Napolcom orders 60-day deadline on all dismissal cases vs erring cops
Summary dismissal proceedings for erring cops must be concluded within 60 working days from the filing of complaint to ensure fast disposition of cases, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said on Thursday, June 5.
Lawyer Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer, said the move was aimed at ensuring efficiency, accountability, and timeliness in the administration of justice within the police service.
“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,” said Calinisan.
“Our goal is simple but bold: no case shall drag on. We act fast, fair, and fearlessly,” he added.
In the Napolcom order, it mandates that the initial evaluation of complaints must be completed within one working day, while pre-charge investigation must commence 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, 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.
“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,” said Calinisan.
He said the 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 of the Philippine National Police (PNP).