Important Laws
RA 6975, RA 9263, RA 10575, RA 10592 & Other Relevant Laws
In This Lesson
RA 6975 - DILG Act of 1990
Full Title
"An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police Under a Reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government, and for Other Purposes"
Key Provisions for BJMP
- Created BJMP as a line bureau under DILG
- Separated jail management from the Philippine Constabulary
- Defined BJMP's jurisdiction: District, city, and municipal jails
- Established chain of command from DILG Secretary to BJMP Chief
Agencies Created
- * Philippine National Police (PNP)
- * Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
- * Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
- * Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC)
Effectivity
- * Signed: December 13, 1990
- * Took effect: January 2, 1991
- * Foundation law for BJMP
RA 9263 - BJM&P Professionalization Act of 2004
Full Title
"An Act Providing for the Professionalization and Reorganization of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology"
Key Provisions
- Professionalization: Standardized training and qualifications
- Rank restructuring: Aligned with police and fire ranks
- Benefits: Improved retirement and separation benefits
- Career advancement: Merit-based promotion system
Qualifications for Jail Officers
- * Filipino citizen
- * College graduate (for officer ranks)
- * Pass physical and psychological tests
- * Good moral character
- * No criminal record
- * Pass BJMP qualifying examination
RA 10575 - Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013
Full Title
"An Act Strengthening the Bureau of Corrections and Providing Funds Therefor"
BJMP vs BuCor
- BJMP: Sentences of 3 years or less
- BuCor: Sentences of more than 3 years
- Clear delineation of responsibilities
Transfer of Inmates
- * Inmates sentenced to more than 3 years
- * Must be transferred to BuCor facilities
- * Coordination between agencies required
BuCor Operating Prisons
- * New Bilibid Prison (Muntinlupa)
- * Correctional Institution for Women
- * Davao Prison and Penal Farm
- * Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
- * San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm
- * Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm
- * Leyte Regional Prison
RA 10592 - Good Conduct Time Allowance Law
Full Title
"An Act Amending Articles 29, 94, 97, 98 and 99 of Act No. 3815, As Amended, Otherwise Known as The Revised Penal Code"
| Years of Imprisonment | GCTA per Month |
|---|---|
| First 2 years | 5 days per month |
| 3rd to 5th year | 8 days per month |
| 6th to 10th year | 10 days per month |
| 11th year and thereafter | 15 days per month |
Additional GCTA Credits
- * Study - additional days for education
- * Work - additional days for labor
- * Loyalty - for faithful service
- * Special GCTA - for extraordinary acts
Not Entitled to GCTA
- * Recidivists
- * Habitual delinquents
- * Those who escaped
- * Those who evaded sentence
Other Relevant Laws
RA 9165 - Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
Defines drug-related offenses and penalties. Mandates drug testing and rehabilitation programs in jails.
RA 9344 - Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006
Establishes special treatment for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). Minimum age of criminal responsibility is 15 years old.
RA 7438 - Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained, or Under Custodial Investigation
Defines rights of detained persons including right to counsel, right against torture, and right to communicate.
RA 9745 - Anti-Torture Act of 2009
Prohibits torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment against detainees. Prescribes penalties for violators.
PD 968 - Probation Law of 1976
Allows suspension of sentence and release under supervision for qualified offenders. Alternative to imprisonment.
DILG Policies & Circulars
BJMP Manual
- * Standard Operating Procedures
- * Jail rules and regulations
- * Code of conduct
- * Disciplinary procedures
DILG Memoranda
- * Implementation guidelines
- * Policy updates
- * Administrative orders
- * Coordination directives
UN Standard Minimum Rules (Nelson Mandela Rules)
- International standards for treatment of prisoners
- Basic principles of humane treatment
- Guidelines for prison management
- Adopted by BJMP as guiding principles
Key Takeaways
- ✓RA 6975 (1990) created BJMP as a line bureau under DILG
- ✓RA 9263 (2004) professionalized BJMP with standardized qualifications
- ✓RA 10575 (2013) clarified BJMP handles 3 years or less; BuCor handles more than 3 years
- ✓RA 10592 provides GCTA: 5 days/month for first 2 years, increasing to 15 days/month after 10 years
- ✓RA 9745 prohibits torture; RA 7438 protects rights of detained persons