Republic of the Philippines

Mountain Province State Polytechnic College

Bontoc, Mountain Province

Other Law Enforcement Agencies in the Philippines

LESSON 1: Other Law Enforcement Agencies in the Philippines

1. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology was created on January 2, 1991
pursuant to Republic Act 6975, replacing its forerunner, the Office of Jail Management
and Penology of the defunct Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police. The
BJMP has jurisdiction over all district, city and municipal jails. It is a line bureau of
the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
It was professionalized through the R.A. 9263 otherwise known as the "Bureau
of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization
Act of 2004."
As such, it shall ensure the establishment of secured, clean, adequately
equipped and sanitary facilities and provision of quality services for the custody,
safekeeping and development of district, city and municipal inmates, any fugitive from
justice, or person detained, awaiting or undergoing investigation or trial and/or
transfer to the National Penitentiary, and/or violent mentally ill person who endangers
him/herself or the safety of others as certified by the proper medical or health officer,
pending transfer to a mental institution (BJMP Manual, 2014).
The mission of the Bureau is to enhance public safety by providing humane
safekeeping and development of inmates in all districts, city, and municipal jails. This
calls for appropriate and proper of treatment of all the Persons Deprived of Liberty
(PDL) as human beings who has value and dignity. Animalistic or barbaric manner of
treating the PDLs are totally prohibited by this law.
In line with its mission, the Bureau endeavors to formulate policies and
guidelines in the administration of all districts, city, and municipal jails nationwide;
implement strong security measures for the control of inmates; provide for the basic
needs of inmates; conduct activities for the development of inmates; improve jail
facilities; and promote the general welfare and development of personnel.

2. The Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR)

BUCOR is an agency under the Department of Justice (DOJ), tasked to
effectively rehabilitate and safekeep national prisoners sentenced to more than three
(3) years.
It was formerly called Bureau of Prisons when its main thrust before was
safekeeping of national prisoners. The Bureau of Prisons was established on November
1, 1905, under the Department of Public Instruction through Reorganization Act 1407
of the Philippine Commission.
The Bureau was renamed from PRISONS to CORRECTIONS on November 23,
1989, under Executive Order 292 Section 26 of the Administrative Code of 1987 and
Proclamation No. 495, to emphasize rehabilitation as the primary goal of the Bureau.
On 24 May 2013, the Republic Act No. 10575, otherwise known as the Bureau of
Corrections Act of 2013 was signed into law, which provides for the modernization,
professionalization and restructuring of the Bureau.
THE Bureau of Corrections has general supervision and control of all national
prisons or penitentiaries. It is charged with the safekeeping of all insular Prisoners
confined therein or committed to the custody of the Bureau.
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) is an agency of the Department of Justice
which is charged with the custody and rehabilitation of national offenders, who have
been sentenced to three years of imprisonment or more. The agency has its
headquarters in the New Bilibid Prison Reservation in Muntinlupa City. I
Organization and Key Positions

The BuCor shall be headed by a Director who shall be assisted by three

(3) Deputy Directors: one (1) for administration, one (1) for security and operations
and one (1) for reformation, all of whom shall be appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the Secretary of the DOJ.
This is provided, that the Director and the Deputy Directors of the BuCor shall
serve a tour of duty not to exceed six (6) years from the date of appointment: Provided,
further, that in times of war or other national emergency declared by Congress, the
President may extend such tour of duty. Upon the implementation of this Act, the
incumbent Director, and Deputy/Assistant Directors of BuCor shall continue their
tour of duty as Director General and Deputy Director Generals of Corrections.
However, in no instance shall any Director of Corrections or his Deputy Director
Generals be permitted to serve more than one (1) tour of duty in the prison service
(IRR of R.A. 10575, May 23, 2016).

Officers in Command

The Head of the BuCor, with the rank of Undersecretary, shall have the position
and title of Director General of Corrections and shall bear the 3-star rank insignia for
the present personnel strength of the agency.
The second officers in command of the BuCor, with the rank of Assistant
Secretary, shall have the position and title of Deputy Director Generals of Corrections,
and shall bear the 2-star rank insignia.
The third officer in command of the BuCor, with the rank of Chief
Superintendent, shall have the position and title of Corrections Chief Superintendent.
The fourth officer in command of the BuCor, with the rank of Senior
Superintendent, shall have the position and title of Corrections Senior
Superintendent.
The fifth officer in command of the BuCor, with the rank of Superintendent,
shall have the position and title of Corrections Superintendent.
However, when the organization expands to the size comparable to several
infantry divisions (or several regional commands), the area commander in a cluster of
a division shall have the rank of Deputy Director, bearing the 2 star rank with a salary
grade of 28 in the uniformed pay scale, as third officer in command, while the Deputy
Director General of Corrections (as Assistant Secretary) shall be the second in
Command which shall bear the 3 star rank insignia, while the Director General of
Corrections (as Undersecretary) shall bear the 4 star rank insignia being the first
officer in command. The Chief Superintendent shall then be the fourth officer in
command, while the Senior Superintendent shall be the fifth officer in command.
Consequently, a regional technical officer shall have the rank of Corrections
Technical Chief Superintendent with a salary grade of 27 in the uniformed pay scale,
who shall also be considered fourth officer in command. During such time, the
candidates for Director General of Corrections and Deputy General of Corrections for
the appointment of the President shall be the retired Deputy Directors and Chief
Superintendents from the ranks of BuCor’s uniformed personnel.

Mission
Corrections service compliant to international standards helping enhance
public safety in the Philippines. The BUCOR aimed to comply with the national and
international standards of treating prisoners. It adheres with the United Nations (UN)
Minimum Rules for the treatment of prisoners such as sanitation or health, hygiene or
cleanliness, segregation of men, women, and children, etc.

Mandate
The Bureau of Corrections is mandated by law to accomplish its twin objectives:
The Effective Rehabilitation and Safekeeping of National Prisoners. Hence, the BUCOR
shall be in charge of safekeeping and instituting reformation programs to national
inmates sentenced to more than three (3) years through progressive, effective, and
efficient administration.

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Safekeeping of National Inmates
In compliance with established United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the
Treatment of Prisoners (UNSMRTP), the safekeeping of inmates shall include decent
and adequate provision of basic necessities such as shelters/quarters, food, water,
clothing, medicine; proper observance of prescribed privileges such as regulated
communication and visitation; and efficient processing of necessary documentary
requirements and records for their timely release. The processing of these
documentary requirements shall be undertaken by the Directorate for Inmate
Documents and Records (DIDR).
The core objective of these safekeeping provisions is to “accord the dignity of
man” to inmates while serving sentence in accordance with the basis for humane
understanding of Presidential Proclamation 551, series 1995, and with UNSMRTP Rule
60.

Security of National Inmates.

The complementary component of safekeeping in custodial function is security
which ensures that inmates are completely incapacitated from further committing
criminal acts and have been totally cut off from their criminal networks (or contacts in
the free society) while serving sentence inside the premises of the national
penitentiary.
Security also includes protection against illegal organized armed groups which
have the capacity of launching an attack on any prison camp of the national
penitentiary to rescue their convicted comrade or to forcibly amass firearms issued to
corrections officers.
The security of the inmates shall be undertaken by the Custodial Force
consisting of Corrections Officers with a ranking system and salary grades similar to
its counterpart in the BJMP. The circumferential security activities to be undertaken
are roper custody; implementation of prison laws and regulations, to include
prevention of prison violence and crimes; and efficient Recovery of fugitives.
The core security objectives of such activities are a) to completely incapacitate
inmates from further committing criminal acts, and b) have them totally cut-off from
their criminal networks (or contacts in the free society) while serving sentence at
BuCor, to ultimately protect the society against crime as provided for in Rule 58 of
UNSMRTP. The conduct of these activities shall be undertaken by the Directorate for
Security and Safekeeping (DSS), supported by Directorate for Intelligence and
Investigation (DII), and Directorate for Plans and Program (DPP).

Functions
1. Safe keep prisoners convicted by courts three (3) years and one (1) day and above to
serve sentence in prison. The prisoner who are catered by the BUCOR are those
convicts whose sentence is more than three (3) years.

2. Keep prisoners from committing crimes while in BUCOR’s custody. The BUCOR
must see to it that the prisoners, while under its custody must not commit any crime
or any form of violations.

3. Provide inmates basic needs as human being. As it was mentioned in the discussion
above, the inmates must be treated as human being. As such, their basic needs as
human will be provided by the bureau.

4. Ensure rehabilitation programs are made available to the inmates for their physical,
intellectual and spiritual development. Programs in relation to sports, religious
activities, education, skill enhancements, counselling and other similar aspects must
be provided for the inmates. These programs are conducted as these are believed to be
instrumental or helpful in the rehabilitation of the inmates.

5. Develop livelihood programs to assist inmates earn a living and develop their skills
while in prison. The Bureau provides livelihood programs in agriculture, arts and
trades. Livelihood programs may include cultivation of rice, copra, and corn; lumber
productions, poultry or piggeries, and other form of handicrafts.

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3. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)

The Republic Act 6975 (R.A. 6975) otherwise known as the the "Department of
the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990" (DILG Act of 1990) which was signed
into law on December 13, 1990, created the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau
of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The BJMP and BFP were also professionalized by the Republic Act 9263 (R.A.
9263) also known in title as the "Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004." This law was enacted on
March 10, 2004.

The mission of the BFP is to prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate
its causes; enforce Fire Code and other related laws; respond
to man-made and natural disasters and other emergencies (http://bfp.gov.ph/).

The Bureau of Fire Protection was created by virtue of RA 6975 primarily to be

responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires on building,
houses and other structures; forest; land  transportation vehicles and equipment;
ships  and vessels docked at piers or wharves anchored in major sea ports; petroleum
industry installations; plane  crashes; and other  similar activities. It was also created
to be  responsible for the enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines (PD 1185)
amended by R.A. 9514 known as the "Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008"
and other related laws. In addition, it shall have the power to investigate all causes of
fires and if necessary, file the proper complaint with the city or provincial prosecutor
who has jurisdiction over the case. In the time of national emergency, all elements of
the BFP shall upon direction of the President, assist the AFP in meeting the national
emergency. Lastly, it shall establish at least one (1) fire station with adequate
personnel, firefighting facilities and equipment in every provincial capital, city and
municipality subject to standard rules and regulations as maybe promulgated by the
Department of the Interior and Local Government. 

Its general objective is to enlist the direct involvement and active participation
of the civilian populace and the private sectors through the help of the Local
Government Units in the promotion of fire safety, the establishment/maintenance of a
well-equipped and well-manned Bureau of Fire Protection and to inculcate fire safety
awareness to the citizenry.

Specific Objectives

1. To intensify fire prevention education program to gain support from the general
public and to promote fire safety consciousness through continuous "Ugnayan sa
Barangay". The bureau regularly conducts information education campaign (IEC)
about fire prevention and safety in the different schools, barangays, clusters of
business establishments.

2. To conduct rigid fire safety inspection to structures, buildings, and the like to
reduce fire incidents/occurrences. It is the function of the bureau to conduct
inspections randomly or regularly to all buildings, facilities, and the like in order to
ensure safety of such establishments from fire occurrences.    

3. To conduct in-service training for fire personnel to enhance management on fire

service and effective firefighting operation. Fire personnel are sent to trainings for
them to gain more knowledge and to acquire more skills needed in fire safety
services.      

4. To recommend qualified applicants and remove misfits/undesirable members of the

organization.  Applicants for fire officer need to satisfy all the requirements and
relevant processes as well as the provided qualifications. Consequently, only the
qualified applicants are recommended to be taken in the organization. On the other

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hand, undesirable members such as those who are found guilty or criminal or
administrative cases are recommended for dismissal or removal from the service.

5. To conduct fire safety drills to minimize if not eliminate casualties, injuries to the
public and firefighters. There are lot of sectors in the community who are benefited
from this fire drill. Conducting this activity would teach and guide the people on the
proper and appropriate actions to be done during fire incidents thus, casualties,
injuries, or damage to properties could be minimized.      

6. To extend medical assistance to victims of fires, accidents, calamities, and other

emergency situations and conduct medical missions to depressed areas. Fire officers
are usually involved as responders during natural calamities or accidents since they
were trained for these activities.

4. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)

This agency was originally known as the Division of Investigation created by the
Commonwealth Act No. 181 on November 13, 1936. This agency should be the
modification of the Division of Investigation (DI) from the Department of Justice.
On June 19, 1947, it was reorganized into Bureau of Investigation by the
Republic Act 157 (R.A. 157). Later, it was renamed as National Bureau of Investigation
(NBI) by virtue of the Executive Order No. 94 on October 4, 1947.
Finally, the Republic Act 2678 which was enacted on June 18, 1960 provided
for the expansion and reorganization of the NBI.
The mission of NBI is to provide quality investigative and forensic services to the
people through advance methods and equipment in the pursuit of truth and justice.

Objectives of the NBI

The main objective of the National Bureau of Investigation is the establishment
and maintenance of a modern, effective and efficient investigative service and research
agency for the purpose of implementing fully principal functions provided under
Republic Act No. 157, as amended.

Mission of the NBI

As provided in the NBI Website, the mission of the NBI is to provide quality
investigative and forensic services to the people through advanced methods and
equipment in the pursuit of truth and justice.

Functions
Under its enabling law, Republic Act 157, as amended, the NBI is empowered to
investigate crimes and other offenses against the laws of the Philippines, both on its
own initiative and as public interest may require. It is also empowered to assist, when
officially requested in the investigation or detection of crimes and other offenses. In
addition, it also acts as national clearing house of criminal records and other
information for use of all prosecuting and law enforcement entities in the Philippines,
of identification records of identifying marks, characteristics and ownership or
possession of all firearms and test bullets fired therefrom. The Bureau is also
mandated by the law to give technical help to all prosecuting and law enforcement
offices, agencies of the government, and courts which may ask for its services. It is
further given a function to extend its services in the investigation of cases of
administrative or civil in nature in which the government is interested. Aside from
these, it is tasked to e stablish and maintain an UpToDate scientific crime laboratory
and conduct research in furtherance of scientific knowledge in criminal investigation.
The NBI also can coordinate with other national or local agencies in the maintenance
of peace and order. Lastly, it is obliged to undertake the instruction and training of a
representative number of city and municipal peace officers at the request of their
respective superiors along effective methods of crime investigation and detection in
order to insure greater efficiency in the discharge of their duties.

Organizational Structure/Jurisdiction

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 The NBI is a government entity that is civilian in character, and national in
scope which is under the Department of Justice.
It is headed by a director and with an assistant director and six (6) deputy
directors for — Special Investigation Services (SIS); Regional Operations Services
(ROS); Intelligence Services (IS); Technical Services (TS); Administrative Services (AS);
and Comptroller Services (CS).
To keep the standard of professionalism in the investigation of cases the bureau
adheres to the “two-pillar rule” of performing its investigative tasks. These are
thoroughness and legality. Thoroughness connotes diligence and carefulness in
doing its functions whereas, legality connotes strict adherence to laws in in all aspects
of investigation. The legality of the Bureau’s activity is assured by its legal and
Evaluation Division, which is tasked with providing legal counsel to the Director, legal
services to the Bureau, evaluate the investigation reports of the agents, and conduct
legal research and studies.

Circumstances under which the NBI may be contacted.

When a crime has been committed or is about to be committed, any aggrieved

person may seek NBI assistance. Any person possessing valuable information in
connection with any violation of Philippine laws is welcome at any NBI office if he is
willing furnish the Bureau with said information.

Those who may wish to file their complaints in Manila, may go directly to the
NBI Complaints and Recording Division (CRD) and file his/her complaint under oath.
Walkin complainants in field offices may see the chief or any agent thereat, for
purposes of filing his/her complaint.
When the aggrieved party cannot personally undertake this, a letter addressed
to the NBI Director containing the said complaint shall suffice. The NBI in some
instances, may be called to attend to criminal cases already under investigation by the
local police.
However, the requesting party or aggrieved party shall so state in the complaint
dissatisfaction over the handling of the case, and/or upon directive from higher
authorities.
All forms of assistance extended by the NBI to other government institutions as
well as to the private sector are ABSOLUTELY FREE.

Divisions and Services of the NBI

The NBI has the following Divisions and Services (http://nbi.gov.ph/services):

1. Office of the Director

The different divisions under the Office of the Director are Legal
Evaluation Division, Internal Affairs Division, Planning and Management
Division, and Automated Case Management Office

2. Office of the Assistant Director

3. Office of the Deputy Director for Administrative Services
This is composed of the Building Maintenance Section, Construction
Management Section, General Services Division, Information Division,
Personnel Division, Security Management Section, Training Division, and
Cashier Section

4. Office of the Deputy Director for Financial Services

The Financial Services include the offices of Budget, Accounting,
Collection, and Auditor.
5. Office of the Deputy Director for Investigation Services
This office is composed of Complaints and Records Division, Anti-Fraud
and Actions Division, Anti-Graft Division, Anti-Human Trafficking Division,
Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division, Anti-Violence Against
Women and Children Division, Cyber Crime Division, Environmental Crime

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 Division, Intellectual Property Rights Division, International Operations
Division, and Death Investigation Division

6. Office of the Deputy Director for Intelligence Services

There are division under this office namely: Counter-Intelligence Division,
Criminal Investigation Division, Research and Analyst Unit, Counter Terrorism
Division, and Technical Intelligence Division

7. Office of the Deputy Director for Forensic Investigation Services

The Behavioral Science Division BSD, Dactyloscopy Division, Firearms
investigation Division, Forensic Chemistry Division, Identification and Records
Division, Medico-Legal Division, Photography and Publication Laboratory,
Polygraph Laboratory, and Questioned Document Laboratory, form forensic
Investigation Services

8. Office of the Deputy Director for Regional Operations Services

9. Office of the Deputy Director for Information and Communication Technology
Services
10. Legal Services

5. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)

The PDEA serves as the implementing arm of the Dangerous Drug Board. It was
created by the R.A. 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of
2002 which became law on June 7, 2002.
As the lead Agency in the enforcement of the anti-drug law, the PDEA has the
mission to suppresses the supply of dangerous drugs. Another mission of the agency
is to implement Dangerous Drugs Board policies laid down to it. It is also tasked to
control and regulate the legitimate use of dangerous drug and controlled precursors
and essential chemicals. Moreover, the PDEA was established to supervise the anti-
drug activities of other drug law enforcement agencies and coordinate the participation
of all stakeholders in the anti-drug campaign.

Organizational Structure

The PDEA is headed by a Director General with the rank of Undersecretary,

who shall be responsible for the general administration and management of the
Agency (Article IX, Section 82 of R.A. 9165).
The Director General of the PDEA shall be appointed by the President of the
Philippines and shall perform such other duties that may be assigned to him/her.
He/she must possess adequate knowledge, training, and experience in the field of
dangerous drugs, and in any of the following fields: law enforcement, law, medicine,
criminology, psychology or social work.
The Director General of the PDEA shall be assisted in the performance of
his/her duties and responsibilities by two (2) deputy director generals with the rank of
Assistant Secretary, one for Operations and the other one for Administration.
The two (2) deputy director generals shall likewise be appointed by the
President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Board. The two (2) deputy
director generals shall possess the same qualifications as those of the Director General
of the PDEA. The Director General and the two (2) deputy director generals shall
receive the compensation and salaries as prescribed by law.
The present Secretariat of the National Drug Law Enforcement and Prevention
Coordinating Center (DEP Center) as created by Executive Order No. 61 shall be
accordingly modified and absorbed by the PDEA.
The Director General of the PDEA shall be responsible for the necessary
changes in the organizational set-up which shall be submitted to the Board for
approval.
The PDEA shall establish and maintain regional offices in the different regions
of the country which shall be responsible for the implementation of the R.A. 9165 and
the policies, programs, and projects of said agency in their respective regions.
Powers and Duties of the PDEA

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 As provided by Section 84, Article IX of R.A. 9165, the PDEA shall have the
following powers and duties:

(a) Implement or cause the efficient and effective implementation of the national drug
control strategy formulated by the Board thereby carrying out a national anti-drug
campaign program which shall include drug law enforcement, control and prevention
campaign with the assistance of concerned government agencies.

(b) Undertake the enforcement of the provisions of Article II of the Act relative to the
unlawful acts and penalties involving any dangerous drug and/or controlled pre-
cursor and essential chemical and investigate all violators and other matters involved
in the commission of any crime relative to the use, abuse or trafficking of any
dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical as provided for in
the Act and the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1619;

(c) Administer oath, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum relative to the conduct
of investigation involving the violations of the Act;

(d) Arrest and apprehend as well as search all violators and seize or confiscate, the
effects or proceeds of the crimes as provided by law and take custody thereof, for this
purpose the prosecutors and enforcement agents are authorized to possess firearms,
in accordance with existing laws;

(e) Take charge and have custody of all dangerous drugs and/or controlled pre-cursors
and essential chemicals seized, confiscated or surrendered to any national, provincial
or local law enforcement agency, if no longer needed for purposes of evidence in court;

(f) Establish forensic laboratories in each PNP office in every province and city in order
to facilitate action on seized or confiscated drugs, thereby hastening the destruction of
the same without delay;

(g) Recommend to the DOJ the forfeiture of properties and other assets of persons
and/or corporations found to be violating the provisions of the Act and in accordance
with the pertinent provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001;

(h) Prepare for prosecution or cause the filing of appropriate criminal and civil cases
for violation of all laws on dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential
chemicals, and other similar controlled substances, and assist; support and
coordinate with other government agencies for the proper and effective prosecution of
the same;

(i) Monitor and if warranted by circumstances, in coordination with the Philippine

Postal Office and the Bureau of Customs, inspect all air cargo packages, parcels and
mails in the central post office, which appear from the package and address itself to be
a possible importation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential
chemicals, through, on-line or cyber shops via the internet or cyberspace;

(j) Conduct, eradication programs to destroy wild or illegal growth of plants from which
dangerous drugs maybe extracted;

(k) Initiate and undertake the formation of a nationwide organization which shall
coordinate and supervise all activities against drug abuse in every province, city,
municipality and barangay with the active and direct participation of all such local
government units and non-government organizations, including the citizenry, subject
to the provisions of previously formulated programs of action against dangerous
drugs;

(l) Establish and maintain a national drug intelligence system in cooperation with law
enforcement agencies, other government agencies/offices and local government units
that will assist in its apprehension of big-time drug lords;

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(m) Establish and maintain close coordination, cooperation and linkages with
international drug control and administration agencies and organizations, and
implement the applicable provisions of international conventions and agreements
related to dangerous drugs to which the Philippines is a signatory;

(n) Create and maintain an efficient special enforcement unit to conduct investigation,
file charges and transmit evidence to the proper court, wherein members of the said
unit shall possess suitable and adequate firearms for their protection in connection
with the performance of their duties: Provided, that no previous special permit for
such possession shall be required;

(o) Require all government and private hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists and other
practitioners to submit a report to it, in coordination with the Board, about all
dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals which they
have attended to for data and information purposes;

(p) Coordinate with the Board for the facilitation of the issuance of necessary
guidelines, rules and regulations for the proper implementation of the Act;

(q) Initiate and undertake a national campaign for drug abuse prevention and drug
control programs, where it may enlist the assistance of any department, bureau,
office, agency or instrumentality of the government, including government-owned
and/or controlled corporations, in the anti-illegal drugs drive, which may include the
use of their respective personnel, facilities, and resources for a more resolute detection
and investigation of drug-related crimes and prosecution of the drug traffickers; and

(r) Submit an annual and periodic reports to the Board as may be required from time
to time, and perform such other functions as may be authorized or required under
existing laws and as directed by the President himself/herself or as recommended by
the Congressional Committees concerned.

The PDEA Academy

Upon the approval of the Board, the PDEA Academy shall be established either
in Baguio or Tagaytay City, and in such other places as may be necessary. The PDEA
Academy shall be responsible in the recruitment and training of all PDEA agents and
personnel. The Board shall provide for the qualifications and requirements of its
recruits who must be at least twenty-one (21) years old, of proven integrity and
honesty and a baccalaureate degree holder.

The graduates of the Academy shall later comprise the operating units of the
PDEA after the termination of the transition period of five (5) years during which all
the intelligence network and standard operating procedures of the PDEA has been set
up and operationalized.
The Academy shall be headed by a Superintendent, with the rank of Director.
He/she shall be appointed by the PDEA Director General.

NOTE: At present, the PDEA Academy is located at PNPA Compound, Silang, Cavite.

Transfer, Absorption, and Integration of All Operating Units on Illegal Drugs into
the PDEA and Transitory Provisions

The Narcotics Group of the PNP, the Narcotics Division of the NBI and the
Customs Narcotics Interdiction Unit are hereby abolished, however, they shall
continue with the performance of their task as detail service with the PDEA, subject to
screening, until such time that the organizational structure of the Agency is fully
operational and the number of graduates of the PDEA Academy is sufficient to do the
task themselves: Provided, that such personnel who are affected shall have the option
of either being integrated into the PDEA or remain with their original mother agencies
and shall thereafter, be immediately re-assigned to other units therein by the head of

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such agencies. Such personnel who are transferred, absorbed, and integrated in the
PDEA shall be extended appointments to positions similar in rank, salary and other
emoluments and privileges granted to their respective positions in their original
mother agencies.

Nothing in the Act shall mean a diminution or reduction of the investigative

powers of the NBI and the PNP on all other crimes as provided for in their respective
organic laws. Provided, however, that when the investigation being conducted by the
NBI, the PNP or any ad hoc anti-drug task force is found to be a violation of any of the
provisions of the Act, the PDEA shall be the lead agency. The NBI, the PNP or and any
of the task force shall immediately transfer the same to the PDEA; Provided, further,
that the NBI, the PNP and the Bureau of Customs shall maintain close coordination
with the PDEA on all drug related matters.

Relationship/Coordination between the PDEA and Other Agencies.

The PDEA shall be the lead agency in the enforcement of the Act, while the PNP,
the NBI and other law enforcement agencies shall continue to conduct anti-drug
operations in support of the PDEA: Provided, that the said agencies shall, as far as
practicable, coordinate with the PDEA prior to anti-drug operations; Provided, further,
that, in any cases, said agencies shall inform the PDEA of their anti-drug operations
within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the actual custody of the suspects or
seizure of said drugs and substances, as well as paraphernalia and transport
equipment used in illegal activities involving such drugs and/or substances, and shall
regularly update the PDEA on the status of the cases involving the said anti-drug
operations; Provided, furthermore, that raids, seizures, and other anti-drug operations
conducted by the PNP; the NBI, and other law enforcement agencies prior to the
approval of this IRR shall be valid and authorized; Provided, finally, that nothing in
this IRR shall deprive the PNP, the NBI, other law enforcement personnel and the
personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from effecting lawful arrests
and seizures in consonance with the provisions of Section 5, Rule 113 of the Rules of
Court.

(b) Roles of the PNP, NBI, Bureau of Customs and Other Law Enforcement Agencies
The PDEA may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the PNP,
the NBI, the Bureau of Customs and other law enforcement agencies to carry out the
implementation of the Act, provided that the respective MOAs shall include specific
roles of enumerated agencies in the administrative and operational matters.

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)

The Board shall be the policy-making and strategy-formulating body in the

planning and formulation of policies and programs on drug prevention and control. It
shall develop and adopt a comprehensive integrated, unified and balanced national
drug abuse prevention and control strategy. It shall be under the Office of the
President (Section 77, Article IX of R.A. 9165).

Composition of the Board

The Board shall be composed of seventeen (17) members wherein three (3) of
which are permanent members, the other; twelve (12) members shall be in an ex-
officio capacity and the two (2) shall be regular members.

The three (3) permanent members, who shall possess at least seven-year
training and experience in the field of dangerous drugs and in any of the following
fields: law, medicine, criminology, psychology, or social work, shall be appointed by
the President of the Philippines. The President shall designate a Chairperson, who
shall have the rank of a secretary from among the three (3) permanent members who

9
shall serve for six (6) years and until their successors shall have been duly appointed
and qualified.

The other twelve (12) members who shall be ex-officio members of the Board are the
following:

(1) Secretary of the Department of Justice or his/her representative;

(2) Secretary of the Department of Health or his/her representative;
(3) Secretary of the Department of National Defense or his/her representative;
(4) Secretary of the Department of Finance or his/her representative;
(5) Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment or his/her representative;
(6) Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government or his/her
representative;
(7) Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development or his/her
representative;
(8) Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs or his/her representative;
(9) Secretary of the Department of Education or his/her representative;
(10) Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education or his/her representative;
(11) Chairperson of the National Youth Commission; and
(12) Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Cabinet secretaries who are members of the Board may designate their duly
authorized and permanent representative whose ranks shall in no case be lower than
undersecretary.

The two (2) regular members shall be as follows:

(a) The president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and

(b) The chairperson or president of a non-government organization involved in
dangerous drug campaign to be appointed by the President of the Philippines.
The Director of the NBI and the Chief of the PNP shall be the permanent
consultants of the Board and shall attend all the meetings of the Board.

All members of the Board, as well as its permanent consultants, shall receive a
per diem for every meeting actually attended subject to the pertinent budgetary laws,
rules and regulations on compensation, honoraria and allowances: Provided, that
where the representative of an ex-officio member or of the permanent consultant of the
Board attends a meeting in behalf of the latter, such representative shall be entitled to
receive the per diem.

Meetings of the Board

The Board shall meet once a week or more frequently as necessary at the
discretion of the Chairperson or at the call of any four (4) other members. The
presence of nine (9) members shall constitute a quorum.

Secretariat of the Board

The Board shall recommend to the President of the Philippines the appointment
of an Executive Director, with the rank of an undersecretary, who shall be the
Secretary of the Board and administrative officer of its secretariat and shall perform
such other duties that may be assigned to him/her. He/she must possess adequate
knowledge, training and experience in the field of dangerous drugs, and in any of the
following fields: law enforcement, law, medicine, criminology, psychology or social
work.

Two deputy executive directors, for administration and operations, with the
ranks of assistant secretary, shall be appointed by the President upon
recommendation of the Board. They shall possess the same qualifications as those of
the executive director. They shall receive a salary corresponding to their position as
prescribed by the Salary Standardization Law as a Career Service Officer.

10
 The existing secretariat of the Board shall be under the administrative control
and supervision of the Executive Director. It shall be composed of the following
Services: Policy Studies, Research and Statistics; Preventive Education, Training, and
Information; Legal Affairs; and Administrative and Financial Management.

Powers and Duties of the Board

As provided by the Section 81, Article IX of R.A. 9165, The Board shall:
(a) Formulate, develop and establish a comprehensive, integrated, unified and
balanced national drug abuse prevention and control strategy;

(b) Promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes of the Act, including the manager of safekeeping, disposition, burning or
condemnation of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential
chemical under the charge and custody of DDB, PDEA and other concerned agencies,
and prescribe administrative remedies or sanctions for the violations of such rules and
regulations;

(c) Conduct policy studies, program monitoring and evaluations and other research on
drug prevention, control and enforcement;
(d) Initiate, conduct and support scientific, clinical, social, psychological, physical and
biological researches on dangerous drugs and dangerous drugs prevention and control
measures;

(e) Develop an educational program and information drive on the hazards and
prevention of illegal use of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and
essential chemical based on factual data, and disseminate the same to the general
public, for which purpose the Board shall endeavor to make the general public aware
of the hazards of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential
chemical by providing among others, literature, films, displays or advertisements and
by coordinating with all institutions of learning, as well as with all national and local
enforcement agencies, in planning and conducting its educational campaign programs
to be implemented by the appropriate government agencies;

(f) Conduct continuing seminars for, and consultations with, and provide information
materials to judges and prosecutors in coordination with the Office of the Court
Administrator, in the case of judges, and the DOJ, in the case of prosecutors, which
aim to provide them with the current developments and programs of the Board
pertinent to its campaign against dangerous drugs and its scientific researches on
dangerous drugs, its prevention and control measures;

(g) Design special trainings in order to provide law enforcement officers, members of
the judiciary, and prosecutors, school authorities and personnel of centers with
knowledge and know-how in dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and
essential chemicals control, in coordination with the Supreme Court, to meet the
objectives of the national drug control programs;

(h) Design and develop, in consultation and coordination with the DOH, DSWD and
other agencies involved in drugs control, treatment and rehabilitation, both, public
and private, a national treatment and rehabilitation program for drug dependents
including a standard after-care and community service program for recovering drug
dependents;

(i) Design and develop, jointly with the DOLE and in consultation with labor and
employer groups, as well as non-government organizations, a drug abuse prevention
program in the workplace that would include a provision for employee assistance
programs for emotionally stressed employees;

(j) Prescribe and promulgate rules and regulations governing the establishment of
such centers, networks and laboratories as deemed necessary after conducting a
feasibility study, in coordination with the DOH and other government agencies;

11
(k) Initiate and authorize closure proceedings against non-accredited and/or
substandard rehabilitation centers based on verified reports of human rights
violations, sub-human conditions, inadequate medical training and assistance and
excessive fees for implementation by the PDEA;

6. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)

Narrative History of the PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard is the oldest and only humanitarian armed service
of the Philippines. Its beginnings could be traced back to the early 20 th century when
coast guarding was related to the protection of the customs service of the country and
in patrolling coastlines and harbors. When the Americans came in 1898, one of the
first steps undertaken by the military government was the reopening of the port and
customs facilities in Manila. Soon after, the Insular Government, through the
Philippine Commission enacted on October 17, 1901, a law creating the Bureau of
Coast Guard and Transportation which was placed under the Department of
Commerce and Police. The Captain of the Port was designated as Bureau Director.

The lighthouse service was placed under the Bureau. In 1902, the Coast Guard
fleet of 15 steamers from China and Japan was established and were assigned for the
lighthouse service inspection trips of top government officials, for transport to Culion
Island, for patrolling against illegal entry of aliens, and for troop movement of the
Philippine Constabulary.

The Bureau of Coast Guard and Transportation was abolished on October 26,
1905, and its functions were taken over by the Bureau of Navigation. The Bureau of
Navigation was authorized to create a commissioned and enlisted service, and to adopt
its own manual of courts martial patterned after the US Navy.

Subsequently however, the Bureau was also abolished on December 19, 1913
and the organization and its functions were transferred to the Bureau of Customs and
the Bureau of Public Works until the Commonwealth period. After gaining
independence from the United States, the Philippine government ceded some of the
coast guard functions such as the revenue cutter service and the lighthouse service to
the Philippine Naval Patrol which eventually became the Philippine Navy.

For the implementation of these functions, a Coast Guard unit was activated in
the Philippine Navy. On August 6, 1967, Republic Act 5173 or the Philippine Coast
Guard Law was enacted by the Congress, making the PCG a major unit of the
Philippine Navy under a flag officer. The Philippine Coast Guard was activated on
October 10, 1967. The civilian nature of PCG functions led to the separation of the
Coast Guard from Philippine Navy on March 30, 1998, by virtue of Executive Order
475.

On April 15, 1998, the Philippine Coast Guard was transferred to the
Department of Transportation and Communications by virtue of Executive Order 477.
This law provided that the PCG shall continue to the agency primarily responsible for
the promotion of safety of life and properties at sea and the protection of the maritime
environment as mandated under R.A. 5173, and Presidential Decrees 600, 601, 602,
and 979 as amended.

Presently, the Philippine Coast Guard is now recognized as the third uniformed
armed service of the country, following the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the
Philippine National Police.

With the enactment of the Coast Guard Law of 2009 or Republic Act 9993 and
its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the Philippine Coast Guard has been vested
with the necessary authority and responsibility to perform preventive measures in

12
ensuring the safety of merchant vessels. The new law also strengthened PCG’s
authority to meet new challenges and increasing demands for marine resources,
technological advancement, and climate change. Further, R.A. 9993 has defined
Philippine Coast Guard’s rightful niche in the bureaucracy as the premier maritime
agency and its vital role in nation building.

Mandates
The Philippine Coast Guard is mandated and responsible to perform maritime
search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, marine environmental
protection and maritime security (http://www.coastguard.gov.ph). 

Mission
The Philippine Coast Guard is a uniformed armed service that implements and
enforces all national and international maritime safety, security, search and rescue,
and marine environmental protection laws in support of the integrated Maritime
Transportation Network objectives, national security and economic development of the
Philippines."

Functions

1. Marine Safety (MARSAF)

The Philippine Coast Guard is the country’s vanguard against the entry of
unsafe foreign vessels into the country through its Port State Control. At present, the
Philippine Coast Guard has seven (7) PSC Centers and fifteen (15) PSC Divisions all
throughout the archipelago. The PSC Center in Manila has the bulk of all inspections
based on frequency of foreign ship calls.
Pursuant to RA 9993, the Philippine Coast Guard is mandated to enforce
regulations in accordance with all relevant maritime international conventions,
treaties or instruments of which the government is signatory and national laws.  
MARITIME SAFETY or MARSAF function is designed to help prevent or
minimize unnecessary loss of lives and properties at sea. 
The seaworthiness of every vessel leaving the port is ensured through the
intensified Mandatory Pre-departure Inspection which include the compliance of
vessels to safety standards and prevention of vessels from sailing for failure  to comply
with the standards; conduct of random Emergency Readiness Evaluation and
Operational Readiness Evaluation in the ports;  conduct of regular vessel safety
inspections, and publication of Notice to Mariners (NOTAM), and the implementation
and enforcement of navigational rules and designation of sea lanes, among others. 
Further, the PCG is also responsible in issuing permits and supervises all
marine salvage operations. It is mandated to destroy or tow floating hazards to
navigation such as, but not limited to illegal fish traps and vessels.
Moreover, navigational safety is ensured by operating and/or maintaining and
servicing 565 lighthouses and more than 44 navigational buoys around the country
which guide and ensures safe voyage to mariners. 

2. Maritime Security (MARSEC)

Maritime Security is another important function of the PCG. Considering the
archipelagic character of the country, it is vital to enhance the security of its different
maritime zones to protect the integrity as a nation. In the performance of this
function, the PCG contributes to maintain good order at sea by conducting regular
patrols and surveillance for the safety of navigation of ships, to safeguard ships from
illegal acts and to promote freedom of navigation.
The PCG is likewise mandated to secure exploration and resource utilization
activities within the country's maritime jurisdiction.
In its Sea Marshal Program, the PCG manages composite security forces
composed of AFP, PNP and PCG elements to protect voyages of passenger-laden
vessels in domestic routes. The Coast Guard also boasts of a newly established
nationwide K-9 unit composed of highly trained sniffing dogs deployed in the major
ports throughout the country.

3. Maritime Search and Rescue (MARSAR)

13
 The Philippine Coast Guard, in accordance with the Convention of Safety of Life
at Sea (SOLAS), is the national maritime search and rescue service of the country. The
Coast Guard Action Center (CGAC) at the PCG Headquarters in Manila, by virtue of
the current functions and facilities, serves as the coordinating centers for all search
and rescue operations. The twelve Coast Guard Districts are designated as Maritime
Rescue Coordinating Council (MRCC) within their areas of responsibility while the 59
Coast Guard Stations are designated as Maritime Rescue Sub-Centers (MRSC). The
detachments under these stations are designated as SAR units.
The PCG’s SAR organization maintains constantly manned watch centers that
operate 24 hours a day, continuously monitoring distress frequencies and conducting
coastal foot and seaborne patrol within their area of responsibility. There is at least
one division or squadron of Coast Guard Auxiliary in each MRSC where watch can be
set, and assistance can be obtained when required. Likewise, at least one Deployable
Response Team composed of Special Operations Group, Medical Team, K-9 and rescue
swimmers is organized at each Coast Guard District or MRCC which can be
dispatched immediately to any maritime and land base search and rescue operations.

4. Maritime Law Enforcement (MARLEN)

The PCG is likewise mandated to conduct MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT
(MARLEN) and implement laws on fisheries (and poaching), immigration, tariff and
customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, human trafficking, dangerous drugs and
controlled chemicals, and to implement the revised penal code and all other applicable
laws within the country’s maritime jurisdiction and battle transnational crimes. 
The PCG is authorized to board and inspect all watercrafts suspected to be
involved in or used in illegal trade. PCG personnel are also deemed agents of BFAR,
Immigration, Customs, DENR, PDEA, and INTERPOL in the performance of its
MARLEN function.
As a maritime organization under RA 9993 , it is deputized by 21 government
agencies to perform maritime law enforcement functions directed towards the
suppression of piracy, smuggling, poaching, illegal fishing, illegal entry, human
smuggling, illegal logging, drug trafficking, gun running and terrorist activities.
Marine Environmental Protection
The Philippines is a signatory to IMO Conventions on Marine Pollution of 1973
and 1978 (MARPOL 73/78). The Philippine Coast Guard under RA 9993 is the sole
agency responsible for the Philippine implementation of the Conventions with regards
to oil pollution, prevention, mitigation and control through the conduct of marine
pollution monitoring and control, enhancement of PCG capability and oil spill
response operations and enforcement of all marine environmental laws and
regulations.

7. The Land Transportation Office (LTO)

Historical Background
The concept of land transportation system in the Philippines started when our
ancestors invented the means of locomotion with the animals in moving people and
goods from place to place. Although the means of land transportation during the early
days were not as sophisticated as the modern vehicles of today and the roads not as
well constructed, the early Filipinos also observed some laws to govern their mobility.
These laws were as informal and simple as specifying which animal could be used for
certain purposes, but these showed that our ancestors had already felt the need to
regulate the transportation system (http://lto.gov.ph).
As early as 1910, there were already few motor vehicles seen operating in public
highways in Manila and suburbs.
Better means of transportation were invented and introduced in the country.
Gradually, the Filipinos learned to use cars, trucks, jeeps and other types of vehicles.
The means of transportation became better and powerful and the laws governing land
travel became more formal and modern.
On February 6, 1912, Legislative Act No. 2159 was enacted to regulate motor
vehicles in the Philippine Islands and to provide for the regulation and licensing of
operators. This was the first formal law on land transportation passed by the
legislature. This law created an Automobile Section under the Administrative Division

14
of the Bureau of Public Works. The Section was tasked to take charge of motor
vehicles and drivers’ services.
Later on, Legislative Act 2159 was amended by 2389, 2556, 2587, 2639 and
2925. In 1922, Act No. 3045 was passed into law compiling and incorporating all laws
governing motor vehicles. The Automobile Section was upgraded to the Automobile
Division under the Bureau of Public Works.
On January 1, 1933, Act No. 3992 otherwise known as “The Revised Motor
Vehicle Law” was enacted amending Act No. 3045.The Automobile Division was
renamed Division of Motor Vehicles. The Chief of the Division was called the
Superintendent of Division of Motor Vehicles. Act No. 3992 was amended by
Commonwealth Act Numbers 123, 548, 556, 652 and Republic Act Numbers 314, 587,
and 2383.
On June 2, 1945, Department Order No. 4 was issued by the Department of
Public Works and Highways reorganizing the Division. This took effect after the
liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese invasion. In 1947, Executive Order No.
94 was promulgated reorganizing the different executive departments, bureaus and
offices. Under Section 82 of this E.O., the Division of Motor Vehicles was upgraded
into the Motor Vehicles Office (MVO) with the category of a Bureau. The Chief of the
MVO enjoyed the rights and privileges of a Bureau Director.
During the fifties and early sixties, our country started undergoing rapid
economic development. Industrialization advanced and therefore, more and better
roads were constructed. The Filipino then realized the need for more and better means
of transportation. The growth in the number of motor vehicles increased the demand
for services that the MVO must render to the public. This necessitated the issuance by
the DPWH on June 5, 1961, of Administrative Regulation No. 1 transferring the
function of collecting the registration fees from city treasurers to the various vehicle
agencies of MVO.
On June 20, 1964, R.A. 4136, otherwise known as the “Land Transportation
and Traffic Code” was enacted abolishing the Motor Vehicle Office and creating the
Land Transportation Commission. This law likewise partially repealed Act No. 3992.
The Code provided that the Land Transportation Commission shall “control as far as
they apply, the registration and operation of motor vehicles and the licensing of
owners, dealers, conductors, drivers, and similar matters. “To effectively carry out its
mandate, the Land Transportation Commission established regional offices in various
parts of the country.
On July 23, 1979, Executive Order Number 546 was promulgated creating the
Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). This marked reorganization.
The Land Transportation Commission was renamed Bureau of Land Transportation
and was absorbed by MOTC.
On June 2, 1980, Batas Pambansa Bilang 43 was passed providing for the
issuance of permanent number plates to owners of motor vehicles and trailers,
amending for the purpose section 17 of RA 4136.
On March 20, 1985, Executive Order 1011 was promulgated. This Executive
Order abolished the Board of Transportation and the Bureau of Land Transportation
and established the Land Transportation Commission. The defunct BLT and BOT were
merged and their powers, functions and responsibilities were transferred to the Land
Transportation Commission (LTC) headed by a Chairman, assisted by four
Commissioners. The LTC was tasked to perform functions such as registering motor
vehicles, licensing of drivers and conductors, franchising of public utility vehicles and
enforcing traffic rules and regulations and adjudicating apprehensions.
On January 30, 1987, the Land Transportation Commission was abolished, and
two offices were created, namely: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The LTO took over the
functions of the former BLT and the LTFRB took over the functions of the former BOT.
The MOTC was likewise renamed DOTC.
All these changes took effect with the promulgation of Executive Order No. 125
which was later amended by Executive Orders No. 125-A dated April 13, 1987, and
E.O. 226 dated July 25, 1987. Despite the changes in names of Office and all the
reorganizations that took effect, its basic functions on land transportation system
remain the same. The promotion of safety and comfort in land travel is its continuing
commitment. When Executive Orders 125, 125-A and 226 were promulgated, LTO was

15
composed of only thirteen (13) regions. As time went on, additional regions were
created, namely: CAR, CARAGA and MIMAROPA. While CAR and CARAGA are
attached to the DOTC, they report to LTO Central Office on matters of registration of
motor vehicles, issuance of driver's licenses and enforcement of land transportation
laws, rules and regulations.
The volume of transactions at LTO has grown so fast without increasing the
manpower, hence, to meet the public’s demand, LTO introduced the computerization
of its transactions sometime in 1998.To date, almost all LTO Offices are computerized
except those with manpower, telecommunications and security issues.

MISSION
The mission of the LTO is to rationalize the land transportation services and
facilities and to effectively implement the various transportation laws, rules, and
regulations. It is the responsibility of those involved in the public service to be more
vigilant in their part in the over-all development scheme of the national leadership.
Hence, promotion of safety and comfort in land travel is a continuing commitment of
the LTO.

MANDATE AND FUNCTIONS

Under the law, the LTO is mandated to conduct inspection and registration of
motor vehicles in the Philippines. All motor vehicles (including motorcycles) must be
registered be registered at the LTO in order to avoid the violation.
Issuance of license and permits is another function of the LTO. Any individuals
who wish to drive motor vehicle and motorcycles in the country must first secure
driver’s license from the LTO. Part of the process, however, is to secure firs student
permits which the individual will use while learning driving. After gaining the required
knowledge and skills in driving, the person with student permit may now apply for a
driver’s license either professional or non-professional license.
In addition, the LTO is also charge with the mandate of enforcement of Land
Transportation Rules and Regulations. Every now and then, the LTO personnel are
deployed anywhere in the roads or highways in order for them to look for violation
regarding motor vehicles.
Moreover, it is also mandated to do adjudication of traffic cases. Individuals
who violated traffic rules and apprehended by the LTO enforcement unit are required
to undergo series of seminars for them to taught on traffic rules and regulations as
well as the needed behaviors and attitude of being a good driver. To some extent, there
are violator of traffic rules who are subjected to adjudication or hearing at the LTO
through its adjudication service.
Lastly, the LTO is further mandated to do collection of revenues for the
government. Every person applying for driver’s permit and licenses as well as those
people registering their motor vehicles are required to pay. These payments given to
the office is good as revenue of the government.

MAIN SERVICES
1. License and Permit Issuance
The LTO is vested with the service to issue licenses and permits on the
following:
a. Student Permit Transactions
b. Non-Professional Driver's License
c. Professional Driver's License
d. Advance Renewal of Driver's License
e. Renewal of Driver's License of Filipino Living Abroad
f. Duplicate License
g. Application for Replacement of a Mutilated License
h. License Certification
i. Penalty for Underage Drivers
j. LICENSE and PERMIT FEES and CHARGES
k. REVIEWER FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE EXAMINATION

2. Motor Vehicle Registration

16
 As provided by the law, LTO’s creation is to perform tasks on vehicle
registration such as the following:
a. Brand New Vehicles
b. Renewal of Motor Vehicle Registration
c. Miscellaneous Transactions
d. Registration Schedule of Motor Vehicles
e. Schedule of Motor Vehicles User's Charge Pursuant to R.A. 8794 and Other
Fees and Charges

3. Law enforcement and Adjudication of Cases

The following are the adjudication services of the LTO:
a. Settlement of Admitted Cases (Motor Vehicle [MV] / Plate)
b. Settlement of Admitted Cases (Driver's License [DL])
c. Settlement of Contested Cases (Motor Vehicle)
d. Settlement of Contested Cases (Driver's License)
e. Settlement of Impounded Violation
f. Law Enforcement Certification / Clearance
g. Fines and Penalties (Joint Administrative Order No.2014-01)

8. The Bureau of Immigration (BI)

History
The Bureau of Immigration started as a division of the Bureau of Customs
during the American regime in 1899. This was pursuant to Act No. 702 of the
Philippine Commission. It was appropriate because ship travel and ship cargo were
interlinked and hence, the office was at the Bureau of Customs. It seems that the
government then, gave more importance on the entry of goods than monitoring of
foreign nationals coming into the country.

The government was more interested in generating customs duties from these
goods than in the control and regulation of the arrival and stay of foreigners. The
functions of immigration remained under the said bureau until 1937 when it was
transferred as a division of the Bureau of Labor.

The functions of Immigration were transferred in 1937 as a division under the Bureau
of Labor. This was mainly to respond to the arrival of Chinese nationals who owned
and operated trade houses stores and restaurants in the country.

On January 22, 1940, the Second National Assembly of the Philippine

Commonwealth enacted the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act
No. 613). It was signed into law by the President of the United States of America on
September 3, 1940, creating the Bureau of Immigration under the administrative
supervision of the Office of the President.

A year or so later, it became an attached agency of the Department of Justice.

Later, its administrative control was returned to the Office of the President.

When the Pacific war broke out in December 1941, the bureau, then under the
Department of Justice, moved to the Bilibid Prison on Azcarraga Street (now Claro M.
Recto Avenue).

Immediately after the war, the bureau was transferred near the Gate 1 of the
South Harbor in Manila, then moved to Building No. 5 at the Customs Bureau at Gate
4. In 1945, in line with the reorganization plan of the government, the bureau was put
under the supervision and control of the Department of Labor.

In 1948, the Bureau was reverted to the jurisdiction of the Department of

Justice where it has remained up to the present time.

On September 21, 1972, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos proclaimed

Martial Law, through General Order No. 1, ordered and decreed the adoption and
implementation of the Integrated Reorganization Plan.

17
 Hence, the Commission on Reorganization issued Letter of Implementation No.
20, dated December 31, 1972 which embodies the plan, including among other things,
the change of name of the office from the Bureau of Immigration to Commission on
Immigration and Deportation. This became a collegial body and performing both
administrative and quasi-judicial functions. It is composed of the commissioner and
his two associate commissioners. Letter of Implementation No. 20 also abolished the
Deportation Board and transferred its functions to the Board of Commissioners who
gave them power to undertake deportation cases.

The bureau was given the sole authority to enforce and administer immigration
and foreign nationals registration laws including the admission, registration, exclusion
and deportation and repatriation of foreign nationals. It also supervises the
immigration from the Philippines of foreign nationals.

On July 25, 1987, President Corazon C. Aquino signed Executive order No. 292,
also known as the Administrative Code of 1987. Said order renamed the office,
“Bureau of Immigration.” It continues, however, to perform all the powers and
functions it had while still a commission, and its head of office still remains to be
called commissioner as provided under DOJ (http://www.immigration.gov.ph/).

MANDATE
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is principally responsible for the administration
and enforcement of immigration, citizenship, and alien admission and registration
laws in accordance with the provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. It
also plays a role in the enforcement of RA 9208, also known as the Anti-Trafficking In
Persons Act of 2003 (http://www.immigration.gov.ph/the-bureau/vision-and-
mandate).

MISSION
The BI is given a mission to control and regulate the movement of persons to,
from and within our country in contributing to national security and development.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

1. It acts as the primary enforcement arm of the Department of Justice and the
President of the Philippines in ensuring that all foreigners within its territorial
jurisdiction comply with existing laws. Foreigners or aliens living in our country must
abide with all the laws governing them as foreigners as well as abide with the laws of
our country.

2. It assists local and international law enforcement agencies in securing the

tranquility of the state against foreigners whose presence or stay may be deemed
threats to national security, public safety, public morals and public health. The BI
could assist other government agencies in order to fulfill this function by supplying
them with vital information about suspicious foreigners or aliens who could create
problems or troubles in the country.

3. It acts as chief repository of all immigration records pertaining to entry, temporary

sojourn, admission, residence and departure of all foreigners in the country. All
foreigners must be properly documented as they enter and live in our country. These
documents or records are being kept, stored and maintained by the Bureau for future
references.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS
In the discharge of its broad functions, the Bureau through its Board of
Commissioners, exercises administrative and quasi-judicial powers over the:

1. The bureau is charged with the regulation or control of the entry (arrival), stay
(sojourn), and exit (departure) of foreign nationals in the country.

18
2. The bureau is tasked with monitoring of the entry and exit of Filipino citizens in
compliance with Philippine laws and other legal procedures.

3. It is mandated to issue immigration documents and identification certifications on

non-immigrant, immigrant and special non-immigrant visas

4. It is charged with the function of issuance of special permits in relation to the

enforcement of immigration laws (e.g. Special Work Permit (SWP), Provisional Permit to
Work (PPW), Special Study Permit (SSP), re-entry permits, clearances, etc.)

5. It is tasked to grant extension of stay of temporary visitors and implementation of

changes of status as provided by law

6. It is mandated with the function of administrative determination of citizenship and

related status

7. The bureau is charged with the investigation, hearing, decision and execution of
orders pertaining to exclusion, deportation, and   repatriation of foreign nationals

8. The bureau is mandated to implement Hold Departure Orders, Blacklist, Watchlist,

Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders and Alert List Orders

9. It is also charged with the function of cancellation of immigration documents upon

violation of immigration laws and procedures

10. The bureau is charged with the function to investigate, arrest, and detain
foreigners in violation of immigration regulation and other Philippine laws

11. It is mandated to accredit of schools and learning institutions that can officially
accept and enroll foreign students

12. It is also tasked to do accreditation of law firms, liaison officers, travel agencies
and other individuals and organizations transacting with the Bureau of Immigration

9. The Bureau of Customs (BOC)

The Bureau shall be headed by a Commissioner and shall be assisted by at

least four (4) but not more than six (6) Deputy Commissioners
(http://customs.gov.ph).

The Commissioner shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines. This

Bureau is under the Department of Finance.

MISSION
The mission of the BOC is to stop corruption among the various officers holding
key offices in the bureau. Another mission of the bureau is to increase revenue
collections on all incoming goods and products coming from other countries. In
addition, one of its missions is to facilitate trade aligned with international best
practices. In adherence to this, the bureau exercises its utmost carefulness in looking
into best practices and operations in business fields and ensuring its acceptance in
the international business and trade arena. Moreover, the bureau is mandated to
strengthen its actions against smuggling and other customs fraud. Smuggling is a
common problem in the country which is usually acted by the bureau. Hence, it must
do it part to combat this kind of problem to prevent or minimize it. Lastly, the bureau
is guided by its mission to enhance personnel welfare and professionalism. It always
sees to it that all personnel in the bureau are given the due welfare and benefits while
observing professionalism among the members.

As provided under Section 202 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
(CMTA), the BOC is mandated to:

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 1. Assess and collect customs revenues from imported goods
2. Simplify and harmonize customs procedures
3. Exercise border control to prevent entry of smuggled goods
4. Prevent and suppress smuggling and other customs fraud
5. Facilitate and secure international trade
6. Supervise and control the entrance and clearance of vessels and aircraft
engaged in foreign commerce
7. Supervise and control the handling of foreign mails arriving in the Philippines
8. Supervise and control import and export cargoes
9. Conduct a compensation study to develop a competitive compensation and
remuneration system in the Bureau
10.Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over forfeiture cases
11.Enforce the CMTA and all other laws, rules and regulations related to customs
administration

The Republic Act (RA) No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs
Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), was signed into law on 30 May 2016.

CMTA amended the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) with the
aim of modernizing Customs rules and procedures for faster trade, reduce
opportunities for corruption, improve Customs service delivery and improve supply
chain.

Offices Under Bureau of Customs

The Bureau of Customs is headed by the Customs Commissioner. He is

assisted by six (6) Deputy Commissioners, one (1) Assistant Commissioner and
seventeen (17) District Collectors who supervise the country’s principal ports of entry.

1. Internal Administration Group (IAG)

Under a Deputy Commissioner, this group assists the Commissioner in the
formulation of policies and in the setting up of objectives relative to financial,
administrative, personnel, planning and management improvement services of the
BOC; represents the Commissioner in meetings and conferences; signs memorandum
circulars; and reviews official communications and documents relevant to internal
administration.

2. Revenue Collection Monitoring Group (RCMG)

Under a Deputy Commissioner, this group maintains an accounting of revenues
collected; administers the legal requirements of the BOC; provides information and
analysis of collection statistics; and audits liquidated entries and bonds.

3. Assessment and Operations Coordination Group (AOCG)

Under a Deputy Commissioner, this group gathers and publishes values of
commodities imported into the country; and monitors implementation of rules and
regulations governing assessment, end processing of goods for exports, warehousing
and support operations, and auction and disposal activities.
4. Intelligence Group (IG)
Under a Deputy Commissioner, this group gathers intelligence information
related to Customs and economic activities; conducts internal inquiry and
investigation; and develop effective countermeasures to combat corruption, smuggling,
and other forms of customs fraud.

5. Enforcement Group (EG)

Under a Deputy Commissioner, this group exercises police authority to secure
the country’s ports and BOC installations; and to protect cargoes and properties inside
the customs zone.

6. Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG)

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 The implementation of BOC’s computerization program necessitated the
creation of MISTG on January 9, 1998 under Executive Order No. 463. The need for
the creation of a greatly expanded IT group was already reflected in the 1992 ISP as a
support to the aim for BOC to assume direct management and control of IT facilities
and services after the conclusion of the transitional facilities management
arrangements under the PTCP contract. MISTG is headed by a Deputy Commissioner
who is responsible for overall supervision of the different operating units.

7. Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG)

Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 32-2017 reactivates the Post
Clearance Audit Group (PCAG) formerly known as Post Entry Audit Group (PEAG).
PEAG was created in 2003 under EO 160-2003 and tasked to perform post-clearance
audit work of the Bureau of Customs. In 2013, the functions of PEAG was transferred
to the Department of Finance until President Rodrigo Duterte signed EO No. 46 on
October 2017 returning the post-clearance audit function to the BOC. PCAG is headed
by an Assistant Commissioner who has direct supervision and control over the
management of the operating units of PCAG, which include the Trade Information and
Risk Analysis Office and Compliance Assessment Office.

8. Collection Districts
Each District is headed by a District Collector of Customs and collects duties,
taxes and other charges accruing to the government; exercises police powers;
supervises the entrance and clearance of vessels engaged in commerce; supervises
and controls handling of foreign mail; and supervises all import and export cargoes
and freight stations.

REFERENCES

BUCOR (2017). The Bureau of Corrections.http://www.bucor.gov.ph/about.html

Bureau of Customs (2019). The Bureau of Customs.//customs.gov.ph/offices/
Bureau of Fire Protection (2019). BFP Mission and Functions.
http://bfp.gov.ph/about-us/mandates-and-functions/#.XERhOl5S3IU
BJMP (2018). The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
http://www.bjmp.gov.ph/about.html
Bureau of Immigration (2019). The Bureau of Immigration, History, Mandate, and
Functions. http://www.immigration.
Danglosi, Eric L. (2019). Institutional Correction. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.
DILG Website. (No date). DILG organizational Structrue. Available at
http://www.dilg.gov.ph/aboutus.htm.#orgchart
Executive Order 292 (2011). Administrative Code of 1987.
http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_292_1987.html
Land Transportation Office (2019). The Land Transportation Office: Background, Mission,
Functions, and Services. http://lto.gov.ph
National Bureau of Investigation (2019). The National Bureau of Investigation, Its Objectives,
Mission, Functions, and Services. http://nbi.gov.ph/.
PDEA (2019). The PDEA Mission and Mandates. http://pdea.gov.ph/
Philippine Coast Guard (2019). The Philippine Coast Guard: Mandates, Mission, Functions.
http://www.coastguard.gov.ph
PNP Website. (2000). PNP organization (Online). Available at http://www.pnp.gov.ph
R.A. 9165 (2016). The Implementing Rules of R.A. 9165.
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno9165_irr.html#.VPuCvHa4KQU

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