Institutionalization of the doctrine of "command responsibility" in all government offices, particularly at all levels of command in the philippine National police and other law enforcement agencies.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 226 February 17, 1995

INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF "COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY" IN ALL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, PARTICULARLY AT ALL LEVELS OF COMMAND IN THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

WHEREAS, strict and effective management and control of an organization by the supervisor is critical in ensuring responsive delivery of services by the government, especially in police matters;

WHEREAS, a supervisor/commander is duty-bound and, as such, is expected to closely monitor, supervise, direct, coordinate, and control the overall activities of his subordinates within his area of jurisdiction, and can be held administratively accountable for neglect of duty in taking appropriate action to discipline his men;

WHEREAS, in order to ensure a more effective, sustained, and successful campaign against erring government personnel, it is imperative that the doctrine of "command responsibility" be institutionalized and strictly applied in all government offices and at all levels of command in the PNP and other law enforcement agencies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue...

Login to see full content

Summary of Executive Order No. 226

Institutionalization of the Doctrine of "Command Responsibility"
• Establishes the doctrine of "command responsibility" in all government offices, particularly at all levels of command in the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies. (Sec. 1)
• Holds government officials, supervisors, or officers of the PNP or law enforcement agencies accountable for "Neglect of Duty" under the doctrine of "command responsibility" if they have knowledge of a crime or offense committed by their subordinates or others within their area of responsibility, and they fail to take preventive or corrective action before, during, or immediately after its commission. (Sec. 1)

Presumption of Knowledge
• A government official, supervisor, or PNP commander is presumed to have knowledge of the commission of irregularities or criminal offenses in the following circumstances: (Sec. 2)
- When the irregularities or illegal acts are widespread within their area of jurisdiction. (Sec. 2a)
- When the irregularities or illegal acts have been repeatedly or regularly committed within their area of responsibility. (Sec. 2b)
- When members of their immediate staff or office personnel are involved. (Sec. 2c)

Implementing Rules and Regulations
• The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within thirty (30) days after the issuance of this Executive Order. (Sec. 3)

Administrative Liability
• Any violation of this Executive Order by any government official, supervisor, officer of the PNP, or any law enforcement agency shall be held administratively accountable for violation of existing laws, rules, and regulations. (Sec. 4)

Effectivity
• This Executive Order shall take effect immediately. (Sec. 5)