Napolcom vows 60-day target to resolve admin cases of erring cops

Philippine National Police (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) ordered the streamlining of summary dismissal proceedings for police officers facing administrative cases.

The commission, in a news release Thursday, said the move complies with the commission’s Office Order No. 2025-012 dated June 2, 2025, aimed at ensuring the speedy disposition of cases within 60 working days from the filing of a complaint.

The order signed by Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan provides a detailed, day-specific timeline that covers all stages of the summary dismissal process — from the initial evaluation of complaints, issuance of formal charges, conduct of hearings to the final resolution of cases.

This procedural overhaul reinforces Napolcom’s mandate under Republic Act No. 6975, as amended by RA 8551, to ensure swift justice and maintain professional standards within the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“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.

Among key reforms in the order is the completion of the initial evaluation of complaints within one working day, while the pre-charge investigation must start within two working days.

Respondents are given five working days to file their counter-affidavits, after which the investigation must be terminated within three working days.

The investigation report and draft formal charge, if warranted, must be submitted within five working days.

Once probable cause is found, the formal charge must be issued within one working day. Thereafter, a hearing officer must be assigned within one working day.

Summons must be served within two working days, with the respondent required to file an answer within seven working days.

A pre-hearing conference should be conducted within three working days after receipt of the answer.

Position papers must be filed within seven working days, and a clarificatory hearing, if needed, must be held within two working days.

The hearing officer must then submit a report of investigation within seven working days, and the Napolcom En Banc is given 14 working days to render a decision.

Calinisan said the reform is designed not only to 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.

This order takes effect immediately and remains in force pending the revision of Napolcom Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002, which governs administrative disciplinary rules and procedures of all disciplinary authorities of the PNP.