RA 6975 — DILG Act & PNP Creation - Cheat sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for RA 6975, the law that created the modern Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
Basic Information
Important facts
- RA 6975 approved: December 13, 1990
- PNP established: January 29, 1991
- PNP is civilian, national, and professional in character
- Disbanded Philippine Constabulary (PC) and Integrated National Police (INP)
- Created three new bureaus: PNP, BFP, BJMP
Key definitions
RA 6975
Example
Signed December 13, 1990; PNP established January 29, 1991
Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 that created the PNP as a single national police force
DILG
Example
Created by RA 6975; headed by DILG Secretary
Department of Interior and Local Government - assists President in supervising local government and public safety
PNP
Example
Replaced Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police
Philippine National Police - single national police force, civilian in character
DILG Structure
Important facts
- DILG Secretary is a Cabinet member appointed by the President
- DILG has 7 bureaus: PNP, BFP, BJMP, NAPOLCOM, PPSC, LGA, NBOO
- BFP implements RA 9514 (Fire Code of Philippines)
- BJMP handles persons awaiting trial or serving terms below 3 years
- PPSC issues degrees, certificates, and rank promotions
Key definitions
BFP
Example
Separated from Philippine Constabulary fire functions
Bureau of Fire Protection - handles fire prevention, suppression, and investigation
BJMP
Example
Different from Bureau of Corrections (DOJ) which handles national prisons
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology - operates city/municipal jails for sentences under 3 years
PPSC
Example
Includes PNPA, National Police College, Fire Training Institute
Philippine Public Safety College - trains PNP, BFP, and BJMP personnel
Diagrams to know
- DILG organizational chart
- Hierarchy of DILG bureaus
NAPOLCOM
Important facts
- NAPOLCOM has 6 members total
- Chairperson: DILG Secretary (ex officio)
- Vice Chairperson: appointed by President
- 3 Regular Commissioners: at least 1 woman, 1 lawyer
- Chief PNP: ex officio member
- Administers PNP entrance and promotional exams
Key definitions
NAPOLCOM
Example
Exercises administrative control and operational supervision over PNP
National Police Commission - policy-making and oversight body for PNP
POEE
Example
Also administers POPE (promotional examinations)
Police Officer Entrance Examination - administered by NAPOLCOM for entry-level officers
Diagrams to know
- NAPOLCOM composition diagram
PNP Mandate and Powers
Important facts
- PNP is civilian in character (not military)
- National in scope (operates throughout Philippines)
- Professional (merit-based entry and promotion)
- Bachelor's degree required for entry
- Originally headed by Director General (now Police General under RA 11200)
- Entry rank: Patrolman (now Police Officer I)
Key definitions
PNP Mandate
Example
Effect arrests, detain suspects, bring offenders to justice
Enforce laws, maintain peace and order, protect lives and property, investigate crimes
Diagrams to know
- PNP organizational structure
- PNP rank classification system
Local Government Relations
Important facts
- Governors supervise PNP at provincial level
- Mayors supervise PNP at city/municipal level
- Local officials have deputized supervision, not full control
- PNP maintains national chain of command
- Modified by subsequent reforms but basic principle remains
Key definitions
Governor's Role
Example
Has operational supervision over PNP within jurisdiction (subject to limits)
Deputized representative of NAPOLCOM at provincial level
Mayor's Role
Example
Local supervision but PNP chain of command flows through Camp Crame
Deputized representative of NAPOLCOM at city/municipal level
Must remember
- RA 6975 approved December 13, 1990; PNP established January 29, 1991
- Created three bureaus: PNP, BFP, BJMP
- PNP is civilian, national, and professional in character
- NAPOLCOM has 6 members: DILG Secretary (Chair), Vice Chair, 3 Commissioners, Chief PNP
- At least one NAPOLCOM Commissioner must be a woman, one must be a lawyer
- Bachelor's degree required for PNP entry
- Governors and mayors are deputized NAPOLCOM representatives
- BJMP handles jails for sentences under 3 years; BuCor handles 3+ years
- PNP replaced Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police
- NAPOLCOM administers PNP entrance and promotional examinations
Last minute tips
- Remember the exact date: December 13, 1990 (approval) and January 29, 1991 (PNP establishment)
- Don't confuse BJMP (city/municipal jails) with BuCor (national prisons) - different departments
- NAPOLCOM composition: always 6 members total, with specific gender and profession requirements
- PNP is under DILG, not DOJ or DND - this distinguishes it from other law enforcement agencies
- The three new bureaus created are PNP, BFP, and BJMP - not NBI or PDEA which existed separately
Comparison tables
Before vs After RA 6975
| Before RA 6975 | After RA 6975 | |
|---|---|---|
| Police Forces | Philippine Constabulary + INP | Single PNP |
| Character | Paramilitary under AFP | Civilian under DILG |
| Fire Services | Under PC | Separate BFP |
| Jail Management | Under PC | Separate BJMP |
| Command Structure | Divided authority | Unified command |
PNP vs Other Law Enforcement
| Agency | Department | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| PNP | DILG | General police work |
| NBI | DOJ | Investigation |
| Bureau of Immigration | DOJ | Immigration control |
| PDEA | Independent | Drug enforcement |
| BuCor | DOJ | National prisons (3+ years) |
Diagrams
RA 6975 Overview
Complete overview of RA 6975 components and their relationships
NAPOLCOM Structure and Functions
NAPOLCOM composition and key functions under RA 6975
RA 6975 Implementation Timeline
Timeline of RA 6975 enactment and major amendments