The National Police Commission is the agency mandated by the 1987 Constitution and the Major Police Reform Laws, Republic Act Nos. 6975 and 8551 to administer and control the Philippine National Police.

Under R.A. 8551, otherwise known as the “PNP REFORM AND ORGANIZATION ACT OF 1998” the Commission’s authority over the PNP was strengthened and expanded to include administration of police entrance examinations, the conduct of pre-charge investigation of police anomalies and irregularities, and summary dismissal of erring police officers.

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

Exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the Philippine National Police (PNP) which shall mean the power to:

Develop policies and promulgate a police manual prescribing rules and regulations for efficient organization, administration, and operation, including criteria for manpower allocation distribution and deployment, recruitment, selection, promotion, and retirement of personnel and the conduct of qualifying entrance and promotional examinations for uniformed members;

Examine and audit, and thereafter establish the standards for such purposes on a continuing basis, the performance, activities, and facilities of all police agencies throughout the country;

Establish a system of uniform crime reporting;

Conduct an annual self-report survey and compile statistical data for the accurate assessment of the crime situation and the proper evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of all police units in the country;

Approve or modify plans and programs on education and training, logistical requirements, communications, records, information systems, crime laboratory, crime prevention and crime reporting;

Affirm, reverse or modify, through the National Appellate Board, personnel disciplinary actions involving demotion or dismissal from the service imposed upon members of the Philippine National Police by the Chief of the Philippine National Police;

Exercise appellate jurisdiction through the Regional Appellate Boards, over administrative cases against policemen and over decisions on claims for police benefits;

Prescribe minimum standards for arms, equipment, and uniforms and, after consultation with the Philippine Heraldry Commission, for insignia of ranks, awards, and medals of honor. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the standards of the uniformed personnel of the PNP must be revised which should be clearly distinct from the military and reflective of the civilian character of the police;

Issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in matters pertaining to the discharge of its own powers and duties, and designate who among its personnel can issue such processes and administer oaths in connection therewith;

Inspect and assess the compliance of the PNP on the established criteria for manpower allocation, distribution, and deployment and their impact on the community and the crime situation, and thereafter formulate appropriate guidelines for maximization of resources and effective utilization of the PNP personnel;

Monitor the performance of the local chief executives as deputies of the Commission; and

Monitor and investigate police anomalies and irregularities.

Advise the President on all matters involving police functions and administration;

Render to the President and to the Congress an annual report on its activities and accomplishments during the thirty (30) days after the end of the calendar year, which shall include an appraisal of the conditions obtaining in the organization and administration of police agencies in the municipalities, cities and provinces throughout the country, and recommendations for appropriate remedial legislation;

Recommend to the President, through the Secretary, within sixty (60) days before the commencement of each calendar year, a crime prevention program; and

Perform such other functions necessary to carry out the provisions of R.A. 6975, as amended, other existing laws and Presidential issuances, and as the President may direct.