NAPOLCOM enforces 60-day deadline for PNP dismissal cases

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) announced on Thursday that it has issued Office Order No. 2025-012, dated 2 June 2025, streamlining the process of summary dismissal proceedings for police administrative cases. The new directive mandates resolution of cases within sixty (60) working days from the filing of a complaint.

Signed by NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, the order outlines a strict, day-specific timeline for each stage of the process — from initial evaluation, formal charges, and hearings, to final case resolution.

Atty. Calinisan said the overhaul reinforces NAPOLCOM’s mandate under Republic Act No. 6975, as amended by RA 8551, to ensure swift justice and maintain professional standards within the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“This is justice with urgency. By setting clear timelines and holding everyone accountable to them, we ensure that complaints against police officers are resolved promptly — without delay, without injustice,” Calinisan said.

“Our goal is simple but bold: no case shall drag on. We act fast, fair, and fearlessly,” he emphasized.

Key reforms under the new order include:

• Complaint evaluation within one (1) working day

• Pre-charge investigation initiated within two (2) working days

• Counter-affidavit submission by respondents within five (5) working days

• Investigation and draft charge submission within five (5) working days

• Issuance of formal charges and assignment of hearing officer within one (1) working day each

• Summons served within two (2) working days

• Answer filed by respondent within seven (7) working days

• Pre-hearing conference within three (3) working days

• Position papers filed within seven (7) working days

• Clarificatory hearing, if necessary, within two (2) working days

• Investigation report submitted within seven (7) working days

• NAPOLCOM En Banc decision within fourteen (14) working days

Calinisan said the reforms are intended to speed up internal disciplinary actions, restore public trust, and boost morale within the police force by ensuring timely and fair resolutions to administrative complaints.

The order takes effect immediately and remains in force pending the revision of NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002, which currently governs disciplinary rules and procedures of other police oversight bodies such as IAS, PLEB, RDs, and the CPNP.

Calinisan added that the initiative underscores NAPOLCOM’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and timeliness in administering justice within the police service.