Napolcom to resolve cases vs erring cops in 60 working days
FILE PHOTO: This photo taken January 24, 2024, shows Philippine National Police officers gathering for the pre-launching of Bangon Pilipinas Kick-off Rally held outside the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has set a timeframe of 60 working days to resolve administrative cases against police officers accused of violating law enforcement rules.
This came after Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan last May said the agency aimed to reduce its case backlog and set a 60-day timeframe for proceedings.
In a statement Thursday, Napolcom outlined the following timeline for summary dismissal proceedings:
- Complete initial evaluation of complaints – Within one working day
- Commence pre-charge investigation – Within two working days
- Ask respondent/s to file their counter-affidavits – Within five working days
- Terminate investigation after respondent/s’ counter-affidavits – Within three working days
- Submit investigation report and/or draft formal charge – Within five working days
- Issue a formal charge, if probable cause is found – Within one working day
- Assign a hearing officer to the formal charge – Within one working day
- Serve summons – Within two working days
- Require respondent/s to file an answer – Within seven working days
- Conduct a pre-hearing conference after receiving the respondents’ answer – Within three working days
- File position papers – Within seven working days
- Hold a clarificatory hearing, if needed – Within two working days
- Have the hearing officer submit an investigation report – Within seven working days
- Have the Napolcom En Banc render a decision – Within 14 working days
Napolcom said the new policy was outlined in Office Order No. 2025-012, dated June 2, 2025, and took effect immediately.
The agency added that the order will remain in effect until Napolcom Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002 is revised.
READ: Napolcom aims to clear case backlog in bid to reduce erring cops
Napolcom Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002 sets the administrative disciplinary rules and procedures of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) disciplinary authorities.
The disciplinary authorities include the Internal Affairs Service, the People’s Law Enforcement Board, the PNP regional directors, and the PNP chief.
“The reform is designed to not only expedite internal disciplinary processes but also to restore public trust and improve morale within the police organization by ensuring swift and fair resolutions to administrative complaints,” Napolcom explained.
“This is justice with urgency. By setting clear timelines and holding everyone accountable to them, we ensure that complaints against police officers are resolved promptly, without delay, without injustice,” Calinisan said./mcm
