An Act Extending for Five (5) Years the Reglementary Period for Complying with the Minimum Educational Qualification for Appointment to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Adjusting the Promotion System thereof, Amending for the Purpose Pertinent Provisions of Republic Act No. 6975 and Republic Act No. 8551 and for other purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9708

Extension of Reglementary Period for Minimum Educational Qualification for PNP Appointment
- Extends the 5-year period for existing PNP members to obtain the minimum educational qualification, preferably in law enforcement-related courses (Section 1, amending Section 30(j) of RA 6975)
- PNP members with more than 15 years of service and exemplary performance are exempted from the minimum educational requirement

Adjustment of PNP Promotion System
- Eligibility for promotion requires passing the promotional exam, completing appropriate training, and passing psychiatric/psychological and drug tests (Section 2, amending Section 38(a) of RA 6975)
- Pending criminal cases are not a bar to promotion, except:
    - If probable cause is found, the officer is ineligible for promotion until the case is resolved after 2 years
    - If the case involves crimes punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment and evidence of guilt is strong, the officer is ineligible for promotion during the pendency of the case

Continuing Education Program
- The National Police Commission shall design, establish, and implement a continuing education program for PNP officers and members, focusing on law enforcement, criminal investigation, human rights, or similar programs (Section 3, amending Section 23 of RA 8551)

Implementation and Effectivity
- The National Police Commission and PNP shall promulgate rules and regulations for effective implementation, to be published in two newspapers of general circulation (Section 4)
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation (Section 7)