EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
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SENATE 
S. No. J_494
tii
mute
20 HAY “4 P3
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe RECEiVio S'
AN ACT
TO STRENGTHEN THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OF THE PHILIPPINE 
NATIONAL POLICE, AND FOR THIS PURPOSE AMENDING CERTAIN 
PROVISIONS OF THE PNP LAW UNDER REPUBLIC ACT SIXTY NINE AND 
SEVENTY FIVE (RA 6975) AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT EIGHTY FIVE 
HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE (RA 8551), AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Explanatory Note
Article II, Section 5 of the Philippine 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
Media reports often focus attention on offenses committed by members of the 
Philippine National Police. There are many complaints of delays in resolving 
disciplinary cases against PNP members.
The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP was created by virtue of "The 
PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998" (Republic Act No, 8551). The IAS was 
envisioned as an independent unit which would exercise disciplinary authority over 
members of the Philippine National Police. However, the IAS as presently 
constituted has no authority to impose disciplinary sanctions against erring PNP 
personnel. The IAS is currently 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 to resolve disciplinary cases. It enhances the 
independence of the IAS by granting it authority to impose disciplinary sanctions 
against erring PNP personnel, subject only to review, in limited cases, by the 
National Police Commission. It ensures speedy disposition of cases filed with the IAS 
by streamlining procedures imposing timelines.
The immediate recognition of this bill is earnestly sought.
GRACE POE


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1 494
20 MAY -4 P3S
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
RECEiVcD 8Vi
AN ACT
TO STRENGTHEN THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OF THE PHILIPPINE 
NATIONAL POLICE, AND FOR THIS PURPOSE AMENDING CERTAIN 
PROVISIONS OF THE PNP LAW UNDER REPUBLIC ACT SIXTY NINE AND 
SEVENTY FIVE (RA 6975) AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT EIGHTY FIVE 
HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE (RA 8551), AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "PNP-IAS Reform Act of 2016."
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Sec. 2. Section 14 of Republic Act No. 6975 is hereby further amended to
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read as follows:
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"Section 14. Powers and Functions of the Commission. -
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The Commission shall exercise the following powers and functions:
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"(a) Exercise administrative control AND
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OPERATIONAL SUPERVISION over the Philippine National
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Police which shall mean the power to:
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"1) Develop policies and promulgate a
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police manual prescribing rules and regulations for
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efficient organization, administration, and
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operation, including criteria for manpower
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allocation, distribution and deployment,
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recruitment, selection, promotion, and retirement
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of personnel and the conduct of qualifying
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entrance and promotional examinations for
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uniformed members;


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"2) Examine and audit, and thereafter 
establish the standards for such purposes on a 
continuing basis, the performance, activities, and 
facilities of all police agencies throughout the 
country;
"3) Establish a system of uniform crime 
reporting;
"4) Conduct an annual self-report survey 
and compile statistical data for the accurate 
assessment of the crime situation and the proper 
evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of ail 
police units in the country;
"5) Approve or modify 
plans and
programs on education and training, logistical 
requirements, 
communications, 
records,
information systems, crime laboratory, crime 
prevention and crime reporting;
"6) Affirm, reverse or modify, through 
the National 
Appellate Board, 
personnel
disciplinary actions involving demotion or dismissal 
from the service imposed upon members of the 
Philippine National Police by the Chief of the 
Philippine National Police;
"7) EXERCISE 
EXCLUSIVE
APPELLATE 
JURISDICTION 
OVER
DECISIONS OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL 
OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE IN 
PERSONNEL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS 
WHERE THE PENALTY IMPOSED UPON THE 
ERRING UNIFORMED OR NON-UNIFORMED 
PNP PERSONNEL IS DISMISSAL, DEMOTION 
IN RANK, SUSPENSION FOR A PERIOD


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EXCEEDING NINETY (90) DAYS, OR 
FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS EQUIVALENT TO 
MORE THAN NINETY (90) DAYS' PAY;
"8) Exercise appellate jurisdiction 
through the regional appellate boards over 
administrative cases against policemen and over 
decisions on claims for police benefits;
"9) Prescribe minimum standards for 
arms, equipment, and uniforms and, after 
consultation with the Philippine Heraldry 
Commission, for insignia of ranks, awards, and 
medals of honor. Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the standards of the 
uniformed personnel of the PNP must be revised 
which should be clearly distinct from the military 
and reflective of the civilian character of the 
police;
"10) Issue subpoena and subpoena duces 
tecum in matters pertaining to the discharge of its 
own powers and duties, and designate who among 
its personnel can issue such processes and 
administer oaths in connection therewith;
"11) Inspect and assess the compliance of 
the PNP on the established criteria for manpower 
allocation, distribution, and deployment and their 
impact on the community and the crime situation, 
and thereafter formulate appropriate guidelines for 
maximization of resources and effective utilization 
of the PNP personnel;
"12) Monitor the performance of the local 
chief executives as deputies of the Commission; 
and


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"13) Monitor and investigate poiice 
anomaiies and irreguiarities.
"b) Advise the President on ali matters invoiving poiice 
functions and administration;
"c) Render to the President and to the Congress an 
annuai report on its activities and accompiishments during the 
thirty (30) days after the end of the caiendar year, which shali 
inciude an appraisai of the conditions obtaining in the 
organization and administration of poiice agencies in the 
municipaiities, cities and provinces throughout the country, and 
recommendations for appropriate remediai iegisiation;
"d) Recommend to the President, through the 
Secretary, within sixty (60) days before the commencement of 
each caiendar year, a crime prevention program; and
"e) Perform such other functions necessary to carry 
out the provisions of this Act and as the President may direct."
Sec. 3. Section 39 of Repubiic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as
foiiows:
"Section 39. Creation, Powers, and Functions. - An
Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP is hereby created which shail:
"a) pro-activeiy conduct inspections and audits on PNP 
personnei and units;
"b) Investigate compiaints and gather evidence in 
support of an open investigation;
”C) HEAR AND DECIDE ADMINISTRATIVE CASES 
AGAINST ERRING UNIFORMED AND NON-UNIFORMED 
PNP PERSONNEL;
"[€] 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;


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"[d] E) File appropriate criminal cases against PNP 
members before the court as evidence warrants and assist in 
the prosecution of the case;
"[e] F) Provide assistance to the Office of the 
Ombudsman in cases involving the personnel of the PNP.
"The IAS shall also conduct, motu proprio, automatic 
investigation of the following cases:
"a) incidents where a police personnel discharges a 
firearm;
"b) Incidents where death, serious physical injury, or 
any violation of human rights occurred in the conduct of a police 
operation;
"c) Incidents where evidence was compromised, 
tampered with, obliterated, or lost while in the custody of police 
personnel;
"d) Incidents where a suspect in the custody of the 
police was seriously injured; and
"e) Incidents where the established rules of 
engagement have been violated.
"Finally, the IAS shall provide documents or 
recommendations as regards to the promotion of the members 
of the PNP or the assignment of PNP personnel to any key 
position.
"THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE SHALL BE 
HEADED BY AN INSPECTOR GENERAL, WHO SHALL BE 
ASSISTED BY A DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL.
"THE DISCIPLINARY POWERS HEREIN GRANTED 
TO THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE SHALL BE 
WITHOUT PREJUDICE, AND SHALL NOT DIMINISH, THE 
DISCIPLINARY POWERS GRANTED TO THE 
COMMISSION, THE CHIEF OF THE PHILIPPINE 
NATIONAL POLICE, THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS AND


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THE PEOPLE'S LAW ENFORCEMENT BOARDS UNDER
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SECTIONS 42 AND 43 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975."
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Sec. 4. Section 40 of Republic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as
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foliows:
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"Section 40. 
Organization. - There are hereby created
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national, regional, and provincial offices of the Internai Affairs Service. That
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nationai office shali be headed by the Inspector Generai. The regionai offices
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shali each be headed by a Director. The provindai offices shaii be headed by
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a Superintendent.
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The commission shaii establish a rationalized staffing pattern in the
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Reorganization Pian as provided for in Section 13 hereof.
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Sec. 5. Section 41 of Republic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as
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foilows:
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"Section 41. 
Appointments. - The Inspector General and the
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Deputy Inspector General shall be civilians. They shaii be appointed by the
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President [from a iist of throo (3) nomincos submitted to him 
by the
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Gemmission.] AND no person shaii be appointed Inspector Generai or Deputy
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Inspector Generai unless he or she is a Fiiipino citizen, at least forty-five (45)
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years of age, and a member of the Phiiippine Bar for at ieast ten (10) years
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prior to the date of his or her appointment.
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"The Inspector Generai and the Deputy Inspector Generai shali serve
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for a term of five (5) years without reappointment. The Inspector General
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shall receive the saiaries, benefits and priviieges equivaient to those received
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by a Deputy Director Generai of the PNP. The Deputy Inspector Generai shaii
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receive the saiaries, benefits and priviieges equivaient to those received by a
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Director of the PNP.
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"The heads of the Provincial and Regional Internal Affairs Offices shall
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be appointed by the Chief of the Philippine National Police upon the prior
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recommendation of the Inspector General.
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"Appointments of other personnel of the Internal Affairs Service shali
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be made by the Inspector Generai and shaii be based on an established
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career pattern and criteria to be promulgated by the Commission."


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Sec. 6. Section 49 of Republic Act No. 8551 is hereby amended to read as 
follows:
"Section 49. Procedure in Discipiinary Cases. -
Proceedings before the Internal Affairs Service shall be summary in 
character and shall follow the following procedure:
(a) 
Complaints against erring uniformed or non-uniformed 
personnel of the PNP may be filed with either the Provincial Internal 
Affairs Office or the Regional Internal Affairs Office having jurisdiction 
over the place where the offense was committed.
(b) 
The complaint shall be in writing and under oath. The 
complainant shall submit, together with the complaint, all the real, 
documentary and testimonial evidence, by way of affidavits to support 
the complaint;
(c) 
Within five (5) days from receipt of the complaint, the 
Provincial or Regional Internal Affairs Office concerned shall cause the 
service of a copy of the complaint and its attachments upon the 
respondent, together with an order requiring the respondent to file his 
or her answer to the complaint, furnishing a copy thereof to the 
complainant, within a period often (10) days from his or her receipt of 
the complaint and the order.
(d) 
The respondent's answer shall likewise be under oath and 
shall include all the real, documentary and testimonial evidence, by 
way of affidavits, in support of his defense.
(e) 
The parties may fiie their respective position papers 
within ten (10) days from the respondents' filing of the answer.
(0 Within thirty (30) days from the parties' submission of 
their respective position papers, or from the lapse of the period to file 
the same, the Provincial or Regional Internal Affairs Service Office 
concerned shall forward the entire records of the case to the Inspector 
General together with a written recommendation which shall include:
(i) The findings of fact;


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(ii) The laws, rules or regulations violated by the
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respondent, if any; and
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(ill) The penalty or penalties to be imposed upon the
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respondent.
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(g) Within a period of thirty (30) days from his receipt of the
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records and recommendation, the Inspector General shall render a
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decision adopting, reversing or modifying the recommendation of the
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Provincial or Regional Internal Affairs Service Office concerned.
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(h) The periods provided herein shall be non-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. - A decision of the Inspector
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General dismissing a case or imposing a 
penalty of lower than
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suspension for ninety (90) days or less, 
or forfeiture of benefits
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equivalent to ninety (90) days' pay or less shall be final, unappealable
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and immediately executory. A decision of the Inspector General
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imposing the penalty of dismissal from 
the service, demotion,
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suspension of more than ninety (90) days or forfeiture of benefits
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equivalent to more than ninety (90) days' pay may be appealed to the
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Commission within ten (10) days from the aggrieved party's receipt of
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the decision. The Commission shall resolve the appeal within ninety
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(90) days from its receipt of the appeal. The decision of the
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Commission shall be final and immediately executory.
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Sec. 7. If any section or part of this Act is held unconstitutional, no other
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section or provision shall be affected.
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Sec. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
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publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of
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general circulation, whichever comes earlier.
Approved,