SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez,
House Bill NOD SL2
EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to professionalize the practice of prison management and set the
qualifications of the superintendents and wardens of prisons all over the country to ensure that
the officials heading our penal system are duly capable and competent in performing their
responsibilities

The top three crimes committed by the jailed individuals are homicide, murder and rape.
The staggering numbers are reflected in the dismal situation in our jails. Over crowdedness
have lead to epidemics and other untoward incidents such as jail breaks and fights. Because of
the difficult conditions and situations the officials of these lock ups face on a daily basis, there is
a clear need to ensure that the heads of the penal facilities are properly educated, trained and
experienced in handling the various and complex circumstances of the country’s penitentiary
system.

This measure requires the superintendents of the country's national prison system hold
a bachelor’s degree in Law, preferably licensed practitioners, or have a bachelor's degree in
Public Administration, and have educational training Psychology or Sociology. While the
wardens of provincial, city or municipal jails must have a bachelor's degree in Law, Public
Administration, Psychology or its equivalent with an educational background in Behavioral
Science or Social Sciences. Nominees and incumbent superintendents and wardens are
obliged to attend courses and seminars on Jail Management and Corrections Administration.
Serving officials need to pass these said courses in order to retain their positions. Through this,
act, the prison officials may be sent for training abroad.

Furthermore, this bill ensures that the superintendents and wardens shall enjoy the
benefits and privileges of their rank and position given they satisfy the requirements stated in
this Act. The incumbents shall continue to perform their roles and responsibilities of their
respective rank and position until they are reassigned, retire, separated from officer or replaced
by the appointing authority with a qualified official

The country’s penal system and the officials that head the organization play significant
roles in the maintenance of the justice and safety in our country. To guarantee that this integral
agency and its officials continue appropriately carry out their functions, the passage of this bill is

earnestly sought

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

troduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No, D312

AN ACT
TO PROFESSIONALIZE THE PRACTICE OF PRISON MANAGEMENT AND SET FOR THAT
PURPOSE THE QUALIFICATION FOR SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE NATIONAL PRISON
SYSTEM AND OF WARDENS OF PROVINCIAL, CITY OR MUNICIPAL JAILS

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

assembled:

SECTION 1
Act.

SECTION 2.

Title. - This Act shall be known as the Professionalization of Prison Management

Qualifications of Superintendents of Prisons in the National Prison System.

All Superintendents of Prisons or Colonies or Prison Farms of the National Prison System shall
have the following qualifications at the time of their appointment:

(a)

(c)

SECTION 3.
of Provincial,

(a)

{c)

Holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Law, preferably a member of the Philippine Bar;
or a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, or its equivalent with at least
‘twelve (12) units in Psychology or Sociology:

Training and experience of at least five (5) years in corrections and prison
management; and

Of good moral character with a reputation in the community for probity and fair-
mindedness and who has never been convicted of a criminal offense nor charged
administratively for an act involving moral turpitude.

Qualifications of Wardens of Provincial, City or Municipal Jails. All wardens
City or Municipal Jails shall have the following qualifications:

Holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Law, Public Administration, Psychology or its
equivalent, with at least twelve (12) units in Behavioral Sciences, Sociology or
Psychology;

Training and experience of at least three (3) years in corrections and prison
management; and

Of good moral character with a reputation in the community for probity and fair-
mindedness and who has never been convicted of a criminal offense nor charged
administratively for an act involving moral turpitude.


SECTION 4, Jail Management and Corrections Administration Training. - The Integrated
National Police and/or the National Police Academy shall conduct courses and seminars on Jail
Management and corrections administration for nominees and incumbents of Prison
Superintendent or Jail Warden positions. Incumbent superintendents and wardens shall be
required to pass courses for jail management and corrections administration in order to retain
their positions,

SECTION 5. Equivalence of Position, Rank, Salary and Privileges. - Superintendents of
the National Prison System shall enjoy the position, rank, salary and privileges of an Assistant
Bureau Director, provincial, city and municipal jail wardens shall enjoy the position, rank, salary
and privileges of a Division Head of a Bureau: Provided, That said Superintendents or Wardens
shall have the qualifications herein set forth: Provided, further, That incumbents shall have to
first qualify for the requirements of the position herein set forth before they can enjoy the
position, rank, salary and privileges herein set forth: Provided, finally that said incumbents shall
continue to discharge the duties of Superintendent or Warden until reassigned, retired or
separated from office, or otherwise replaced by the appointing authority by a qualified official.

SECTION. 6. Separability Clause. — If any part of this Act shall be held to be unconstitutional
or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in
full force and effect,

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any provision of law, decree, order, rule or regulation
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon approval and completion of its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation

Approved,