his entire career in the police service and upon retirement thereof. 
Thus, the State shall: 


a) Promote and maintain a rationalized and professional career police 
service through a highly standardized recruitment and selection 
process, manpower and in-service training, moral values formulation 
with the grant and prompt utilization of financial and equipment 
resources; 
b) Facilitate administrative and. financial support to every policeman 
and/or to his family facing any criminal or civil suit arising from any 
service-related "acts of omissions" and in the course of his duty by 
according him a considerable support allowed within the limits set by 
law; 
c) Promote and develop a rational system of career' promotion and 
advancement based on merit and a uniform criteria, applicable to every 
policemen regardless of mode of entry in the police service; 
d) Develop every policeman to be highly competent and professional by 
institutionalizing the Philippine National Police as a strong cohesive 
well-balanced and high paying establishment; 
e) Assure the rights of every policeman to security of tenure, just and 
humane working condition and the exercise of expressions of 
legitimate grievances done in good faith without fear of reprisal and 
retaliation from his superior officers; and 
f) 
Develop and maintain a network system which will establish a 
coordinative, cooperative, and functional working relationship with the 
community and other entities, offices whether public or private in order 
to encourage their participation to ensure public safety and maintain 
peace and order. 
SEC. 4. Statutory Construction of Law in Favor of the Policeman. All 
doubts in the interpretation of the provisions of this Act shall be construed in 
favor of the policeman. 
SEC. 5. Applicability. The Philippine National Police Uniformed 
Personnel shall be under the auspices of the NAPOLCOM which is separate and 
district from the Civil Service Commission. Every uniformed personnel of the 
PNP shall undergo corresponding police eligibility examination. 
All rights, privileges and benefits granted under this Act shall be equally 
applied to all members of the Philippine National Police, commissioned officers, 
except as may be provided herein. 
CHAPTER II 
RIGHTS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
SEC. 6. Rights. Every policemen is guaranteed to enjoy:' 
a) The right to equal opportunity in promotion and assignment. Every 
policemen have the same uniform requirements for the advancement 
of his career in the PNP; Provided further, that the right to promotion 


and other career advancement even during the pendency of· an 
administrative, criminal or civil suit shall be maintained as the mere 
pendency thereof is not a ground for his disqualification and non-
enjoyment of his rights and benefits under the law and pertinent rules 
and regulation; 
b) The right to receive continuing in-service quality education and training 
programs relevant to the thrust and focus of the police service. These 
programs shall mould him as a true "pillar and vanguard" of the society 
c) The right to be provided with free legal services when charged 
criminally, civilly or administratively for acts or omissions committed 
directly in the lawful discharge of his police duties. Provided further, 
that the Philippine National Police upon recommendation of PNP 
Board shall shoulder all the necessary expenses incurred for the legal 
defense of any member who has been administratively, civilly, or 
criminally charged before any court, body or tribunal for service-related 
acts. They shall have the right to equal protection or be accorded due 
process in said proceedings; 
d) The right not to be discriminated upon against: 
assignments, 
promotions, receipts of merits and commendations, enjoyment of study 
grants; and other health and educational benefits. He should further 
enjoy all rights, privileges and benefits available in the police service 
regardless of the institution he graduated from, and/or by any reason of 
his social affiliation, religion or vocation; 
e) The right to present his complaints and grievances to his superior 
officer for immediate redress thereof; 
f) 
The right to be secured in his present position or designation in a given 
place of aSSignment. If his relief from his present position or 
designation in a given place of assignment is onerous and not based 
on the exigency of the service, he may file redress to proper 
authorities; Provided further, that no policeman shall be relieved, 
transferred and reassigned to any place of assignment based upon the 
whims, caprices and abusive exercises of his Commanders. 
g) The right to join a legitimate and recognized organization of institution 
that will truly enhance and promote the exercise of his duties and 
responsibilities; 
h) The right to undertake other activities designated to enhance and 
develop his well-being as a person with dignity and as an exemplar to 
society; 
SEC. 7. Duties and Responsibilities. Every member. of the Philippine 
National Police shall: 
a) Either collectively or individually, exert efforts to carry-out his duties 
and responsibilities in the most professional manner and within the 
bounds of law; 
b) Implement the missions set forth by the PNP organization without fear 
of physical or legal reprisal, adverse criticism, expectation of monetary 
reward, promotion in rank, receipt of merits and recommendations. 


c) Remain political and give his loyalty and cooperation to the legitimate 
leadership; 
d) Develop his potential by undergoing continuing educational training 
relevant to his position in the service and/or police occupational skill; 
e) Uphold the dignity and prestige of the service; 
f) Promote and maintain the stability of the service by observing the 
Hierarchy, respecting the rank and position of every member, 
practicing the written and unwritten customs and traditions pertaining 
to the mode of discipline and observing harmonious and civil working 
relationship with the fellow members of the police service and other 
members of the government bureaucracy, as well as the civilian 
populace; 
g) Exercise his rights, duties and obligations with the knowledge that he 
shall be responsible for any breach or violation of the public trust 
reposed upon him and the rights of others dealing directly or indirectly 
with the police service in general; and 
h) Observe and respect with fidelity the constitutional and human rights 
he sought to protect and serve the best of his ability. 
SEC. 8. Performance and Evaluation System. A uniform and equitable 
performance and evaluation system for all uniformed PNP personnel shall be 
established and administered with the aim of including professionalism, efficiency 
and discipline to every member of the police service. The accomplishment of 
tasks and mission shall always be. subordinated to the constitutional and human 
rights of an individual. 
SEC. 9. 
Promotions. A merit system and promotion program shall be 
established within six (6) months upon approval of this Act, subject to the 
approval of NAPOLCOM. The merit system and promotion program shall be 
uniformity 
and equitably applied to all uniformed member of the Philippine 
National Police. It shall further be observed that: 
a) No member of the Philippine National Police shall be 
eligible for 
promotion to the next higher rank position unless he had successfully 
passed a corresponding promotional examination. 
He must have 
completed the 
required schooling and training relevant to said 
position, based on approved NAPOLCOM Resolutions and other 
relevant laws; 
b) The pendency of any administrative or minor criminal or civil case 
arising from service-related act or omission before any court, body or 
tribunal shall not be a bar for promotion or assignment. 
CHAPTER III 
HOURS OF WORK, RENUMERATION, WELFARE, 
HEALTH MEASURES AND INJURIES BENEFITS 


SEC. 10. Duty Hours. PNP personnel shall render an eight-hour a day 
service duty. Provided, that exigencies of the service so require, any member 
may be obliged to render an additional two-hour service without payment of 
additional compensation. 
When he is required to render ail actual service 
beyond or in excess of the initial ten hour. 
SEC. 11. 
Salary Scale. The Philippine National Police shall have a 
salary scale separate and distinct from the other agencies of the government to 
attract the best and competent thereby making it one of the highest paying 
agency of the government. The salary scale provide for a gradual progression 
from a minimum to a maximum salary by means of regular increments granted 
automatically after three (3) year. The progression from the minimum to the 
maximum salary scale shall not exceed over a period of ten (10) years. 
SEC. 12. Criteria for Salaries. 
Member's salaries shall correspond to the 
following criteria: 
a) Salary shall be comparable equal to those paid in other occupations or 
professions requiring equivalent or similar qualifications, training and 
abilities regardless of rank positions; 
b) Salary shall ensure that the rank and position receive an amount which 
will enable him and his family to afford a reasonalJle and descent 
standard of living; and 
c) Basic monthly salary shall exclude the subsistence allowance, cost of 
living allowance, quarters allowance, hazard pay, amelioration pay, 
health care pay and all other allowances as may be provided under 
existing laws. 
SEC. 13. Cost of Living Allowance. Policemen's salaries shall keep 
pace with the rise in the cost of living which shall automatically follow changes in 
cost-of-living index jointly determined and established by the NAPOLCOM in 
consultation with appropriate government agencies. 
SEC. 14. 
Special Hardship Allowance and Combat Pay. 
In areas 
wherein 
a policeman is exposed to hardship and combat situation or other 
hazards usual to peacekeeping, crime prevention and investigation activities and 
established to be peculiar to any given area or place of assignment, as 
determined by the Philippine National Police, he shall be compensated special 
hardship allowance or combat pay equivalent to at least forty (40%) percent of 
his monthly basic salary. 
SEC. 15. Longevity Pay. 
Members of the Philippine National Police 
shall be entitled to a longevity pay of ten (10%) percent of their basic month pay 
for every five (5) years of service in the governrnent, which shall be computed 
from the date of the member's first appointment in the government service. 
Provided, that the maximum longevity pay shall not exceed fifty (50%) percent of 
the basic monthly pay. 


SEC. 16. Salaries. Salaries shall be released on time and without undue 
delay. 
SEC. 17. Medical Health Care Program. 
There shall be a medical 
health care program for PNP personnel, non-uniformed personnel and their 
dependents including parents and parents-in-law. 
The medical health care 
program may be govemment-operated or a combination of government and 
private health management center. 
SEC. 18. Educational Benefit. 
The Philippine National Police shall 
formulate plans to improve the educational qualifications of policemen and their 
dependents in accordance with the existing laws and rules and regulations 
and/or in the absence thereof shall recommend to legislative bodies the 
enactment thereof. 
SEC. 19. Compensation for Physical and Mental Injuries Sustained 
in the Course of Duty. Members shall be protected against the consequences 
of employment injuries. Physical and psychological stresses on the member's 
health are recognized as compensable occupational diseases, in accordance 
with existing laws. 
SEC. 20. Permanent Physical Disability. A uniformed member who 
incurs a total permanent disability in line of duty and has rendered a total of 
twenty (20) years of continuous active duty in the police service shall be 
compulsory retired. Provided, that upon his compulsory retirement, he shall be 
entitled to the payment of a retirement pay equivalent to one and one-half month 
base pay for every year of service or a fraction thereof, computed based n the 
next higher rank and longevity pay based on the last permanent grade be held. 
SEC. 21. Disability Benefits. Any member and his dependents shall be 
entitled to all benefits relative to the member's permanent incapacity, as may be 
provided for under this Act or other existing laws. 
SEC. 22. Leaves. In addition to leave privileges enjoyed under existing 
laws, members shall be entitled to study leave not exceeding one (1) year with 
pay. Provided, that no grantee shall be allowed to accumulate mbre than one (1) 
year of study leave except when he needs an extra semester to complete and 
defend his thesis for a graduate study in a degree relevant to his being a member 
of the police service. 
An indefinite sick leave of absence shall be granted to an ailing member 
whose medical treatment requires more than one (1) year of continue treatment. 
CHAPTER IV 
RETIREMENT AND DEATH BENEFITS 
SEC. 23. Retirement in the Next Higher Rank. Uniformed members, for 
the purpose of retirement pay, shall be retire one (1) rank higher than the last 
permanent rank held. 


SEC. 24. 
Retirement Benefits. 
Monthly retirement pay shall be fifty 
(50%) of the base pay and longevity pay of the retired rank in case the retiree 
has rendered at least twenty (20) years of continuous active police service, 
increasing by two and one-half (2-2/2%) percent for every year of service police 
rendered beyond the initial twenty (20) years to a maximum of ninety (90%) 
percent for thirty-six (36) years of active service and over. Provided, that the 
retiree shall have the option to receive in advance a lump sum of his retirement 
pay equivalent to the first five (5) years of his retirement pay as it accrues. 
Provided further, that the payment of the lump sum shall be made within six (6) 
months from the effectivity date of his retirement. It shall be incumbent upon the 
concerned units to provide the completion of all documentary requirements in 
support of the payment of the retiree's retirement pay as the retiree is not 
required to perform additional tasks other than to receive the fruits of his service. 
Any employee who intentionally and/or maliciously delays or delays or cause the 
delay in the processing of the retiree's just claim for money and/or other 
emoluments shall be considered to have incurred an administrative offense 
amounting to grave misconduct and an act prejudicial to the interest of the 
service as defined by the existing laws. Provided, finally, that the retirement pay 
for all uniformed members shall be subject to adjustment to the prevailing scale 
of base pay of members still in the active service. 
SEC. 25. Death Benefits. A uniformed member's heirs and dependents 
shall be entitled to all benefits relative to the member's death, as provided in this 
Act and other existing laws. 
SEC. 26. 
Uniformed Member Missing in Action. 
Any uniformed 
member who is officially confirmed to be missing in action while in the 
performance of his duty or by reasons of his being a member of the police 
service or is kidnapped or captured by the enemy shall be entitled to receive or 
be credited in his account the same pay and allowances and other benefits to 
which he is entitled at the time of the incident which gave rise to his 
disappearance or capture. 
Provided, that should it be known later that his 
appearance was not the occasion of a legitimate police activity or without any 
authority, whatever salary and allowances and other benefits received by him or 
his immediate heirs, relatives and dependents in accordance with this Act and 
other existing and relevant laws shall be returned to the Philippine National 
Police. 
SEC. 27. Payment of Salary and Allowances to the Heirs, Relatives 
and Dependents of the Uniformed Member Who is Missing in Action. In 
case any uniformed member has been Officially declared as missing in action 
under the circumstances enumerated under the preceding section, the Chief, 
PNP shall direct the payment of the missing uniformed member's monthly salary 
and allowances and other emoluments to his heirs, relatives and dependents for 
a period of one (1) year from time of his reported disappearance or capture by 
the enemy as the case may be. A member who is officially declared missing in 
action as adjudicated by the PNP Board shall be presumed dead of legal intents 
and purposes after a period of three (3) years from the date of his reported 
disappearance or capture by the enemy .. 
SEC. 28. Termination of Salary and Allowances. Upon the termination 
of one year period specified in the preceding sections, the missing member shall 


be automatically terminated from the service. Provided, that should he be found 
and recovered later, not more than five (5) years from captivity in the hands of 
the enemy, he shall be immediately reinstated into the service and shall regain 
his privileges and his case shall be treated as if he was not separated from the 
service of all. 
He shall be paid the amount equivalent to all the salaries, 
allowances and other emoluments unpaid during his period of captivity and 
absence. However, any death claim benefits paid to his heirs, dependents and 
relatives under this Act and other existing laws shall be reimbursed to the 
Philippine National Police. 
Provided, that the result of the fact-finding 
investigation conducted relative to his disappearance shall not indicate that his 
disappearance was fraudulent, made in bad faith, not service related and without 
any authority. When the contrary is established, he shall be disqualified from 
receiving all the salaries, allowances and benefits he is entitled to under this Act 
and other existing laws and shall be dealt with criminally and administratively. 
SEC. 29. 
Additional Welfare Benefits. 
Subject to the provIsion of 
existing laws, and other rules and regulations, the Chief, PNP may formulate and 
implement welfare schemes that are deemed beneficial to all members of the 
Philippine National Police. 
CHAPTER V 
AMENDATORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS 
SEC. 30. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. 
The NAPOLCOM 
shall formulate and prepare the rules and regulations necessary to implement the 
provisions of this Act. All rules and regulations so formulated shall be liberally 
construed in favor of the Philippine National Police member so as to give him the 
greatest degree of benefits that can be derived from this Act. 
Rules and 
regulations of this Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a 
newspaper of general circulation or through any other means the NAPOLCOM 
shall deem sufficient in order to give notice to the general public. 
SEC. 31. Budgetary Estimates. The Chief, Philippine National Police 
shall submit to Congress, through the Secretary of Interior and Local 
Government, the annual budgetary estimates to implement the provisions of this 
Act which shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. In no case shall 
the budget implementing this Act allotted for a given fiscal year be less than that 
of the previous fiscal year. Furthermore, in no case shall budgetary reqUirements 
of the entire Philippine National Police be pre-conditioned as requirement based 
on perceived incompetence and inefficiency of the PNP officers and men to meet 
its mandated functions. 
SEC. 32. Separability Clause. Should any portion or provision of this 
Act be declared unconstitutional, or invalid, any provision not affected thereby 
shall remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 33. 
Repealing Clause. 
All laws, decrees, orders, rules and 
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 


SEC. 34. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,