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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
pitt No, 1841

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Hou:

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.
RUFU fie Merge


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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
1841

House Bill No.

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

SECTION 2. 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) 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

east twelve (12) units in Psychology or Sociology;

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

(c) 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 3. Qualifications of Wardens of Provincial, City or Municipal Jails. All
wardens of Provincial, City or Municipal Jails shall have the following qualifications:

(a) 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;

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

(c) _ 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. A

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,