17 hours ago
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IN a decisive move to ensure efficiency, accountability, and timeliness in the administration of justice within the police service, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has issued Office Order 2025-012, dated June 2, 2025, streamlining the entire process of Summary Dismissal Proceedings of police administrative cases to ensure speedy disposition within 60 working days from the filing of a complaint.
Under the directive signed by Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, the Napolcom laid out a detailed, day-specific timeline that covers all stages of the summary dismissal process — from the initial evaluation of complaints, issuance of formal charges, conduct of hearings, up to the final resolution of cases.
Among the key reforms, the Office Order 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.
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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.
