AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE BUREAU OF CORRECTIONS (BUCOR) AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 10575 (The Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013)

Declaration of Policy (Section 2)
- Promote welfare and safeguard rights of prisoners
- Strengthen government capability for efficient correctional services
- Modernize, professionalize and restructure the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)

Definitions (Section 3)
- Safekeeping: Custodial component ensuring public safety, meeting inmates' basic needs, and cutting off criminal networks
- Reformation: Rehabilitation component ensuring released inmates are reformed and prepared for reintegration

Mandates of BuCor (Section 4)
- Safekeeping and instituting reformation programs for inmates sentenced to more than 3 years
- Safekeeping includes decent provision of quarters, food, water, clothing, and security by Custodial Force (Corrections Officers)
- Reformation programs include: Moral/Spiritual, Education/Training, Work/Livelihood, Sports/Recreation, Health/Welfare, and Behavior Modification (by Corrections Technical Officers)

Operations of BuCor (Section 5)
- Directorial structure with directorates for Reception/Diagnostics, Security/Operations, Reformation, and External Relations
- Reception/Diagnostics conducts inmate classification based on security risk, sentence, skills, evaluations
- Custodial Force and Reformation Personnel implement security and reformation programs respectively
- External Relations handles pre-release and post-release programs, job training referrals
- Full computerization of inmate records

Lands and Facilities of BuCor (Sections 6-7)
- BuCor lands used for inmate security, reformation programs, income/non-income generating programs
- BuCor has authority over land-use development plans and policies
- May propose additional penal farms for decongestion
- Standard and uniform design of facilities like dormitories, hospitals, workshops, etc.

Supervision and Organization (Sections 8-9)
- Department of Justice maintains administrative supervision over BuCor
- Headed by Director General of Corrections (Undersecretary rank) and 3 Deputy Directors (Assistant Secretary rank)
- Tour of duty not exceeding 6 years, may be extended during war/emergency
- Rank structure from Corrections Officer I to Chief Superintendent

Increase of Personnel (Section 10)
- Maintain custodial personnel-to-inmate ratio of 1:7 and reformation personnel-to-inmate ratio of 1:24
- Authorized to increase manpower to meet ratios and percentage increase of inmates annually

Professionalization and Appointment (Sections 11-13)
- Minimum qualifications for appointment: citizen, good moral character, passed tests, bachelor's degree, eligibility, not dishonorably discharged, not convicted of crime involving moral turpitude, height and age requirements
- Lateral entry for specialized/technical qualifications at Inspector rank (Senior Inspector for doctors, lawyers, chaplains)
- Establishment of Philippine Corrections Academy and Corrections Training School/Institute

Qualifications for Key Positions (Section 14)
- Specific educational qualifications and training courses required for Sub-Colony Supervisor, Colony Assistant/Superintendent, Regional Superintendent positions
- Incumbents lacking qualifications given 5 years to comply

Professionalization and Upgrading Program (Section 15)
- DOJ to design professionalization and qualifications upgrading program within 90 days

Attrition System (Section 16)
- Attrition by demotion, non-promotion, inefficiency, incapacity, failure to complete requirements
- Separated if less than 20 years of service, retired if at least 20 years

Promotion System (Section 17)
- Merit-based, gender-fair system considering vacant ranks and eligibility requirements
- Promotion for acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry

Performance Evaluation System (Section 18)
- Based on rules, standards, code of conduct to improve efficiency, discipline, effectiveness
- Considers annual psychiatric/psychological and physical tests

Standardization of Base Pay and Benefits (Section 19)
- Uniformed personnel include Custodial and Reformation ranks from Officer I to Chief Superintendent
- Base pay, allowances and benefits in accordance with compensation and position classification laws

Retirement Benefits (Section 20)
- Compulsory retirement: Custodial officers entitled to retirement pay one grade higher than last held, subject to adjustments

Funding Source (Section 21)
- From BuCor's current budget, clearance/certification fees, income from projects/agreements, miscellaneous incomes
- Thereafter included in annual General Appropriations Act

Implementation (Section 22)
- Staggered phases not exceeding 5 years, considering financial position of government
- Partial implementation shall be uniform and proportionate for all ranks

Other Provisions
- Implementing rules and regulations within 90 days (Section 23)
- Transitory provisions on incumbent personnel and optional retirement (Section 24)
- Annual report on implementation and budget application (Section 25)