Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Non-Institutional Correction
(Probation, Parole ad Executive Clemency)
Parole and Probation
Administration (PPA) JOHN AUGUSTUS – “The father
Official Logo of probation in USA.”
Subject Code: Correctional Administration (CA) 2
Course Description: The course focuses on Presidential Decree 968, otherwise known as the “Probation Law of
1976 as Amended, “establishing a probation system in the Philippines, its historical background, philosophy,
concepts and operation as a new correctional system, investigation, selection and condition of probation,
distinction between incarceration, parole, probation and other forms of executive clemency, total involvement of
probation in the administration of the Criminal Justice System.
This course also treats the study of act 4103, as amended, otherwise known as the “Indeterminate Sentence Law”
that created the Board of Pardons and Parole, system of releasing and recognizance, execution, clemency and
pardon.
General Objectives: Upon completion of the course the students are expected to:
1. interpret the provisions of laws related to probation, parole and executive clemency;
2. explain fully the basic concepts, principles and philosophy of the Probation System as well as parole and
executive clemency;
3. describe the relationships of the probation administration with the other pillars of criminal justice system;
4. recommend or provide solutions or problems involving probation investigation and supervision;
5. discuss the operations of probation in the country;
6. apply learned concepts in their everyday life.
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY BASED
CORRECTION PROGRAM
Correction is the branch of the administration of CJS
charged with the responsibility for the custody, supervision
CHAPTER CONTENTS and rehabilitation of convicted offenders. It is also define
1. The Present Philippine Correctional Set-Up as the STUDY OF JAIL OR PRISON MANAGEMENT AND
2. Community-Based Correction Programs in the ADMINISTRATION as well as the rehabilitation and
Philippines reformation of criminals.
3. Advantage of Community Based Correction Further, it is define as a GENERIC TERM that includes all
Programs government agencies, facilities, programs, procedures,
4. The role of Community Corrections in the personnel, and techniques concerned with the
Criminal Justice System investigation, intake, custody, confinement, supervision, or
5. Basic Principles Underlying the Philosophy of treatment of alleged offenders.
Community-Based Treatment Programs
6. Subject coverage B. DUAL PURPOSE OF CORRECTIONS
1. To punish and
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES 2. To rehabilitate the offender.
At the end of the chapter, students should be able to:
1. define correction and identify its role as C. THE CORRECTIONS AS A COMPONENT OF CRIMINAL
component of criminal justice system. JUSTICE SYSTEM
2. illustrate and understand the present Philippine Correction is the fourth pillar of the PCJS, and
correctional set-up. identified as the weakest pillar. As a field of criminal justice
3. define community-based correction. administration, it utilizes the body of knowledge and
4. differentiate and compare institutional practices of the government and the society in general
correction to community based correction involving the process of handling individuals who have
program. been convicted of offenses for purposes of crime
5. identify the advantages of community based prevention and control.
correction program and explain its role in the Among the five pillars of the criminal justice system,
criminal justice system. corrections is the least heard, known or understood society
6. identify and justify the basic principles seems to have some reluctance to look at it although its
underlying the philosophy of community role in the reformation and rehabilitation of offenders
based-treatment programs. cannot be overemphasized. Furthermore, jail
7. enumerates and differentiates the forms of administration and control in our country is distributed to
community based correction program. at least, four agencies:
1. The BUREAU OF CONNECTIONS (BUCOR), under
the DOJ; which has supervision over the national
penitentiary and its penal farms;
2. The BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND
PENOLOGY (BJMP), under the DILG; which has the
exclusive control over all city, municipal and
district Jails nationwide;
3. The PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS, under DILG;
which supervise and control their respective
provincial and sub-provincial Jails; and
4. the DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND
DEVELOPMENT (DSWD), which takes care of,
among others, youthful offenders entered in
detention centers for juveniles, aside from thesce,
I. THE PRESENT PHILIPPINE Other agencies under this pillar are the: (Community
CORRECTIONAL SET-UP Based Correction)
1. The Parole and Probation Administration (PPA)
under the Department of Justice (DOJ); and
A. WHAT IS CORRECTION?
2. The Board of Pardons and Parole also under the OPLAN DECONGESTION was formalized through the
Department of Justice. execution of a memorandum of agreement on February 12,
1993. Among the public attorney’s office, the parole and
NOTA BENE: There are also LOCK-UP JAILS under the probation administration, the Board of Pardons and Parole
Philippine National Police (PNP); this fragmented which are all under the Department of Justice, and the
administration of jails often creates confusion since Bureau of Jail Management and Penology which is under
many are not aware of this set-up. the Department of the Interior and local government. The
avowed PURPOSE of said agreement (MOA) was jail
Generally, corrections, as a component of the system decongestion through collective and cooperative efforts.
are responsible for: Realizing that all helps available must be harnessed to
1. The MAINTENANCE of institution such as prisons, effectively combat overcrowding or congestion in jails, the
jails, halfway houses, and others. said memorandum of agreement was EXPANDED on
2. The PROTECTION of law-abiding members of society August 17, 1993 with the inclusion of the National
by keeping convicted offenders from preying on Prosecution service or (NAPROS) as the fifth party thereto.
society. True to its form, the MOA spreads up its intent through
3. The REFORMATION and rehabilitation of offenders in seminars. These offered opportunities to officials and
preparation for their eventual reintegration to the personnel of the tasked agencies to familiarize themselves
mainstream of society and helping them lead a with the mechanics of the agreement, as well as to offer
normal life after release. avenue to discuss various aspects of how jails are to be
4. The DETERRENCE of crimes, experience in prison and decongested.
the fear of isolation and denial of liberty will
influence inmates and potential offenders to lead a E. LAW AND DECREES USUALLY AVAILED OF TO
life not in conflict or afoul with the law. DECONGEST JAILS
D. DECONGESTION OF JAILS 1. Presidential Decree No. 603, known as the child and
There are several laws, decrees and circulars which we young welfare code, suspends sentence of minor
implement to decongest our jails. But before we discuss offenders whose ages range from nine (9) years to
these, allow me to show you how congested our jails are as under eighteen (18) years and place them in
far as the national capital region is concerned. rehabilitation centers under the supervision of the
Jail congestion is not a recent phenomenon, nor is it Department of Social Welfare and Development before
confined in the Philippines alone. Jail congestion is they are released to the custody of their parents or to
WORLDWIDE. Some industrialized countries like the United any responsible person.
States, experience it, let me cite a few examples: Rikkers
Island in New York is actually an island prison facility. It is 2. Batas Pambansa Bilang 85, authorizes the release of a
overcrowded. To cushion the effect of congestion, two detainee who has undergone preventive imprisonment
floating dormitories were constructed to confine offenders equivalent to the maximum imposable sentence for the
therein; in 1995 or four years ago. Director General Keith offense he is charged with’
Hamburger of the Queensland services commission of
Australia reported that congestion is also a problem in his 3. Article 96 of the Revised Penal Code, provides that in
country. meritorious cases, the commutation of the prisoner’s
In January of 1994, in Manila, Ronald W. Nikkel, sentence through presidential action shall be upon the
president of prison fellowship international who had toured recommendation of the court which imposed the
some of the jails in the National Capital Region (NCR) and same; and ARTICLE 97, which provides that a prisoner
the New Biliid Prisons of the Bureau of corrections in shall be entitled to a deduction from his prison term for
Municipal City observed and commented that in the 41 good conduct; and
countries of the world he had traveled, most have a
problem on congestion. He added that this problem is 4. DOJ Memorandum Circular no. 6 which directs all
PREVALENT IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES. wardens or anyone in-charge of local jails to effect the
In our country, jail congestion, particularly in big cities immediate transfer of national prisoners to the Bureau
and municipalities, has been a PERENNIAL PROBLEM ever of corrections.
since. This problem, to borrow a parallelism, is a sleeping
giant. Unfortunately, for jail administrators and personnel, 5. Republic Act No. 9165- Comprehensive Dangerous
the giant has taken up and is stretching its enormous arms Drug Act of 2002 (July 4, 2002) -1st time minor offender
and legs. OPLAN DECONGESTION must be put in place to (probation) for use 2 possession only./deport
lay this giant back to sleep.
6. Republic Act No. 9344 – Juvenile & Justice welfare Act stay in the community, subject to the conditions
of 2006 (May) imposed by the court.
They are either granted probation, parole,
7. Republic Act No. 6036, known as the release on conditional pardon or recognizance. The parole and
recognizance law, provides for the release of offenders probation Administration under the Department of
charged with an offense whose penalty is not more Justice is the government agency that supervises the
than six (6) months and/or a fine of Two Thousand activities of the probationer, parolee and pardonee and
pesos (2,000) or both, to the custody of a responsible monitors his compliance with conditions imposed.
person in the community, instead of a bail bond;
What is a Community correction?
8. Republic Act No. 6127, fully deducts the period of the It is a sanction in which offenders serve some or all
offenders’ preventive detention from the sentence their sentence in the community. It is sometimes
imposed by the courts; referred to as non-institutional corrections. The subfield
of corrections in which offenders are supervised and
9. Republic Act No. 4103, as amended, creating the Board provided services outside jail or prison.
of Pardons and Parole tasked to look into the physical,
mental and moral record of prisoners to determine DISTINCTION BETWEEN INSTITUTIONAL AND NON-
who shall be eligible for parole or conditional pardon. INSTITUTIONAL CORRECTION
10. Presidential Decree No. 968 July 24, 1976 is the Institutional Non-Institutional
Philippine Probation Law of 1976. Probation is, of That aspect of the That aspect of the
course, a very important legal instrument that correctional enterprise correctional enterprise
contributes to the decongestion of Philippine jails. that involves the that includes pardon,
incarceration and probation, and parole
F. APPROACHES OF PHILIPPINE CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM rehabilitation of adults activities, correctional
The Philippine Correctional System has two and juveniles convicted administration not
approaches, and these are, the Community based and of offenses against the directly connectable to
institution-based systems. law, and the institutions, and
confinement of persons miscellaneous (activity)
1. The Institution-Based Approach-The rehabilitation of suspected of a crime not directly related to
offenders in jail or prison awaiting trial and institutional care.
The institution-based approaches has three levels adjudication.
and are manned by three different government
agencies responsible for the supervision and control of
the numerous institutional facilities nationwide which II. COMMUNITY-BASED
provide safekeeping and rehabilitation of inmates,
namely:
CORRECTION PROGRAMS IN THE
1. The national prison’s and penal farms under the PHILIPPINES
Department of justice; The Community-Based Treatment Programs are those
2. The provincial and sub-provincial jails under the programs that are intended to treat criminal offenders
provincial government; and within the free community as alternatives to confinement.
3. The City, Municipal and District Jails under the It includes all correctional activities directly addressed to
Department of Interior and Local Government. the offender and aimed at helping him to become a law-
The Bureau of corrections, headed by a non- abiding citizen.
uniformed director, under the department of Justice, Community-based correction programs began in the
supervises and controls the national prisons and penal 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The programs offer an alternative
farms. to incarceration within the prison system. Many
criminologists believed a significant number of offenders
2. Non-Institutional Correction or Community-Based did not need incarceration in high security prison cells.
Approach- It refers to correctional activities that may Some inmates, who might otherwise have been ready to
take place within the community or the method of turn away from a life of crime, instead became like the
correcting sentenced offenders without having to go hardened criminals they associated with in prison.
to prison. In response, states, counties, and cities established
Not all convicted offenders have to serve their local correctional facilities and programs that became
sentence behind bars. Some of them are allowed to known as community-based corrections. These facilities,
located in neighborhoods, allowed offenders normal family
relationships and friendships as well as rehabilitation 2. Restorative Aspect - There are measures expected
services such as counseling, instruction in basic living skills, to be achieved by the offender, such as an
how to apply for jobs, and work training and placement. establishment of a position in the community in
which he does not violate the laws. These
III.ADVANTAGES OF COMMUNITY- measures may be directed at changing and
controlling the offender. The failure of the
BASED CORRECTION offender to achieve these can result to recidivism.
1. Family members need not be victims also for the
imprisonment of a member because the convict 3. Managerial Aspect - Managerial skills are special
can still continue to support his family. importance because of the sharp contrast
2. Rehabilitation will be more effective as the convict between the per capital cost of custody and any
will not be exposed to hardened criminals in kind of community program. It is easier to manage
prisons who will only influence him to a life of those undergoing community based treatment
crime. programs than that of custodial control.
3. Rehabilitation can be monitored by the community
thus corrections can be made and be more VI.SUBJECT COVERAGE
effective. 1. Probation - One of the most common forms of
4. It is less costly on the part of the government. Cost community correction is probation. Probation can
of incarcerations will be eliminated which is be thought of as a type of post-trial diversion from
extremely beneficial on the part of the incarceration. A term coined by John Augustus,
government. from the Latin verb “probare”- to prove, to test.
It is a disposition under which a defendant
IV.THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY after conviction of an offense, the penalty of which
does not exceed 6 years of imprisonment, is
CORRECTIONS IN THE released subject to the conditions imposed by the
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM releasing court and under the supervision of a
probation officer.
Community sentence seeks to repair the harm the
Furthermore, it is define as a sentence in which
offender has caused the victim or the Community,
the offender, rather than being incarcerated, is
provide for public safety and rehabilitate and promote
retained in the community under the supervision
effective reintegration.
of a probation agency and required to abide by
certain rules and conditions to avoid incarceration.
A community correction has traditionally emphasized
REHABILITATION as its goal. The staff of community
2. Diversion – For juvenile offender or CICL
correctional programs has two potentially competing
roles that reflect different goals:
3. Restitution - In recent years it has become
a. Seeing that offenders comply with the orders of
increasingly common for jurisdictions to include
community sentences.
restitution orders as part of probation.
b. Helping offenders identify and address their
Money paid or services provided to victims,
problems and needs.
their survivors, or to the community by a convicted
offender to make up for the injury inflicted.
V. BASIC PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING
4. Halfway houses - Community-based residential
THE PHILOSOPHY OF facilities that are less secure and restrictive than
COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT prison or jail but provide a more controlled
environment than other community correctional
PROGRAMS programs.
The following are the basic principles underlying the
philosophy of community-based treatment programs: Goal of Halfway House: The goal of halfway
houses is to provide offenders with a temporary
1. Humanitarian Aspect - Imprisonment is not always period of highly structured and supportive living so
advisable. Placing a person to custodial coercion is that they will be better prepared to function
to place him in physical jeopardy, thus drastically independently in the community upon discharge.
narrowing his access to sources of personal
satisfaction and reducing his self-esteem. What is home Confinement? It is a program that
requires offenders to remain in their homes except
for approved periods of absence; commonly used
in combination with electronic monitoring. Home 2. Conditional Pardon-It refers to the
confinement is also known as home incarceration, exemption of an individual, within certain
home detention, and house arrest. limits or conditions; from the punishment
that the law inflicts for the offense he has
OTHER ASPECTS OF CORRECTIONS committed resulting in the partial
extinction of his criminal liability.
1. Parole - It is the process of suspending the
sentence of a convict after having serve the It is also granted by the President of
minimum of his sentence without granting him the Philippines to release an inmate who
pardon, and the prescribing term upon which the has been reformed but is not eligible to be
sentence shall be suspended. released on parole.
Purpose:
a. To right a wrong
b.To normalize a tumultuous
political situation.
Under disqualification (e), those who will serve 8. Defendant is not entitled as a matter of right to the
sentence after the substantive provisions of the Decree assistance of counsel in the investigation. The
shall become operative will be permitted to do so, probation law does not have a provision guaranteeing
according to one view. The reason given is that the right to counsel in such investigation. The
otherwise it would have been unnecessary for the law constitutional guarantee that in all criminal
to specify the time at which the offender concerned prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to be
should be serving his sentence. Another view, heard by himself and counsel and that any person
however, points to the principle of separation of under investigation for the commission of an offense
powers. shall have the right to counsel would not seem to apply
because the investigation by the probation officer is
4. Probation, it is argued, as laid out by the Decree is neither prosecutory nor accusatory in character. It is
primarily a judicial function, while the service or merely a fact-finding inquiry.
execution of sentence is an executive one. When the
convict is delivered to the hands of the prison 9. Neither is the constitutional guarantee against self-
authorities, to subsequently allow the judiciary to reach incrimination that no person shall be compelled to be
him by suspending the further service of his sentence a witness against himself, available in the
and placing him on probation would constitute an investigation. The said guarantee does not depend
intrusion into the prerogatives of the executive to upon the nature of the proceedings in which it is
whom belongs the exclusive power to grant reprieves, invoked, of course, and it may be availed of as long as
commutations and pardons and remit fines and the questions objected to would incriminate the
forfeitures. person who 'is asked to answer the same. But it is an
established doctrine that where the answer to a Probation Law. Indeed, under Article 112 in relation to
question, however self-incriminating, may not be used Article 113, of the Revised Penal Code, except in case of
as evidence of criminal liability of the respondent extinction of his civil liability in accordance with the
because there is a law prohibiting its use for that provisions of the civil law, the offender shall continue
purpose, then the privilege against self-incrimination to be obliged to satisfy the civil liability resulting from
may not be validly invoked to justify refusal to answer the crime committed by him, even if he has served his
the question. Section 17 of the Probation Law provides sentence consisting of deprivation of liberty or other
that the investigation report and the supervision rights, or has not been required to serve the same by
history of the probationer obtained under this decree reason of amnesty, pardon, commutation of service, or
shall be privileged, i.e., it may not legally be used as· any other reason.
evidence of liability.
12. The grant of probation does not erase, modify of RELATED PROVISIONS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9344
otherwise affect the offender's CIVIL LIABILITY.
Probation is a substitute for imprisonment and other Sec. 5 of Republic act No. 9344: Rights of the Child in
criminal penalties, not a mode of discharging the civil Conflict with the Law. - Every child in conflict with the law
liability, which is owed not to the State but to the shall have the following rights, including but not limited to:
offended party. The sentence, which is suspended from xxx
execution, means only the imposition of the criminal (m) the right to probation as an alternative to
penalties, not the civil liability. If it were otherwise, the imprisonment, if qualified under the Probation
offended party would have to file a separate civil action Law; xxx
thereby creating multiplicity of suits, contrary to public
policy. In fact, civil indemnification might be imposed Sec. 42 of Republic act No. 9344: Probation as an
as a condition for probation under Section 10 (k) of the Alternative to Imprisonment. - The court may, after it shall
have convicted and sentenced a child in conflict with the
law, and upon application at any time, place the child on 603
probation in lieu of service of his/her sentence taking into
account the best interest of the child. For this purpose, Under Presidential Decree Under Presidential Decree
Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 968, otherwise known No. 603 the youthful No. 968, the offender is
as the "Probation Law of 1976", is hereby amended offender is neither convicted and sentenced.
accordingly. convicted nor sentenced Section 3 defines probation
although the court finding as a disposition under
Sec. 43 of Republic act No. 9344: Confidentiality of Records him guilty determines the which a defendant, after
and Proceedings. - All records and proceedings involving imposable penalty and conviction and sentence, is
children in conflict with the law from initial contact until orders his commitment as released subject to
final disposition of the case shall be considered privileged a matter of course to any conditions imposed by the
and confidential. The public shall be excluded during the of the trustees for his court and to the supervision
proceedings and the records shall not be disclosed directly correction and of a probation officer. The
or indirectly to anyone by any of the parties or the rehabilitation, even probationer is not
participants in the proceedings for any purpose without his asking for it committed to any
whatsoever, EXCEPT to determine if the child in conflict and without any prior institution but is set free
with the law may have his/her sentence suspended or if investigation. under the constructive
he/she may be granted probation under the Probation custody of the court which
Law, or to enforce the civil liability imposed in the criminal heard his application for
action. probation. Section 4 of the
The component authorities shall undertake all Probation Decree requires
measures to protect this confidentiality of proceedings, that defendant should
including non-disclosure of records to the media, apply for probation.
maintaining a separate police blotter for cases involving
children in conflict with the law and adopting a system of
coding to conceal material information which will lead to
the child's identity. Records of a child in conflict with the
law shall not be used in subsequent proceedings for cases
involving the same offender as an adult, except when
beneficial for the offender and upon his/her written
consent.
A person who has been in conflict with the law as a
child shall not be held under any provision of law, to be
guilty of perjury or of concealment or misrepresentation by
reason of his/her failure to acknowledge the case or recite
any fact related thereto in response to any inquiry made to
him/her for any purpose.
A. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PROBATION Another state adopting a partial measure was Missouri
with its “parole of convicted person’s law of 1897.”
IN ENGLAND
Early in the 19th century the English magistrates The second state to enact a real probation law. The
initiated experiments to save young and inexperienced Vermont like Missouri and unlike Massachusetts provided
offenders from stigma of prison. They made use of the for probation only after suspension of the execution of
latitude allowed then under the common law to bind over sentence. The bills in both states were supported by the
defendants, who should be brought back for sentence if state correctional agencies. Many features of the
the conditions of release were violated. Massachusetts law were incorporated, with several
The need for supervision and assistance to those so innovations since followed elsewhere. Vermont was the
released was met by assigning the young offender to the first to adopt a county plan.
care and guardianship of his parents or his employer with
an occasional check on his progress by the police. The third state to enact a real probation law is Rhode
Island. A complete state-administered probation system
WHO IS MATHEW DAVENPORT HILL? appeared first in Rhode Island. The Act of 1899 empowered
Mathew Davenport Hill is considered the father of the board of state charities and corrections to appoint a
probation in England. He left an interesting account of his state probation officer and additional probation officers,
experiments in the Birmingham court. He was in the “one of whom at least shall be a women,” to serve all
forefront of reforming juvenile offenders. He finds persons courts in the state. The Act followed Massachusetts in
who act as guardians of the juvenile offender. Then at an permitting the use of probation before the imposition of
unexpected period, the confidential officer visits the sentence and even without conviction but the limitation of
guardian, makes inquiries and keeps notes of information probation to less serious offenses was an unfortunate
received. departure from the laws of Massachusetts and Vermont.
He conducted his experiment in the Birmingham Court.
Beginning in the early years of 1481, he acted for and in Success of probation became known in other English
behalf of juvenile offenders, when he believes: speaking countries. Illinois and Minnesota in 1899 Plan for
1. The individual is not fully corrupt children only. New Jersey and New York enacted probation
2. There was reasonable hope of reformation law in 1900.
3. When there could be found persons to act
As guardian they are kind enough to take charge of the Finally, on March 4, 1925 the UNITED STATES FEDERAL
young convict. In the belief that there is better hope for PROBATION ACT was enacted.
reformation under such guardians than in prison.
At unexpected period, confidential officers visits the WHO IS JOHN AUGUSTUS?
guardians, make inquiries and register facts. He was thus
informed and records were kept. John Augustus is the father of probation in the USA. He
is a Boston shoemaker, first to develop a sustained service
B. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PROBATION IN to promote temperance and to reclaim drunkards.
UNITED STATES Although later he begun to take men and woman charged
The first state to enact a real probation law in United with other crimes, then eventually children. As indicated by
States is Massachusetts. The first practical demonstration the story of the first case, his method was to provide bail
of probation, first use of the term as court service, and the for a temporary suspension or postponement of sentence,
enactment of the first probation law occurred in during which he sought to counsel and assist such persons
Massachusetts. find homes, securing employment and adjusting family
difficulties. At the end of the probation period, he brought
Volunteer services evolved in Maryland. The prisoners back the offender to court, and if no further complaint had
Aid Association of Maryland, organized in 1869, employed
been lodged against the offender, the judged imposed a
nominal fine with costs. If the man was too poor, Mr.
C. HISTORY OF PROBATION IN THE
Augustus advanced the amount, usually as loan. PHILIPPINES
John Augustus originated in rudimentary form, many of
the techniques of probation officers and other social A. The Adult Probation Law of 1935
workers today, including casework, foster home The Philippine Legislature enacted the first probation
placement, and protective work for women and children. of the Philippines. The first legislation was Act No. 4221
enacted by the Philippine legislature on August 07, 1935 and
This was brought about by the changing attitudes of which created a Probation Offices under the Department of
the people towards law breaker and the removal of the Justice led by a Chief Probation Officer appointed by the
inherited attitudes from the PURITANS. American Governor General with the advice and consent of
the United States. This Law provided probation for the first
John Augustus was born in 1785 at Woburn time offenders, eighteen years of age and over, convicted
Massachusetts and moved to Lexington Green and became of a certain crime.
a Cordwainer or Bootmaker. He prospered and acquired
large track of land apart conveyed to Lexington Academy However, the law stayed in the statue Books for only
to erect a school. Which he became a trustee. In 1827 he Two years. The act subsequently declared unconstitutional
moved to Boston and set up a shop at Franklin Avenue near by the Supreme Court on Nov. 16, 1937 in People vs. Vera 37
the Courthouse. He began to visit courthouse because of O.G. 164.
his membership with the Washington Total Abstinence
Society, formed in Boston in 1841 to promote temperance NOTA BENE:
and to reclaim drunkards. During the first year, he took only The ill-fated Act was only procedural framework
men charge with drunkenness. Then men and women that was antagonistic with the constitution/charter.
charge with other offense and then children/ number of Section 11 of Act no 4221, the fatal provision of the
cases increases each year Act, provided that "This Act shall apply only in those
provinces in which the respective provincial boards
METHODS OF AUGUSTUS have provided for the salary of a probation officer . . ..
1. Provide bail for temporary suspension of "
punishment of sentence
2. Then he sought counsel and assists his charges in The declaration of unconstitutionality of the Probation
finding homes, securing employment and adjusting Act of 1935 created a gap in the criminal justice system in
family difficulties. the Philippines. The criminal justice system is the machinery
3. At the end of probation he brought offender back which society uses in the prevention and control of crimes.
to court-if no further charges are found- judge Its components are the police, the courts, the penal
imposes a nominal fine with cost if man is poor, institutions, the probation and the parole systems the
Augustus advance fine as a loan. components are highly dependent upon one another. The
failure of one can destroy the effectiveness of all the others
AUGUSTUS EXPERIMENT within the system.
- August 1841- Rugged drunk man
- 3 weeks -The drunkard was brought back to In order to heighten the awareness of interdependency
court where the judge cannot recognize him. and cooperation among the components of the criminal
Imposes a fine of $ 3.76. justice system, as well as to improve judicial process and to
- Augustus died on June 21, 1859. And out of 2000 reduce the level of criminality, the National Police
person whom he extended his help, only 10 were Commission created an Inter-Disciplinary Committee in 1974
ungrateful. And out of 1100 cases, only one case to prepare a National Crime Prevention Program. On July
was forfeited. 24, 1976, a "National Strategy to Reduce Crimes" was
- Massachusetts became the 1st country to enact a finalized and presented to the President of the Philippines.
probation law on April 21, 1878 The Strategy proposed a two-pronged attack to reduce
crime in the country, namely: (1) to give emphasis on the
WHO IS GOVERNOR ALEXANDER H. RICE? prevention and control of high-fear and economic crimes by
He provided appointment and prescribed duties for implementing a number of priorities of actions; and (2) to
paid probation officers. improve the quality of the criminal justice system by
facilitating teamwork among its interdependent
WHO IS PRESIDENT CALVIN COOLIDGE? The former components.
governor of Massachusetts.
The following priorities of action were recommended:
1) Improvement of the quality of the criminal justice On Nov. 13, 1974, the Inter-Disciplinary Committee on
system among its interdependent components; Crime Prevention (IDCCP) was created to formulate a
2) Improvement of the management skills of law national crime prevention program for the courtly.
enforcement;
3) Reducing the delays in the criminal justice NOTA BENE: The committee places emphasis on “Pro-
processes; action (crime prevention) rather than Reaction (action
4) Making corrections more attuned to its role of after occurrence of the crime).
rehabilitating law offenders; and
5) Increasing the community participation in crime INTER-DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE ON CRIME PREVENTION
prevention. (IDCCP)
There were a number of projects recommended under The delegation’s official report served as the turning
each of these priorities of action, among which was the point for the Inter-Disciplinary Committee on Crime
establishment of an adult PROBATION SYSTEM. It was a Prevention of the commission to formulate for a national
priority action under (4). crime prevention program. As mandated under Section 4(k)
of republic Act no. 4864, otherwise known as the police Act
The rationale for recommending priority consideration of 1966”, the National Police Commission, on November 13,
to the establishment of a probation system is clearly 1974, created the IDCCP. The IDCCP then under the charge
apparent. of Commissioner Teodulo C. Natividad, was asked by the
1. The penal system in the country is characterized by Secretary and Chairman of NAPOLCOM, Juan Ponce Enrile
substandard treatment of prisoners. To try to train to draft the adult probation decree.
lawbreakers to obey the law in a substandard system is This Committee, the Inter-Disciplinary Committee, is
self-defeating. composed of authorities and representative from the five
2. The deterrent potentiality of the prisons is grossly pillars of the criminal justice system. After a laborious
exaggerated. No one has ever proved that the threat period of eighteen technical hearings involving sixty source
of severe punishment actually deters crime. persons, came out with the draft decree for presentation at
3. Prisons heighten the offenders' weaknesses and erode a seminar on the Probation System sponsored by the
their capacity for responsibility and sociability. National Police Commission and the U.P. Law Center on
4. The maintenance of penal institutions is costly on the April 24, 1976 subsequently attended by 369 participants.
part of the government. In view of these
considerations, an alternative to institutionalization for The Proposal was reviewed by a mixture of Jurist,
certain types of offenders was proposed. Such Penologist, Policemen, Educators subsequently civic
proposal was subsequently translated into a law on leaders, social and behavioral scientist, media men blue and
July 24, 1976, which is now known as the "Probation white collar workers and housewives. Two (2) foreign
Law of 1976" or Presidential Decree No. 968. experts participated namely Dr. Torsten Erickson, former
United Nations Inter-Regional Adviser on Crime Prevention
WHO IS TEODULO C. NATIVIDAD? Justice and Dr. A. Lamonth Smith. Director for Research
He is the Father of Probation in the Philippines. He Program Planning and Elicit comments on the adoption of
headed the committee (IDCCP) primarily tasked with the adult probation system in the country.
drafting of the adult probation law.
A survey was made to elicit comments on the adoption
A. THE ADULT PROBATION LAW OF 1976 of the adult probation system in the country. Favorable
It took a long time before another attempt was made resulted showed 87.1% in favor of the adoption, 7.1%
with introduction then by Congressman Teodulo C. apprehensive and 5.8% non-committal.
Natividad in collaboration with former Congressman
Ramon D. Bagatsing, House Bill No. 393. The measure was Thereafter, the draft was sent to the Secretary of the
passed in the Lower House and was pending in the senate Department of the National Defense, Secretary of the
when Martial Law was proclaimed in 1972. Department of the Justice and to the Supreme Court for
review and endorsement of the President.
The Presidential decree No. 968, established a
probation system less costly alternative to the The final forum of the proposed institutionalization of
imprisonment of the offender who are likely to respond to adult probation in the country was the First National
individualized, community-based treatment program is the Conference on Crime Control, which was held at Camp
second legislation that enforces a probation system in the Aguinaldo from July 22 to July 24, 1976. It was on this
country. historic last day of the Conference that the Presidential
Decree No. 968 and thereby Transported the criminal
justice system of the country to the twentieth century. In
the process, the president also appointed as the first 2. the Act No. 4221 constitute on undue delegation of
Probation Administration, NAPOLCOM Chairman, Teodolo legislative power.
C. Natividad in a concurrent capacity. 3. the Act No. 4221 denies the equal protection of the
law.
THE MULTI- SECTORAL BODY
As advocated by the United Nations, the five-penal
multi-sectoral body is composed of experts from the RULING:
various sectors and disciplines comprising the five pillars of
criminal justice system, namely: Police, Prosecution, Court, 1. No. There is no encroaches upon the pardoning power
Correction and Community Participation. The panel on of executive. act does not encroached in any upon the
community participation has sub-panels on education, powers of the executive as they have understood and
welfare, religion, Barangay, health and economics. practiced from the earliest time;
Under the leadership of Commissioner Teodulo C. The Court held that the Probation Act did not, by
Natividad, the IDCCP, after barely two months of work the force of any of its provinces, fix and impose upon
evolved a proposed system of probation for adults based the provincial boards any standard or guide in the
on evaluation of projects on crime prevention and exercise of their discretionary power. What was
treatment of offenders in the courtly, notably the Bacolod granted was a "roving commission" which enabled the
City experiment on social defense. provincial boards to exercise arbitrary discretion. By
Section 11 of the Act, the legislature did seemingly on
This was later incorporated as part of PD 968 which its own authority extend the benefits of the Act to the
was signed into law by Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos on July provinces but in reality left the entire matter for the
24, 1976. Note: Jan. 3, 1978 – affectivity of the substantive various provincial boards to determine for themselves
provisions of PD 968. whether the Probation Law should apply to their
provinces or not at all. The applicability and application
B. CASE ANALYSIS: PEOPLE VS. VERA of the Act was entirely placed in the hands of the
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES VS VERA provincial boards. If a provincial board did not wish to
(G.R. NO. L-45685, NOVEMBER 16 1937) have the Act applied in its province, all it had to do was
to decline to appropriate the needed amount for the
FACTS: salary of a probation officer without even stating the
Cu-Unjieng was convicted of criminal charges by reason therefore. The plain language of Section 11 was
the trial court of Manila. He filed a motion for not susceptible of any other interpretation. This was a
reconsideration and four motions for new trial but all were virtual surrender of legislative power to the provincial
denied. He then elevated to the Supreme Court of United boards.
States for review, which was also denied. The SC denied the
petition subsequently filed by Cu-Unjieng for a motion for 2. Yes. There is undue delegation of legislative power.
new trial and thereafter remanded the case to the court of
origin for execution of the judgment. CFI of Manila referred SC conclude that section 11 of Act No. 4221
the application for probation of the Insular Probation Office constitutes an improper and unlawful delegation of
which recommended denial of the same. Later, 7th branch legislative authority to the provincial boards and is, for
of CFI Manila set the petition for hearing. The Fiscal filed an this reason, unconstitutional and void
opposition to the granting of probation to Cu Unjieng,
alleging, among other things, that Act No. 4221, assuming The challenged section of Act No. 4221 in section 11
that it has not been repealed by section 2 of Article XV of which reads as follows: "This Act shall apply only in
the Constitution, is nevertheless violative of section 1, those provinces in which the respective provincial boards
subsection (1), Article III of the Constitution guaranteeing have provided for the salary of a probation officer at
equal protection of the laws. The private prosecution also rates not lower than those now provided for provincial
filed a supplementary opposition, elaborating on the fiscals. Said probation officer shall be appointed by the
alleged unconstitutionality on Act No. 4221, as an undue Secretary of Justice and shall be subject to the
delegation of legislative power to the provincial boards of direction of the Probation Office."
several provinces (sec. 1, Art. VI, Constitution).
The provincial boards of the various provinces are
ISSUE: to determine for themselves, whether the Probation
Whether or not: Law shall apply to their provinces or not at all. The
1. the Act No. 4221 encroaches upon the pardoning applicability and application of the Probation Act are
power of executive. entirely placed in the hands of the provincial boards. If
the provincial board does not wish to have the Act which were given appropriation for, said purpose by
applied in its province, all that it has to do is to decline legislature.
to appropriate the needed amount for the salary of a
probation officer.
III.BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
The clear policy of the law, as may be gleaned from P.D. 968 AND THE PROBATION
a careful examination of the whole context, is to make
the application of the system dependent entirely upon ACT OF 1935
the affirmative action of the different provincial boards
through appropriation of the salaries for probation Presidential Decree 968 Act no. 4221
(Probation Law of 1976) (Probation Law of 1935)
officers at rates not lower than those provided for As to It expressly and explicitly It expressly and explicitly
provincial fiscals. Without such action on the part of Applicability provides that "There shall provides that this Act
the various boards, no probation officers would be of the be at least one probation shall apply only in those
appointed by the Secretary of Justice to act in the probation officer in each province provinces in which the
law and city who shall be respective provincial
provinces. appointed by the boards have provided for
The Philippines is divided or subdivided into Secretary of Justice upon the salary of a probation
provinces and it needs no argument to show that if not recommendation of the officer . . . " (Section 11)
one of the provinces — and this is the actual situation Administrator and in
accordance with civil
now — appropriate the necessary fund for the salary of service law and rules." The Probation
a probation officer, probation under Act No. 4221 (Section 23) Law applies
would be illusory. There can be no probation without a The Probation only to
probation officer. Neither can there be a probation Law applies to provinces and
all provinces cities in which
officer without the probation system. and cities, their
uniformly and respective
3. Yes, it denies the equal protection of the law without provincial
discrimination. boards have
The salary of provided for
The act was surrender of legislative power to the the probation the salary of a
provincial board for its application was left to their officer in each probation
determination in providing for the salary province or city officer.
appropriation , although there are no provision that fix is provided for The salary of
by law, no the probation
and impose any standards to guide in the exercise of longer subject officer is to
provincial board’s discretionary power; to the the discretion
discretion of of the
That the unwarranted delegation of Power under the respective respective
provincial provincial
section11 of Act No. 4221 created a situation for boards. boards.
discrimination and inequality to exits as one province The law The Probation
may appropriate then necessary funds for the salary of expressly Law divests
a probation officer while another may refuse or fail to provides that the provincial
"The Provincial boards of the
do so; or City power to
Probation determine
Hence it contravened the equal protection of the Officer shall whether or
law clause for those persons who may enjoy the receive an not salary of a
annual salary probation
benefits of Probation. of at least officer in their
eighteen respective
In more precise language, the high court assailed thousand four provinces
that it bluntly called a “roving commission” that enable hundred would be
pesos.” appropriated.
provincial boards to exercise arbitrary discretion so As to the The conditions of The imposition of the
that if a provincial board did not wish to have the Act condition of Probation make it said conditions on the
applied in its provincial, all that it had to do was to the MANDATORY for the probationer was merely
decline to appropriate the needed amount for the probation Court to issue a probation DISCRETIONARY on the
order order containing specific part of the Court issuing
salary of probation officer, which construed as a virtual conditions for the the probation order.
surrender of Legislative power to the provincial boards. probationer to fulfill. (Section 3)
(Section 10) There is
It was considered class legislation. Under this law The reparation reparation or
or restitution restitution by
probation existed only in cities and municipalities, by the the
probationer to probationer
the aggrieved to the can be found in the
parties for aggrieved offenses enumerated
actual damages parties for under Section 9 (a, c, d
or losses caused actual and e) abovementioned.
by his offense is damages or As to The modification or It provided that "The
DELETED. losses caused modification revision of the conditions Court MAY, at any time,
by his offense. or revision of probation, Presidential revise, modify or enlarge
As to the It provides that "in all It provides that the of the Decree No. 968, Section the conditions or period
period of other cases, the probation period of probation of a conditions 12 provides in part, that of probation."
probation period shall not exceed 6 probationer found guilty of probation "During the period of
years. (Section 14) of "any other offense" probation, the court may,
did not exceed twice the UPON APPLICATION of
The new law, therefore, maximum time of either the probationer or
provides for a definite and imprisonment to which the probation officer,
shorter probation period. he might be sentenced. revise or modify the
(Section 7) conditions or period of
As to the The Law provides that an Nowhere in the old probation. . .. "
appealability order granting or denying Probation Law can there N.B. Contrasting the
of the order probation shall not be be found a provision to two Sections, it is evident
granting or appealable. (Section 4) this effect. that under the new law,
denying application of either the
probation probationer or the
As to the It contains a GENERAL It gave an enumeration probation officer is
offenses not enumeration. It provides of the offenses not needed in order that the
covered that the benefits of this covered by the Act. This Court may exercise its
Decree shall not be enumeration SPECIFIED discretion to revise or
extended to those: the crimes not covered. modify the conditions or
(a) sentenced to These were: period of probation
serve a maximum 1. Homicide whereas the old law
term of 2. Treason granted to the Court the
imprisonment of 3. Misprision of exclusive discretionary
more than 6 treason power of revision and
years; 4. Sedition modification without need
(b) convicted of any 5. Espionage of prior application by the
offense against 6. Conspiracy or probationer or the
the security of the proposal to probation officer
State; commit concerned.
(c) who have treason It is clear therefore,
previously been 7. Piracy that under the new law,
convicted by final 8. Brigandage the Court relies heavily
judgment of an 9. Arson upon the probation officer
offense punished 10. Robbery in and places great faith in
by imprisonment band him.
of not less than 11. Robbery with As to name Office - Office -
one month and violence on of probation Probation Probation
one day and/or persons when office and its Administration Office
fine of not less it was found head Probation Chief
than two hundred that they Administrator - Probation
pesos; displayed a the Executive Officer - the
(d) who have been deadly Officer of the Head of the
once on weapon and Probation Probation
probation under 12. Corruption of Administration Office
the provisions of minors."
this Decree; (Section 8)
(e) who are already IV.FORERUNNERS OF PROBATION
serving sentence
The following are the forerunner of probation:
at the time the
substantive
provisions of this 1. Benefits of the Clergy- earliest for softening of the
Decree became brutal severity of punishment. This was a compromise
applicable. . .. "
between the church and the king that, if any member
(Section 9)
N.B. Thus, besides a of the clergy was brought to trial before the king’s
general enumeration of court, such clergy could be claimed from the
the offense not covered, jurisdiction by the bishop or chaplain representing him
the said Section further
on the ground that the prisoner was subject to the
broadened the scope of
the inapplicability of the authority of the Ecclesiastical Court only. There was
Law. Additional greater leniency in sentencing and particularly escape
exemption from coverage
from death penalty. Acquittal or guilt was established period of resolving the
by a Jury of Twelve Clerks. application for probation by the
court from five (5) days to
fifteen (15) days.
2. Judicial Reprieve- withdrawal of sentence for an Section 3
internal of time whereby the execution of the sentence xxx
is suspended either before or after judgment such as In the hearing, which shall be
summary in nature, the
when there is a favorable circumstance in the criminal’s probationer shall have the
character in order to give him opportunity to apply to right to be informed of the
the King for either an absolute an or conditional violation charged and to NONE
pardon. Early English courts began to grants reprieves adduce evidence in his favor.
The court shall not be bound
to prisoners under sentence of death on condition that by the technical rules of
they accept deportation to English settlements in evidence but may be inform
America. itself of all the facts which are
material and relevant to
ascertain the veracity of the
3. Recognizance or “Binding over for good behavior” – charge. The State shall be
this is considered as the direct ancestor of probation. represented by a prosecuting
This involves an obligation or promise sworn to under officer in any contested
court order by a person not yet convicted of crime hearing.
xxx
he would keep the peace and be of good behavior. N.B.
The defendant has the right to
4. Transportation- this was developed from an ancient be informed of the violation
practice of banishment and flourished for more than charged and to adduce
evidence in his favor.
two hundred years as a principal method of disposing Sec. 4 sec. 33
offenders. It served mainly as cheap source of xxx xxx
supplying labor to the colonies of England. That the application of its That, the
substantive provisions application of its
concerning the grant of substantive
V. THE PROBATION LAW AND ITS probation shall only take effect provisions
on January 3, 1978." concerning the
AMENDMENT xxx grant of probation
shall only take
effect twelve
AMENDMENTS PRESIDENTIAL months.
DECREE NO. 968 xxx
Presidential Section 1
Decree No. 1257 xxx Batas Pambansa The probation system shall not The probation
The prosecuting officer Blg. 76 be extended to a convicted system shall not be
concerned shall be notified by offenders sentenced to serve a extended to a
the court of the filling of the maximum term of convicted
application for probation and imprisonment of more than offenders
he may submit his comment on six (6) years and one (1) day. sentenced to serve
such application within ten NONE a maximum term
days from receipt of the N.B. The probational period is of imprisonment of
notification. extended to six (6) years and more than six (6)
xxx one (1) day and below years.
Nota Bene: The prosecutor N.B. The
participates in the probational period
determination of the is six (6) years and
application for probation. It is below.
therefore mandatory the xxx
prosecuting officer concerned Any person sentenced to
shall be notified by the court of maximum penalty of six years
the filling of the application for and one day on January 3, 1978
probation and submits and thereafter may be placed NONE
comment within 10 days from on probation upon his
receipt. application therefore with the
Section 2 Section 7 court of origin. However, such
xxx xxx person serving sentence shall
The court shall resolve the The court shall remain in jail pending the
application for probation not resolve the petition approval of his application.
later than fifteen days after for probation not XXX
receipts of said report." later than five days
xxx after receipt of said
Presidential The decree restore the
report.
Decree No. 1990 provision of section 9 of PD
N.B. PD no. 257 extended the xxx
968 that probation shall not rehabilitation of
be extended to a convicted offenders; and
offenders sentenced to serve a d. Such other
maximum term of functions as may
imprisonment of more than hereafter be
six (6) years. It that senses the provided by law.
decree impliedly amended the xxx
provision of BP 76. (2)The Administration shall
Section 1 amending Section 4 have a Technical Service under
of PD no. 968. the Office of the Administrator
Xxx which shall serve as the
Provided; That NO service arm of the Board of
APPLICATION FOR Pardons and Parole in the
PROBATION SHALL BE supervision of parolees and
ENTERTAINED OR GRANted if pardonees.
the defendant has perfected The Board and the
the appeal from the judgment Administration shall jointly
of conviction. NONE determine the staff
Xxx complement of the Technical
NB: Appeal and probation is a Service.
mutually exclusive remedy; xxx
meaning once a defendant filed
his appeal it is a deemed waiver
of the filing of probation.
The period of perfecting an
appeal is also the period of
perfecting an application/filing
for probation. In general, the
period of perfecting an appeal
is fifteen (15) days from the
promulgation of sentence.
N.B. 1990 – The period of
punishment which is
probationable is lowered again
from 6 years and 1 day to 6
years or less
CHAPTER IV
THE RULES AND LIMITATIONS IN THE
GRANT OF PROBATION
CHAPTER CONTENTS 5. Period of Probation and its Implication
1. Nature of Granting Probation 6. Conditions in the Grant of Probation
2. Qualified and Disqualified Offenders for 7. Violation of Probation conditions
Probation 8. Modification and Revocation
3. Procedure in the Application of Probation 9. Termination and Closing of Probation Case
4. Resolution of the Petition for Probation
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES of the offender, and available institutional and community
At the end of this chapter the students should be able resources. Probation shall be denied if the court finds that:
to: 1. The offender is in need of correctional treatment
1. explain the nature of granting probation; that can be provided most effectively by his
commitment to an institution; or
2. identify those qualified and disqualified
2. There is undue risk that during the period of
offenders for probation;
probation the offender will commit another crime;
3. illustrate, understand and summarized the
or
procedure in the application of probation as
3. Probation will depreciate the seriousness of the
well as its resolution or grant;
offense committed.
4. explain how post sentence investigation is
conducted;
However, under Sec. 70 of Republic Act No. 9165, the
5. identify the right an duties of the probationer;
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the first-time
6. explain the period of probation and its
minor offender who upon promulgation of the sentence,
implication;
the court may, in its discretion, placed the accused under
7. enumerate the mandatory and optional
probation, even if the sentence provided under Sec. 11 of
conditions in the grant of probation;
the Act is higher than that provided under Probation Law.
8. identify the consequences of violating the
conditions of probation;
SECTION 70 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165. Probation or
9. explain how probation case is terminated or
Community Service for a First-Time Minor Offender in Lieu
closed as well as the early discharge incentive;
of Imprisonment. – Upon promulgation of the sentence, the
and
court may, in its discretion, place the accused under
probation, even if the sentence provided under this Act is
higher than that provided under existing law on probation,
A. NATURE OF GRANTING or impose community service in lieu of imprisonment. In
case of probation, the supervision and rehabilitative
PROBATION surveillance shall be undertaken by the Board through the
DOH in coordination with the Board of Pardons and Parole
I. GRANT OF PROBATION and the Probation Administration. Upon compliance with
the conditions of the probation, the Board shall submit a
Section 4 of PD 968 - Subject to the provisions of this Decree, written report to the court recommending termination of
the court may, after it shall have convicted and sentenced a probation and a final discharge of the probationer,
defendant and upon application at any time of said whereupon the court shall issue such an order.
defendant, suspend the execution of said sentence and place
the defendant on probation for such period and upon such TOLENTINO VS. JUDGE ALCONCEL
terms and conditions as it may deem best. 121 SCRA 92; G.R. No. L-63400; March 18, 1983
Probation may be granted whether the sentence imposes a
term of imprisonment or a fine only. An application for Application for Probation can be denies on the ground
probation shall be filed with the trial court, with notice to the that it will depreciate the seriousness of the offense
appellate court if an appeal has been taken from the committed.
sentence of conviction. The filing of the application shall be
deemed a waiver of the right to appeal, or the automatic FACTS: Petitioner was charged with violation of Section 4,
withdrawal of a pending appeal. (As amended by PD 1990). Article II of Rep. Act No. 6425, otherwise known as the
Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972. Petitioner entered a plea of
II. CRITERIA FOR PLACING AN OFFENDER ON PROBATION not guilty. However after the prosecution had presented
(SECTION 8 OF PD NO. 968) part of its evidence, petitioner desires to change his plea of
not guilty to that of guilty to a lesser offense of possession
QUESTION of Indian Hemp [marijuana], under Section 8 of Article II of
Will probation be automatically granted to one whose Rep. Act No. 6425.
sentence is six (6) years or less? No, the offender must fit As no objection was interposed by the fiscal, the court
the criteria under Section 8 of PD 968. allowed petitioner to withdraw his former plea of guilty and
to enter a plea of guilty to a lesser offense. Petitioner was
Under Section 8 of PD No. 968, in determining whether thereupon sentenced to imprisonment of 6 months and
an offender may be placed on probation, the court shall 1day to 2 years and 4 months.
consider all information relative, to the character, Petitioner applied for probation. Respondent judge
antecedents, environment, mental and physical condition forthwith directed the probation officer to conduct a POST
SENTENCE INVESTIGATION. After conducting such possession or use of marijuana was punishable by
investigation, the probation officer, recommends that imprisonment of 6 months and 1 day to 2 years and 4
petitioner be placed on two-year probation. months and a fine ranging from P600.00 to P6,000.00-the
But the respondent judge denies petitioner's penalty imposed upon petitioner herein-POSSESSION AND
application on the ground that it will depreciate the USE thereof is now punishable by imprisonment ranging
seriousness of the offense committed. from 6 years and 1 day to 12 years and fine ranging from
Hence, the instant recourse. P6,000.00 to P12,000.00 under B.P. Blg. 179.
The observation of the Solicitor General on this
ISSUE: Whether the grant of probation will depreciate the increase of penalty is apropos: The implication is clear. The
seriousness of the offense committed. penalties were increased to take it out of the range of
probationable offenses. Thus, the State has spoken and
HELD: considers that this is one case where probation will
Yes. Section 5 of P.D. 968 provides, to wit: depreciate the offense committed, and will not serve the
SEC. 5. Post Sentence Investigation.— No person shall ends of justice and the best interest of the community,
be placed on probation except upon prior investigation by particularly, the innocent and gullible young.
the probation officer and a determination by the court that
the ends of justice and the best interest of the public as well III. PROBATION IS NOT A MATTER OF RIGHT BUT A
as that of the defendant will be served thereby. PRIVILEGE
It is evident from the foregoing that the potentiality of In the above case of TOLENTINO VS. JUDGE
the offender to reform is not the sole, much less the ALCONCEL, the Supreme Court held that, probation is a
primordial factor, that should be considered in the grant or mere privilege and its grant rests solely upon the discretion
denial of an application for probation. Equal regard to the of the court. This discretion is to be exercised primarily for
demands of justice and public interest must be observed. the benefit of organized society and only incidentally for the
Thus, Section 8 of P.D. 968 lays down the criteria for the benefit of the accused.
placing of an offender on probation, as follows: Probation cannot be demanded as a matter of right. It
Sec. 8. Criteria for Placing an Offender on Probation.— is a privilege. Hence, only those persons who are qualified
In determining whether an offender may be placed on may apply for probation. Its grant depends upon the
probation, the court shall consider all information, relative discretion of the trial court. No person shall be placed on
to the character, antecedents, environment, mental and probation except upon prior investigation by the probation
physical condition of the offender and available institutional officer and a determination by the court that the ends of
and community resources. Probation shall be denied if the justice and the best interest of public as well as that of the
court finds that: defendant will be serve thereby.
a) ... The grant of probation results in the release of the
b) ... petitioner subject to the terms and conditions imposed by
c) probation will depreciate the seriousness of the the court and to the supervision of Probation Officer.
offense committed. However, under R.A. 9344 or Juvenile Justice and
"The conclusion of respondent judge that "probation Welfare Act of 2006, a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL)
will depreciate the seriousness of the offense committed" is granted the right to probation as an alternative to
is based principally on the admission by the petitioner imprisonment if qualified under the Probation Law.
himself, that he was actually caught in the act of selling
marijuana cigarettes. Petitioner did not deny or dispute the IV. BASIS OF GRANTING PROBATION
veracity of the fact that he was caught in flagrante delicto In DELA CRUZ VS. CALLEJO; the basis of granting
of selling marijuana cigarettes. He merely attempted to probation is the sentence imposed by the trial court.
justify his criminal act by explaining in his motion for Convicted for highway robbery sentence to 11 years, 4
reconsideration that "he did it only to make some money months and 1 day 12 years penalty was reduced to 1 year, 8
for the family during Christmas. Such admission renders a months and 5 months and 1 day. He applied for probation
hearing on the application for probation an unnecessary on the basis of the appellate court. Trial court denied.
surplusage and an Idle ceremony. Supreme Court denial is proper to the provision of the law.
Proliferation of prohibited drugs in the country has
remained a serious threat to the well-being of the people. It V. PROBATION IS NOT A SENTENCE
has necessitated an all-out intensified campaign on the part In Baclayon vs. Mutia, 129 SCRA 148 (April 30, 1984) it
of the law-enforcers against users as well as pushers was held that an order placing defendant on "PROBATION"
thereof. If only to emphasize the gravity of the drug IS NOT A "SENTENCE" but is rather in effect a suspension of
menace, the Batasan Pambansa has seen fit to increase the the imposition of sentence. It is not a final judgment but is
penalty for violation of Section 8, Article II of Rep. Act 6425. rather an "interlocutory judgment" in the nature of a
Thus, while under Rep. Act 6425, as amended by P.D. 44, conditional order placing the convicted defendant under the
supervision of the court for his reformation, to be followed exclusive remedies. Jurisprudence at that time stated that
by a final judgment of discharge, if the conditions of the the Probation Law requires that an accused must not have
probation are complied with, or by a final judgment of appealed his conviction before he can avail himself of
sentence if the conditions are violated. probation. This requirement "outlaws the element of
Probation is not a suspension of sentence. A speculation on the part of the accused--to wager on the
suspension of sentence postpones execution of sentence result of his appeal--that when his conviction is finally
for a definite time, while probation suspends sentence affirmed on appeal, the moment of truth well-nigh at hand,
during good behavior. and the service of his sentence inevitable, he now applies
for probation as an `escape hatch' thus rendering nugatory
VI. HOW MANY TIMES CAN ONE BE GRANTED the appellate court's affirmance of his conviction."
PROBATION? However, in the fairly recent case of Colinares vs.
An offender can be granted probation ONLY ONCE IN People, G.R. No. 182748, December 13, 2011, the Supreme
HIS LIFETIME. Court took another look at the probation law, and allowed
the grant of probation to an accused who has appealed his
VII. GRANTING OR DENYING PROBATION NOT BE conviction. In this case, the accused was originally
APPEALABLE sentenced by the Regional Trial Court to imprisonment
Under PD No. 1990, an order granting or denying exceeding 6 years and one day, which disqualified from
probation shall not be appealable. applying for probation. Upon his appeal of the case to the
Court of Appeals, the appellate court lowered the penalty
VIII. PROBATION AND APPEAL IS MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE to less than 6 years and one day. The Supreme Court
REMEDIES reasoned that since the trial court imposed a (wrong)
Later, the amendment of Section 4 of P.D. No. 968 by penalty beyond the probationable range, thus depriving the
P.D. No. 1990 imposed a condition upon the grant of accused of the option to apply for probation when he
probation, thus: "Provided, that no application for appealed, the element of speculation that the law sought
probation shall be entertained or granted if the defendant to curb was not present.
has perfected an appeal from the judgment of In a real sense, the Court's finding on appeal that the
conviction." The application for probation was no longer accused was guilty, not of a non-probationable penalty, but
allowed if the accused has perfected an appeal from the only of a penalty which may be subject of probation, is an
judgment of conviction. original conviction that for the first time imposes on him a
The reason for the disallowance of probation where an probationable penalty. Had the RTC done him right from
appeal has been made by the accused is stated in the the start, it would have found him guilty of the correct
preamble of P.D. No. 1990, thus: "WHEREAS, it has been offense and imposed on him the right penalty of less than 6
the sad experience that persons who are convicted of years and one day. This would have afforded the accused
offenses and who may be entitled to probation still appeal the right to apply for probation.
the judgment of conviction even up to the Supreme Court, The Supreme Court said that the question is ultimately
only to pursue their application for probation when their one of fairness. It is not fair to deny the accused the right
appeal is eventually dismissed". to apply for probation when the new penalty that the Court
In view of this change, jurisprudence treated appeal imposes on him after he appealed his original conviction is,
and probation as MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. Thus, unlike the one erroneously imposed by the trial court,
where the penalty imposed by the trial court is not subject to probation.
probationable, and the appellate court modifies the penalty
by reducing it to within the probationable limit, the same LOURDES A. SABLE vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES
prohibition should still apply and he is not entitled to avail G.R. No. 17796: April 7, 2009
of probation.
In Sable v. People, G.R. No. 177961, April 7, 2009, 584 FACTS: Petitioner convicted of the crime of Falsification of
SCRA 619, 625. the Supreme Court stated that "[Section 4 Public Documents under Article 172(1) in relation to Article
of] the Probation Law was amended to put a stop to the 171 of the Revised Penal Code on November 28, 2000 but
practice of appealing from judgments of conviction even if acquitted Ildefonsa Anoba for finding not guilty. However,
the sentence is probationable, for the purpose of securing the court finds that Lourdes Abellanosa Sable was guilty
an acquittal and applying for the probation only if the beyond reasonable doubt of the crime charged and hereby
accused fails in his bid." Thus, probation should be availed sentences her to suffer an indeterminate penalty of 4 years,
of at the first opportunity by convicts who are willing to be 2 months and one day to 6 years. On August, 25, 2003
reformed and rehabilitated; who manifest spontaneity, petitioner intimated her desire to apply for probation
contrition and remorse. instead of appealing the judgment of conviction which was
The Supreme Court explained that the intention of the denied.
new law is to make appeal and probation mutually
ISSUE: Whether or not the denial of application for result of his appeal -- that when his conviction is finally
probation is tenable. affirmed on appeal, the moment of truth well nigh at hand
and the service of his sentence inevitable, he now applies
HELD: The court held that probation is a special privilege for probation as an "escape hatch," thus rendering
granted by the state to a penitent qualified offender. It nugatory the appellate court’s affirmation of his conviction.
essentially rejects appeals and encourages an otherwise Consequently, probation should be availed of at the first
eligible convict to immediately admit his liability and save opportunity by convicts who are willing to be reformed and
the state the time, effort and expenses to jettison an rehabilitated; who manifest spontaneity, contrition and
appeal. The pertinent provision of the Probation Law, as remorse.
amended, reads: This was the reason why the Probation Law was
Sec. 4. Grant of Probation.—Subject to the amended, precisely to put a stop to the practice of
provisions of this Decree, the trial court may, after it appealing from judgments of conviction even if the
shall have convicted and sentenced a defendant and sentence is probationable, for the purpose of securing an
upon application by said defendant within the acquittal and applying for the probation only if the accused
period for perfecting an appeal, suspend the fails in his bid.
execution of the sentence and place the defendant
on probation for such period and upon such terms COLINARES VS. PEOPLE
and conditions as it may deem best; G.R. No. 182748, December 13, 2011
Provided, That no application for probation
shall be entertained or granted if the defendant has FACTS:
perfected the appeal from the judgment of Accused-appellant Arnel Colinares (Arnel) was charged
conviction. Probation may be granted whether the with frustrated homicide for hitting the head of the private
sentence imposes a term of imprisonment or a fine complainant with a piece of stone. He alleged self-defense
only. An application for probation shall be filed with but the trial court found him guilty of the crime charged
the trial court. The filing of the application shall be and sentenced him to suffer imprisonment from 2 years and
deemed a waiver of the right to appeal.(Emphasis 4 months of prision correccional, as minimum, to 6 years
supplied.) and 1 day of prision mayor, as maximum. Since the
It is quite clear from the afore-quoted provision maximum probationable imprisonment under the law was
that an application for probation must be made within the only up to 6 years, Arnel did not qualify for probation.
period for perfecting an appeal, and the filing of the Arnel appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA), invoking
application after the time of appeal has lapsed is injurious self-defense and, alternatively, seeking conviction for the
to the recourse of the applicant. In the present petition lesser crime of attempted homicide with the consequent
before us, petitioner filed the application for probation on reduction of the penalty imposed on him. His conviction
25August 2003, almost eight months from the time the was affirmed by the CA. Hence, this appeal to the Supreme
assailed judgment of the RTC became final. Clearly, the Court.
application for probation was filed out of time pursuant to
Rule 122, Sec. 6 of the Rules of Court, which states that an ISSUE:
"appeal must be taken within fifteen (15) days from Given a finding that Arnel is entitled to conviction for a
promulgation of the judgment or from notice of the final lower [lesser] offense [of attempted homicide] and a
order appealed from."In Palo v. Militante, this Court held reduced probationable penalty, may he may still apply for
that what the law requires is that the application for probation on remand of the case to the trial court?
probation must be filed within the period for perfecting an
appeal. RULING:
The need to file it within such period is intended to [The Supreme Court voted to PARTIALLY GRANT the
encourage offenders, who are willing to be reformed and appeal, MODIFIED the CA decision and found Arnel GUILTY of
rehabilitated, to avail themselves of probation at the first ATTEMPTED (not frustrated) HOMICIDE and SENTENCED him
opportunity. Furthermore, the application for probation to and indeterminate but PROBATIONABLE penalty of 4
must necessarily fail, because before the application was months of arresto mayor as minimum and 2 years and 4
instituted, petitioner already filed a Notice of Appeal before months of prision correccional as maximum. The Court also
the RTC on 17 June2003. The Probation Law is patently clear voted 8-7 to allow Arnel to APPLY FOR PROBATION within 15
that "no application for probation shall be entertained or days from notice that the record of the case has been
granted if the defendant has perfected the appeal from the remanded for execution to trial court.]
judgment of conviction."The law expressly requires that an YES, Arnel may still apply for probation on remand of the
accused must not have appealed his conviction before he case to the trial court.
can avail himself of probation. This outlaws the element of Ordinarily, Arnel would no longer be entitled to apply
speculation on the part of the accused -- to wager on the for probation, he having appealed from the judgment of
the RTC convicting him for frustrated homicide. But, the judgment of conviction,” prevailing jurisprudence treats
Court finds Arnel guilty only of the lesser crime of appeal and probation as mutually exclusive remedies because
attempted homicide and holds that the maximum of the the law is unmistakable about it.
penalty imposed on him should be lowered to However, it has been proposed that an appeal should
imprisonment of four months of arresto mayor, as not bar the accused from applying for probation if the
minimum, to two years and four months of prision appeal is solely to reduce the penalty to within the
correccional, as maximum. With this new penalty, it would probationable limit, as this is equitable. In this regard, an
be but fair to allow him the right to apply for probation upon accused may be allowed to apply for probation even if he
remand of the case to the RTC. has filed a notice of appeal, provided that his appeal is
While it is true that probation is a mere privilege, the limited to the following grounds:
point is not that Arnel has the right to such privilege; he a. When the appeal is merely intended for
certainly does not have. What he has is the right to apply the correction of the penalty imposed by the lower
for that privilege. The Court finds that his maximum jail court, which when corrected would entitle the
term should only be 2 years and 4 months. If the Court accused to apply for probation; and
allows him to apply for probation because of the lowered b. When the appeal is merely intended to review the
penalty, it is still up to the trial judge to decide whether or crime for which the accused was convicted and
not to grant him the privilege of probation, taking into that the accused should only be liable to the lesser
account the full circumstances of his case. offense which is necessarily included in the crime
If the Court chooses to go by the dissenting opinion’s for which he was originally convicted and the
hard position, it will apply the probation law on Arnel based proper penalty imposable is within the
on the trial court’s annulled judgment against him. He will probationable period.
not be entitled to probation because of the severe penalty
that such judgment imposed on him. More, the Supreme In boths instances, the penalty imposed by the trial
Court’s judgment of conviction for a lesser offense and a court for the crime committed by the accused is more than
lighter penalty will also have to bend over to the trial six years; hence, the sentence disqualifies the accused from
court’s judgment—even if this has been found in applying for probation. Thus, the accused should be allowed
error. And, worse, Arnel will now also be made to pay for to file an appeal under the aforestated grounds to seek a
the trial court’s erroneous judgment with the forfeiture of review of the crime and/or penalty imposed by the trial
his right to apply for probation. Ang kabayo ang nagkasala, court. If, on appeal, the appellate court finds it proper to
ang hagupit ay sa kalabaw (the horse errs, the carabao gets modify the crime and/or the penalty imposed, and the
the whip). Where is justice there? penalty finally imposed is within the probationable period,
Here, Arnel did not appeal from a judgment that would then the accused should be allowed to apply for
have allowed him to apply for probation. He did not have a probation.
choice between appeal and probation. He was not in a In addition, before an appeal is filed based on the
position to say, “By taking this appeal, I choose not to apply grounds enumerated above, the accused should first file a
for probation.” The stiff penalty that the trial court motion for reconsideration of the decision of the trial court
imposed on him denied him that choice. Thus, a ruling that anchored on the above-stated grounds and manifest his
would allow Arnel to now seek probation under this Court’s intent to apply for probation if the motion is granted. The
greatly diminished penalty will not dilute the sound ruling motion for reconsideration will give the trial court an
in Francisco. It remains that those who will appeal from opportunity to review and rectify any errors in its judgment,
judgments of conviction, when they have the option to try while the manifestation of the accused will immediately
for probation, forfeit their right to apply for that privilege. show that he is agreeable to the judgment of conviction and
In a real sense, the Court’s finding that Arnel was guilty, does not intend to appeal from it, but he only seeks a review
not of frustrated homicide, but only of attempted of the crime and/or penalty imposed, so that in the event
homicide, is an original conviction that for the first time that the penalty will be modified within the probationable
imposes on him a probationable penalty. Had the RTC done limit, he will apply for probation.
him right from the start, it would have found him guilty of It is believed that the recommended grounds for
the correct offense and imposed on him the right penalty of appeal do not contravene Section 4 of the Probation Law,
two years and four months maximum. This would have which expressly prohibits only an appeal from the
afforded Arnel the right to apply for probation. judgment of conviction. In such instances, the ultimate
reason of the accused for filing the appeal based on the
DISSENTING AND CONCURRING OPINION OF JUSTICE aforestated grounds is to determine whether he may avail of
PERALTA, probation based on the review by the appellate court of the
In view of the provision in Section 4 of the Probation crime and/or penalty imposed by the trial court. Allowing the
Law that “no application for probation shall be entertained aforestated grounds for appeal would give a qualified
or granted if the defendant has perfected an appeal from the convicted offender the opportunity to apply for probation if
his ground for appeal is found to be meritorious by the
appellate court, thus, serving the purpose of the Probation WILLY TAN y CHUA vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Law to promote the reformation of a penitent offender G.R. No. 148194: April 12, 2002
outside of prison.
On the other hand, probation should not be granted to FACTS: Willy Tan was found guilty of bigamy, and then he
the accused in the following instances: applied for probation which was granted by the trial court
a. When the accused is convicted by the trial court of but the release was withheld in view of the filing by the
a crime where the penalty imposed is within the prosecution a motion for modification of penalty. He later
probationable period or a fine, and the accused filed a notice of appeal.
files a notice of appeal; and
b. When the accused files a notice of appeal ISSUE: Whether or not he is entitled to an appeal after he
which puts the merits of his conviction in issue, even has applied for probation.
if there is an alternative prayer for the correction
of the penalty imposed by the trial court or for a HELD: In fine, petitioner had taken an appropriate legal step
conviction to a lesser crime, which is necessarily in filing a notice of appeal with the trial court. Ordinarily,
included in the crime in which he was convicted the Court should have the case remanded to the Court
where the penalty is within the probationable of Appeals for further proceedings. The clear impingement
period. upon petitioner’s basic right against double jeopardy,
There is wisdom to the majority opinion, but the however, should here warrant the exercise of the
problem is that the law expressly prohibits the filing of an prerogative by this Court to relax the stringent application
application for probation beyond the period for filing an of the rules on the matter. When the trial court increased
appeal. When the meaning is clearly discernible from the the penalty on petitioner for his crime of bigamy after it
language of the statute, there is no room for construction had already pronounced judgment and on which basis he
or interpretation. Thus, the remedy is the amendment of then, in fact, applied for probation, the previous verdict
Section 4 of P.D. No. 968, and not adaptation through could only be deemed to have lapsed into finality. Section 7,
judicial interpretation. Rule 120, of the Rules on Criminal Procedure that states
ISSUE: FACTS: Paterno de los Santos, Jr. was found guilty of the
Whether or not the petitioner is qualify to apply for crime of intentional abortion,and then he filed an
probation under Presidential Decree No. 968 since he had application for probation. It was ruled that he is ineligible to
appealed from his conviction in 1988, after Presidential apply for probation, considering the fact that he has waived
Decree No. 1990 amending Presidential Decree No. 968, his right to avail the benefits of probation law when he
became effective in 1986, providing that "no application for appealed the judgment of conviction by the trial court.
probation shall be entertained or granted if the defendant
has perfected the appeal from the judgment of conviction. ISSUE: Whether petitioner is entitled to the benefits of
probation, considering that he had appealed his conviction,
HELD: contrary to the provision of Section 4, P.D. 968, as
Presidential Decree No. 1990, enacted on October amended by P.D. 1990.
5, 1985, "was printed in Volume 81 of the Official Gazette
dated December 30, 1985 but said issue was released for HELD: Probation is a special privilege granted by the State
circulation only on July 1, 1986; hence, P D 1990 became to a penitent qualified offender. It essentially rejects
effective after fifteen (15) days from July 1, 1986, in appeals and encourages an otherwise eligible convict to
accordance with Article 2 of the Civil Code, or on July 16, immediately admit his liability and save the State the time,
1986."It is not ex post facto in its application. The law effort and expenses to jettison an appeal. The pertinent
applies only to accused convicted after its effectivity. An ex provision of the Probation Law, as amended, reads:
post facto law is one that punishes an act as a crime which
Sec. 4. Grant of Probation. Subject to the provisions of AS GENERAL RULE probation applies to all sentenced
this Decree, the trial court may, after it shall have convicted or convicted offenders - All first-time offenders convicted of
and sentenced a defendant and upon application by said crimes punished by imprisonment of not more than 6 years
defendant within the period for perfecting an appeal, (maximum of 6 years). Except the following:
suspend the execution of the sentence and place the 1. Those entitled to the benefits of PD 603 as
defendant on probation for such period and upon such terms amended otherwise known as the Child and Youth
and conditions as it may deem best; Provided, That no Welfare Code. Hence, an offender who is under 18
application for probation shall be entertained or granted if years of age must be dealt with in accordance with
the defendant has perfected the appeal from the judgment the more liberal and beneficent provisions of PD
of conviction. 603.
It is undisputed that petitioner appealed from the Incidentally, Art 192 PD 603 as amended gives
decision of the trial court. This fact alone merits the denial the youthful offender a choice as to whether he
of petitioner's Application for Probation. Having appealed will be dealt with as a youthful offender under
from the judgment of the trial court and having applied for PD603 or as Adult offender under PD 968 as
probation only after the Court of Appeals had affirmed his amended. If he does not apply under PD603 as
conviction, petitioner was clearly precluded from the amended, he treated as an adult offender. In such
benefits of probation. a case, two options are open to him, namely:
Furthermore, it was clear that when petitioner filed his a. To simply serve his sentence
appeal before the appellate court, what he was questioning b. To apply of probation under PD 968 as
was the merit of the decision convicting him and not the amended
propriety of the penalty imposed by the trial court for the 2. Those that are found Guilty in violation of R.A
purpose of correcting a wrong penalty — to reduce it to 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drug Act
within probational range. By perfecting his appeal, of 1972 as amended by Republic Act No. 9165.
petitioner, therefore, ipso facto relinquished the alternative Hence, its beneficiaries, drug dependents, must be
remedy of availing of the Probation Law. subjected to the confinement, treatment and
The law expressly requires that an accused must not rehabilitation measures provided therein. Even
have appealed his conviction before he can avail himself of those who are below twenty one years of age who
probation. This outlaws the element of speculation on the are found guilty of possessing or using prohibited
part of the accused — to wager on the result of his appeal — or regulated drugs must be treated under the
that when his conviction is finally affirmed on appeal, the provisions of R.A 6425.
moment of truth well nigh at hand and the service of his 3. Those offenders who has not been convicted and
sentence inevitable, he now applies for probation as an sentenced.
"escape hatch," thus, rendering nugatory the appellate 4. Those that are found guilty in violation of BP 881 as
court's affirmance of his conviction. Consequently, probation amended by BP 882,883 and 884 otherwise known
should be availed of at the first opportunity by convicts who as the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.
are willing to be reformed and rehabilitated; who manifest 5. Those who are found guilty in violation of PD 1987
spontaneity, contrition and remorse. (an act creating the Video gram Regulatory)
Considering that the prevailing jurisprudence treats 6. Those that are found guilty in violation of RA 6727
appeal and probation as mutually exclusive remedies, and otherwise known as the Wage Rationalization Act.
petitioner opted to appeal his conviction, he, therefore,
deemed to relinquish his right to the benefits of probation. QUESTION
Are all convicted persons who are not disqualified
entitled to probation automatically?
B. QUALIFIED AND DISQUALIFIED No. Under PD 968; the court will not grant probation
if after investigation conducted by the probation officer,
OFFENDERS FOR PROBATION it finds that:
1. The offender can be treated better in an
I. WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO PROBATION? institution or other places for correction;
Any first time convicted offender, 18 years of age and 2. The offender is a risk to the community;
above not otherwise disqualified under PD 968 as amended 3. Probation will depreciate the gravity of the
can apply for probation before serving the sentence which offense.
may either be imprisonment of fine with subsidiary
imprisonment, or both imprisonment and fine.
The age of offender qualified for probation is 18 years ANSELMO DE LEON CUYO vs. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES
and above. PD 1179 which amended PD 603 lowered the G.R. No. 192164: October 12, 2011
age of youthful offenders under 18 years old.
FACTS: On August , 25, 2009, Branch 1 of the Municipal Trial To recall, despite notice, petitioner was absent when
Court in Cities (MTCC) in San Fernando City, La Union, the MTCC promulgated its judgment on 25 August 2009.
found petitioner guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the Pursuant to Rule 120, Sec. 6, it is only when the accused is
offense of perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal convicted of a light offense that a promulgation may be
Code and sentenced him to imprisonment of four (4) pronounced in the presence of his counsel or
months and one (1) day to one (1) year. He was likewise representative. In case the accused failed to appear on the
ordered to pay private complainant Alejo Cuyo the amount scheduled date of promulgation despite notice, and the
of P10, 000 for attorney’s fees and litigation expenses. failure to appear was without justifiable cause, the accused
shall lose all the remedies available in the Rules against the
Petitioner was not present during the promulgation of judgment.
the judgment and was represented by his counsel instead.
His motion for reconsideration was denied on October 23,
2009. He subsequently filed a Motion for Probation on II. DISQUALIFIED OFFENDERS FOR PROBATION (Section
November, 5, 2009 but is denied on the ground that it had 9, PD 968)
been filed beyond the reglementary period of fifteen days Under Section 9 of PD 968, the benefits of probation
as provided in Sec. 4 of P.D. 968. shall not be extended to:
1. Those sentenced to serve a MAXIMUM TERM of
ISSUE: Whether or not the petitioner is entitled to the imprisonment of MORE THAN SIX (6) YEARS;
benefits of probation. Note: the six years maximum refers to the
sentence actually imposed, and not that prescribed
HELD: This court held that the RTC that the Motion for by law for the offense committed.
Probation was filed out of time. Sec. 6 of Rule 120 of the 2. Those convicted of subversion or any crime against
Rules of Court provides: Promulgation of judgment - The the national security or public order;
judgment is promulgated by reading it in the presence of the
accused and any judge of the Court in which it was rendered. CRIMES AGAINST CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC
However, if the conviction is for alight offense, the judgment NATIONAL SECURITY ORDER
may be pronounced in the presence of his counsel or 1. Treason 1. Rebellion or
representative. When the judge is absent or outside the 2. conspiracy and insurrection
province or city, the judgment may be promulgated by the proposal to commit 2. Conspiracy and
clerk of court. In case the accused fails to appear at the treason proposal to commit
scheduled date of promulgation of judgment despite notice, 3. misprision of treason rebellion
the promulgation shall be made by recording the judgment in 4. espionage 3. Sedition
the criminal docket and serving him a copy thereof at his last 5. inciting to war or 4. Conspiracy to commit
known address or thru his counsel. If the judgment is for giving motives for sedition
conviction and the failure of the accused to appear was reprisals 5. Inciting to sedition
without justifiable cause, he shall lose the remedies available 6. violation of neutrality 6. Acts tending to
in these Rules against the judgment and the court shall order 7. correspondence with prevent the meeting
his arrest. Within fifteen (15) days from promulgation of hostile country of assembly and
judgment, however, the accused may surrender and file a 8. flight to enemy’s similar bodies
motion for leave of court to avail of these remedies. He shall country 7. Disturbance of
state the reasons for his absence at the scheduled 9. piracy proceedings
promulgation and if he proves that his absence was for a 10. qualified piracy 8. Direct assault
justifiable cause, he shall be allowed to avail of said remedies 9. Indirect assault
within fifteen (15) days from notice. (Emphasissupplied.) 10. Coup d’etat
Petitioner was charged with and found guilty of
perjury. He was sentenced to suffer imprisonment of 4 3. Those who have previously been convicted by final
months and 1 day to 1 year, a period which is considered as judgment of an offense punished by imprisonment
a correctional penalty. Under Article 9 of the Revised Penal of not less than one month and one day and/or a
Code, light felonies are those infractions of law for the fine of not less than Two Hundred Pesos;
commission of which the penalty of arresto menor (one to
thirty days of imprisonment) or a fine not exceeding two PREVIOUS FINE:
hundred pesos (P200), or both are imposable. Thus, perjury CONVICTION
is not a light felony or offense contemplated by Rule 120, if one month - less than two hundred
Sec. 6. It was therefore mandatory for petitioner to be qualified for pesos - qualified for
present at the promulgation of the judgment. probation probation
if one month and two hundred pesos or
one day or more - more - disqualified for within the ambit of disqualification from probation under
disqualified for probation Section 9 paragraph (c) of P.D. 968.It is a basic rule of
probation statutory construction that if a statute is clear, plain and
free from ambiguity,
4. Those who have been ONCE on probation under it must be given its literal meaning and applied without
the provisions of PD No. 968, as amended; any interpretation. Not only that; in the matter of
Accordingly, one who has been on probation interpretation of laws on probation, the Court has
only under the child and Youth Welfare Code as pronounced that "the policy of liberality of probation
amended and the Dangerous Drugs Code of 1972 statutes cannot prevail against the categorical provisions of
as amended will not be disqualified. The reason the law."Section 9 paragraph (c) is in clear and plain
form this is that the treatment given under those language, to the effect that a person who was previously
latter laws is of a different kind from that under PD convicted by final judgment of an offense punishable by
968 as amended. imprisonment of not less than one month and one day
5. Those who are already serving sentence at the and/or a fine of not less than two hundred pesos, is
time substantive provisions of the decree became disqualified from applying for probation. This provision of
applicable pursuant to section 33 of PD 968. (As law is definitive and unqualified. There is nothing in Section
amended by BP Blg. 76, and PD 1990, October 5, 9, paragraph (c) which qualifies "previous conviction" as
1985) referring to a conviction for a crime which is entirely
different from that for which the offender is applying for
Technically speaking probation cannot cover the probation or a crime which arose out of a single act or
following, non-offenders; offenders not yet convicted and transaction as petitioner would have the court to
convicted offenders but with a sentenced exceed 6 years. understand. It is well-settled that the probation law is not a
penal statute; and therefore, the principle of liberal
ALEJANDRA PABLO vs.HON. SILVERIO Q. CASTILLO interpretation is inapplicable. And when the meaning is
G.R. No. 12510: August 3, 2000 clearly discernible from the language of the statute, there is
no room for construction or interpretation.
FACTS: Alejandra Pablo was convicted of a violation of
Batas Pambansa Bilang 22. She applied for probation and
was later denied.
C. REQUIREMENTS AND
PROCEDURE IN THE APPLICATION
ISSUE: Whether or not the he should be denied probation
on the ground of disqualification from probation under OF PROBATION
Section 9 of P.D. 968.
QUESTION
HELD: The Court ruled that under Section 9 of the Is there a need to apply for probation to avail of its
Probation Law, P.D. 968, the following offenders cannot benefits?
avail of the benefits of probation: Yes, it will not be granted except upon the application by
a) Those sentenced to serve a maximum term of the accused. The necessity for such application is
imprisonment of more than six years; indicated in Sec. 4, PD 968, which states that “the trial
b) Those convicted of subversion or any crime against court may, after it shall have convicted and sentenced a
the national security or the public order; defendant and upon application by said defendant within
c) Those who have previously been convicted by final the period of perfecting an appeal.
judgment of an offense punished by imprisonment of
not less than one month and one day and/or fine of not less NOTA BENE: Under Presidential Decree No. 1990, no
than two hundred pesos; application for probation shall be entertained of granted if
d) Those who have been once on probation under the the defendant has perfected an appeal from judgment of
provisions of this decree; and conviction. The filing of the application shall be deemed a
e) Those who are already serving sentence at the waiver of a right to appeal.
time the substantive provisions of this decree
became applicable pursuant to section 33 hereof. QUESTIONS
Is there a form prescribed for the application for
The National Probation Office denied petitioners probation?
application for probation under Section 9 paragraph (c) Yes, it shall be in the form approved be the Secretary of
P.D. 968 because a prior conviction was entered against the justice as recommended by the Administrator or as may
petitioner on June 21, 1995 in Criminal Case No. 94-0199, be prescribed by the SC
penalizing her with a fine of P4,648.00; there by placing her What is the effect of filing an application for probation?
The court may, upon receipt of the application suspend filing of such application. The prosecuting officer must
the execution of sentence imposed in judgment. submit his comment on such application within 10 days
from receipt of the notification
I. WHERE AND WHEN TO FILE THE PETITION FOR
PROBATION? 4. Referral to probation office: If the court finds that the
The application for probation shall be filed by petition is in due form and that the petitioner appears
sentenced or convicted offender whose sentence is not not to be disqualified for the grant of probation. The
more than 6 years imprisonment. It shall be filed with the probation should be entertained by the court by
court that tried and sentenced the offender. ordering the probation officer to conduct an
investigation (PSI) of the offender provided he is not
WHERE: A petition for probation shall be filed by the disqualified under the decree.
applicant for probation or the petitioner with the courts While it is discretionary with the court to grant or
that tried and sentenced the offender at any time before deny an applicant for probation, the Probation Law
the imprisonment starts. requires that an investigation be first conducted by the
probation officer who shall submit his report within 60
WHEN: Anytime before the offender starts serving his days from receipt of the court’s order. However, the
sentence but within period for perfecting an appeal or court may in its discretion extend the 60 days period.
fifteen (15) days from the promulgation or notice of the Only thereafter shall the court resolve the application,
judgment of conviction. an outright denial by the court is a nullity correctable
by certiorari. (De Luna vs. Hon. Medina, CA 78 D.G. 599;
However, under Section 42 of R.A. 9344, the Juvenile Del Rosario vs. Hon. Rosero, GR 65004, Nov. 29, 1983)
Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, the court may, after it shall
have sentenced a Child In Conflict with the Law and upon To summarize, the following are the procedures in
application at anytime placed the child on probation in lieu Applying for Probation:
of service of his sentence.
1 The offender or his counsel files a petition with the
II. PROCEDURE UNDER PD NO. 968 – Probation and convicting court within 15 days from promulgation
Parole Flow Chart – See Appendix of judgment.
The following are the procedure in the application for
probation: 2 The court determines convict qualifications and
notifies the prosecutor of the filing of the petition
1. The defendant must file a petition before the trial
court which exercise jurisdiction over his case; an 3 The prosecutor submits his comments on such
application for probation after he has been sentenced application within 10 days from receipt of the
but before he begins to serve the sentence. There are notification.
two forms of petition: WRITTEN and ORAL.
NOTA BENE: But for purposes of recording, application 4 If petitioner is qualified, his application is referred
made orally should be reduced into writing. to the probation officer for post-sentence
investigation
2. If the defendant has been convicted and has appealed
the sentence of conviction, an application for 5 The post-sentence investigation report (PSIR) is
probation cannot be entertained. As a general rule, No submitted by the probation officer to the court
application for probation shall be entertained or within 60 days
granted if the defendant has perfected an appeal from
the judgment or conviction. 6 Pending investigation and resolution, accused may
NOTA BENE: Filing an application shall be deemed a be temporarily released (if there is already a bail,
waiver of the right to appeal. then on same bail)
C. FORMS OF PSI (SECTION 6, PD 968) During the post-sentence investigation petitioner had
Section 6 of PD 968 - The investigation report to be no Right to Counsel. The probation law has no
submitted by the probation officer under Section 5 hereof provision guaranteeing the right to counsel in the
shall be in the form prescribed by the Probation investigation of a petitioner. The constitutional
Administrator and approved by the Secretary of Justice. guarantee of right to counsel will not apply because
the investigation by the probation officer is neither
D. STAGE OF POST-SENTENCE INVESTIGATION prosecutory nor accusatory in character.
The following are the stage of post investigation: Further petitioner as well is not covered by Republic
Act No. 7438 providing right of the accused during
1. PRELIMINARY PROCEDURE - The probation officer custodial investigation.
upon receipt of the order from the court shall assign
the same to a probation officer to conduct the post- E. POST SENTENCE INVESTIGATION REPORT (PSIR)
sentence investigation. Post sentence investigation report is refers to the
report submitted by a probation officer within 60 days from
receipt of the order of said court to conduct the
investigation containing his/her recommendation in the
grant or denial of the application for probation. Pending submission of the investigation report and the
resolution of the petition, the defendant may be allowed
F. PURPOSE OF POST SENTENCE INVESTIGATION on temporary liberty under his bail filed in the criminal case;
REPORT Provided, That, in case where no bail was filed or that the
Section 23 of Parole and probation administration defendant is incapable of filing one, the court may allow
omnibus rules on probation methods and procedure. - The the release of the defendant on recognize the custody of a
PSIR aims to enable the Trial Court to determine whether or responsible member of the community who shall guarantee
not the ends of justice and the best interest of the public his appearance whenever required by the court.
primarily, as well as that of the applicant, would be served by
the grant or denial of the application. J. CONTENTS OF PSIR (SECTION 24 OF PAROLE AND
PROBATION ADMINISTRATION OMNIBUS RULES ON
G. NATURE OF THE RECOMMENDATION PROBATION METHODS AND PROCEDURE)
Section 25 of Parole and probation administration a. The circumstances surrounding the crime or
omnibus rules on probation methods and procedure - The offense for which the applicant was convicted and
nature of the recommendation for the grant or denial of sentenced, taken from the applicant himself,
probation in the PSIR report is merely PERSUASIVE IN offended party and others, who might have
NATURE addressed to the sound discretion of the Trial Court knowledge of the commission of the crime or
considering that the denial or grant of probation is a judicial offense, and pertinent information taken from the
function. police and other law enforcement agencies, if any,
and Trial Court records;
H. SIGNATORIES b. Details of other criminal records, if any;
Section 25 of Parole and probation administration c. Personal circumstances, educational, economic
omnibus rules on probation methods and procedure - The and socio-civic data and information about the
PSIR shall, as a rule be prepared by the investigating applicant;
Probation Officer on case and approved by the CPPO. Both d. Characteristics of applicant, employable skills,
shall initial each and all the pages thereof, except the last employment history, collateral information;
page on which they shall affix their respective signatures. e. Evaluation and analysis of the applicant's suitability
and legal capacity for probation and his potential
I. PERIOD FOR SUBMISSION OF INVESTIGATION REPORT for rehabilitation, reform, development,
(SECTION 7, PD 968) transformation and re-integration into the
Section 7 of PD 968 - The probation officer shall submit community;
to the court the investigation report on a defendant not f. Recommendation to: (A) grant the application,
later than sixty days from receipt of the order of said court including probation period, probation conditions
to conduct the investigation. The court shall resolve the and probation treatment and supervision
petition for probation not later than five days after receipt plan/program; or (B) deny the application;
of said report. g. Data and information on the applicant's financial
condition and capacity to pay, his civil liability, if
QUESTION any;
Can the offender be released while his application for h. Results of findings of drug, psychological and
probation is pending? clinical tests conducted, if any;
Yes, at the discretion of the court. Pending submission i. Results of criminal records, if any, whether decided
of the PSIR and the resolution of the petition for or still pending
probation, the defendant may be ALLOWED temporary j. Furnished by various law enforcement agencies
liberty or released by virtue of BAIL. tapped by the Probation Office for such purpose;
a. On the same bond he filed during the trial in the k. Result(s) of courtesy investigation, whether
criminal case, GCI/FBCI or PGCI (See Sec. 27 of these Rules), if
b. On a new bond or any, conducted in the birth place or place of origin
To the custody of a responsible member of the of applicant especially if he plans to reside thereat
community if unable to file a bond - In case NO BAIL was while on probation, if ever his application will be
filed or that defendant is incapable of filing one, court granted; and
may allow the release of defendant on RECOGNIZANCE l. Other analogous and related matters.
to the custody of a responsible member of the
community who shall guarantee his appearance Others:
whenever required by the court (sec. 21, rule 114-Rules on a. Psycho- social information regarding the
Criminal Procedure) petitioner.
b. Evaluation of petitioner suitability for probation Trial Court. After its grant it becomes a statutory right
and his potential for social reintegration into the and it shall only be canceled or revoked for cause and
community. after due notice and hearing.
c. A recommendation to either grant the petition for (b) The grant of probation has the effect of suspending the
probation with program of supervision and the execution of sentence. The Trial Court shall order the
suggested terms and condition for probation, or release of the probationer's cash or property bond upon
deny the petition for probation. which he was allowed temporary liberty as well as
d. Information regarding the petitioner financial release the custodian on ROR from his undertaking.
capability to meet or satisfy his civil obligation if Upon receipt of the Probation Order granting probation
any. the same shall be entered in a Docket Book for proper
To obtain additional data or clarify discrepancies recording.
between the information received from the applicant and An order of denial shall be docketed as well.
those secured from other sources, the investigating
Probation Officer and/or Chief Parole and Probation Officer IV. EFFECTIVITY OF THE PROBATION ORDER (SECTION 11,
may conduct such subsequent or further interviews on the PD NO. 968)
applicant and/or other persons as may be deemed proper Under Section 11 of PD 968 , a probation order shall take
and necessary effect upon its issuance, at which time the court shall inform
the offender of the consequences thereof and explain that
E. RESOLUTION AND GRANT OF THE upon his failure to comply with any of the conditions
prescribed in the said order or his commission of another
PETITION FOR PROBATION offense, he shall serve the penalty imposed for the offense
under which he was placed on probation.
A probation order shall take effect upon its receipt by
I. PERIOD TO RESOLVE THE APPLICATION FOR the petitioner, and on the same date the probation period
PROBATION shall commence, unless otherwise specified by the court.
Under Section 31 of Parole and Probation Administration Upon the issuance of the probation order, the court
Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure. The shall inform the probationer of the consequences thereof
application for probation shall be resolved by the Trial Court and explain upon his failure to comply with any of the
not later than fifteen (15) days from the date of its receipt of conditions in the said order, or his commission of another
the PSIR. Since probation is privilege, its grant rest solely offense, he shall serve the sentence originally imposed for
upon the discretion of the court. Therefore court may grant the offense for which he was placed on probation.
or dismiss it. In addition Section 33 of Parole and Probation
Administration Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and
II. GRANT OF THE PETITION Procedure states that a probation order shall take effect
Once probation is granted, the execution of sentence upon its issuance, at which time the court shall inform the
will be suspended. The court if grants the petition will offender of the consequence thereat and explain that upon
issue the appropriate Probation Order and the petitioner his failure to comply with any of the conditions prescribed
will be release to the community subject however to the in the said order or his commission of another offense
terms and condition imposed by the court, with the under which he was placed on probation.
supervision of probation officer.
If the court grants probation – the court imposes V. DEFENDANT MAY REJECT GRANT OF PROBATION
condition that defendant seems to be arbitrary – mental The law does not oblige the defendant to accept the
must he does need instruction. probation granted by the court. He should, indeed, be
allowed to turn down the same grant especially since he
QUESTION might feel that the terms and conditions thereof are too
What is the effect of probation on accessory Penalties? onerous (burdensome) for him.
Accessory penalties are deemed suspended once
probation is granted. (Baclayon vs. Mutia. 129 SCRA, VI. EFFECT OF DISMISSAL OF THE PETITION
148) What will happen if the application for probation is
denied?
III. EFFECT OF THE GRANT OF PROBATION. The offender will be sent by the sentencing court to prison
Under Section 32 of Parole and Probation Administration to serve his sentence.
Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure the
following are the Effect of the Grant of Probation: NOTA BENE: AS A GENERAL RULE THE GRANT OR
(a) Probation is but a mere privilege and as such, its grant or DENIAL OF PROBATION IS NOT APPEALABLE. However a
denial rests solely upon the sound of discretion of the Certiorari may lie on the ground of Grave abuse of
discretion – certiorari – not on appeal. Here he does not The Probation Law prohibits a judge from entertaining
question the finding of facts of the trial court but only the or granting an application for probation if the defendant
reasonableness of the order based therein. has perfected an appeal from the judgment of conviction.
Neither the prosecution nor defendant may ask as a The fact of conviction most certainly refers to the
matter of right seek review by superior court of the order criminal liability of the accused, as a result of a finding made
of the trial court or before the superior court the findings of by a judge that he is guilty of the crime charged. However,
facts of the trial court. the appeal in this case involved only the civil aspect of the
trial courts judgment. Hence, we see no reason why,
EFREN SALVAN vs. THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES between the conjoined criminal and civil aspects of a
G.R. No. 153845. September 11, 2003 felony, a line cannot be drawn marking where the one
springs from the other. Even if by definition civil liability ex
FACTS: Efren Salvan, a bus driver, was convicted of reckless delict arises from the criminal act, once its existence is
imprudence resulting in homicide for the death of John established, it should be treated separately from the
Barry Abogado. He filed a motion for partial criminal liability. Indeed there is even categorical statutory
reconsideration, which was later denied, and an application basis to state that it subsists despite the extinguishment of
for probation. He then filed a notice of partial appeal which the criminal liability from which it arose. This was the
was denied for the reason that the application for finding in Budlongv. Apalisok and Salgado v. Court of Appeals.
probation is deemed under the law to be a waiver of the Thus, we rule that, in an appeal from a judgment of
right to appeal. conviction, the criminal liability and the civil liability ex
delicto should be considered independently, each with its
ISSUE: Whether or not the denial or approval of probation own corresponding effects. In the present case, the law
is appealable. that bars an appeal of the judgment of conviction, as well
as its corresponding criminal liability, should not bar an
HELD: We recall that the law which governs all matters appeal of the civilaspect of the same judgment.
relating to probation is Presidential Decree No. 968,
commonly known as the Probation Law, as amended by VII. INDEMNIFICATION
Presidential Decree No. 1990. The provision of the law that Section 37. Indemnification of Parole and Probation
is pertinent to the current controversy reads: Administration Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and
Sec. 4. Grant of Probation. Subject to the provisions of Procedure. –Payment for civil liability shall be done using the
this Decree, the trial court may, after it shall have convicted following modes:
and sentenced a defendant, and upon application by said (a) Payment can be given to the Clerk of Court of the Trial
defendant within the period for perfecting an appeal, Court, who will in return hand over the sum to the victim
suspend the execution of the sentence and place the who shall issue a corresponding receipt; a copy of which
defendant on probation for such period and upon such terms should be given by the probationer to the Probation
and conditions as it may deem best; Provided, That no Office in order to monitor such payment;
application for probation shall be entertained or granted if (b) Payment may be deposited by the probationer to the
the defendant has perfected the appeal from the judgment victim’s account where the bankbook is kept at the
of conviction. Probation may be granted whether the Probation Office to be given to the victim for his proper
sentence imposes a term of imprisonment or a fine only. An disposition;
application for probation shall be filed with the trial court. (c) Payment can be effected directly to the victim and the
The filing of the application shall be deemed a waiver of the receipt must be filed in the supervision record of the
right to appeal. An order granting or denying probation shall probationer kept at the Probation Office.
not be appealable. Further, that the practice of giving the payment to the
Relying solely on the letter of the law, the filing of the Supervising Probation Officer on case (or the CPPO) to be
application for probation should be deemed a waiver of the remitted to the victim, although with receipts, should be
right to appeal. However, in the case of Budlong v. highly discourage and discontinued outrightly.
Apalisok, we had occasion to rule that the above provision
of the Probation Law clearly provides only for the
suspension of the sentence imposed on the accused by
F. CONTROL AND SUPERVISION OF
virtue of his application for probation. It has absolutely no PROBATIONERS (SECTION 13, PD
bearing on civil liability. This ruling was clarified in Salgado
v. Court of Appeals, wherein we ruled that, although the 968)
execution of sentence is suspended by the grant of Under Section 13 of PD 968, the probationer and his
probation, it does not follow that the civil liability of the probation program shall be under the control of the court
offender, if any, is extinguished. who placed him on probation subject to actual supervision
and visitation by a probation officer. Whenever a probationer
is permitted to reside in a place under the jurisdiction of
another court, control over him shall be transferred to the Thereafter, the Executive Judge of the RTC to whom
Executive Judge of the Court of First Instance of that place, jurisdiction over the probationer is transferred shall have the
and in such a case, a copy of the probation order, the jurisdiction and control with respect to him which was
investigation report and other pertinent records shall be previously possessed by the Court which granted probation.
furnished said Executive Judge. Thereafter, the Executive The receiving City or Provincial and Parole and Probation
Judge to whom jurisdiction over the probationer is Office and the receiving court shall be duly furnished each
transferred shall have the power with respect to him that with copies of the pertinent Probation Order, PSIR (PPA
was previously possessed by the court which granted the Form 3), and other investigation and supervision records by
probation. the sending Probation Office for purposes and in aid of
Probationers report to their Probation Officer as often continuing effective probation supervision treatment over
as indicated in the conditions of probation. The probation said probationer.
officer sees to it that the conditions of probation as given
by the court are followed. Probationers are helped to II. OUTSIDE TRAVEL
developed themselves, to learn skills if they do not have Section 41 of Parole and Probation Administration
any, and to be gainfully employed so they can be useful Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure.
members of the society. House visits and follow-up in their Purpose. Outside Travel. –
places of work may be done if needed. The probation (a) A Probation Officer may authorize a probationer to
officer makes regular reports about the probationer to the travel outside his area of operational/territorial
court. jurisdiction for a period of more than ten (10) days but
Under Section 38 of Parole and Probation not exceeding thirty (30) days.
Administration Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and (b) A Probationer who seeks to travel for up to thirty (30)
Procedure the following are the primary purposes of days outside the operational/territorial jurisdiction of the
probation supervision are: Probation Office shall file at least five (5) days before the
(a) To ensure the probationer's compliance with the intended travel schedule a Request for Outside Travel
probation conditions specified in the Probation (PPA Form 7) withsaid Office properly recommended by
Order and the prescribed probation treatment and the Supervising Probation Officer on case and approved
supervision program/plan; by the CPPO.
(b) To manage the process of the probationer's (c) If the requested outside travel is for more than thirty
rehabilitation and re-integration into the (30) days, said request shall be recommended by the
community; and CPPO and submitted to the Trial Court for approval.
(c) To provide guidance for the probationer's Outside travel for a cumulative duration of more than thirty
transformation and development into a useful (30) days within a period of six (6) months shall be
citizen for his eventual reintegration to the considered as a courtesy supervision.
mainstream of society.
H. EARLY DISCHARGE INCENTIVE
G. CHANGE OF RESIDENCE AND AND TERMINATION
OUTSIDE TRAVEL The arrangement takes place when probation is made
to pay restitution, reparation and indemnification. In PSIR
I. CHANGE OF RESIDENCE the recommended payment is that within ½ of term
Section 42 Parole and Probation Administration probation – full payment – eligible for consideration for
Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure. early termination.
Change of Residence: Transfer of Supervision. – Section 55 of Parole and Probation Administration
(a) A Probationer may file a Request for Change of Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure.
Residence (PPA Form 24) with the City or Provincial Coverage. - The following probationers may be
Parole and Probation Office, citing the reason(s) recommended for the early termination of their probation
therefore this request shall be submitted by the period:
Supervising Probation Office for the approval of the 1. Those who are suffering from serious physical and/or
Trial Court. mental disability such as deaf- mute, the lepers, the
(b) In the event of such approval, the supervision and crippled, the blind, the senile, the bed-ridden, and the
control over the probationer shall be transferred to like;
the concerned Executive Judge of the RTC, having 2. Those who do not need further supervision as evidenced
jurisdiction and control over said probationer, and by the following:
under the supervision of the City or Provincial Parole (a) Consistent and religious compliance with all the
and Probation Office in the place to which he conditions imposed in the order granting probation;
transferred.
(b) Positive response to the programs of supervision imprisonment as computed at the rate established
designed for their rehabilitation by the RPC Art. 39.
(c) Significant improvements in their social and ART. 39: When the principal penalty imposed be only a
economic life; fine, the subsidiary imprisonment shall not exceed 6
(d) Absence of any derogatory record while under months if the culprit is executed for grave or less grave
probation; felony and shall not exceed 15 days for light felony
(e) Marked improvement in their outlook in life by
becoming socially aware and responsible members NOTA BENE
of the family and community; and The period of probation may either be shortened or
(f) Significant growth in self-esteem, self-discipline and made longer, but not to exceed the period set in law.
self-fulfillment; Provided, that, the probationers When the period of probation is no longer necessary
involved have already served one-third (1/3) of the as the probationer is believed no longer a threat to
imposed period of probation; and provided further, society and has satisfactorily reintegrated him into
that, in no case shall the actual supervision period be society. The period maybe shortened. But if there a need
less than six (6) months. for the protection of society and adjustment of
3. Those who have: probation said – longer but not beyond 2 and 6 years.
(a) To travel abroad due to any of the following:
(1) An approved overseas job contract or any other II. IMPLICATION OF THE PROBATION PERIOD: Both In
similar documents; or Maximum Level
(2) An approved application for scholarship, 1. Minimum period of probation is left to discretion
observation tour or study grant for a period not of courts
less than six (6) months; or 2. Court may set a straight period of probation
(3) An approved application for immigration. anywhere within the range and limit set by
(4) An approved application to take the Bar and law
Board Examinations. 3. The court may order an indeterminate period with
(b) To render public service minimum and maximum period.
(1) Having been elected to any public office; or The determination of the term for probation can
(2) Having been appointed to any public office. readily be seen to present itself as new sentencing problem
Provided, however, that the probationers involved have to the trial court when viewed in terms of probation goal.
fully paid their civil liabilities, if any. The imposition of the right length of time that promises
And, that the probationers were not convicted for society maximum protection and the offender the best
offenses involving moral turpitude. possible chance of rehabilitation.
Other probationers who have fully cooperated SOLUTION: The strategy is the Utilization of the Post
with/participated in the programs of supervision designed Sentence Investigation Report which furnishes him a good
for their rehabilitation and who are situated under picture of the prisoner and the forces and circumstances
conditions/circumstances similar in nature to those above- that led him to crime.
described at the discretion of the proper authorities.
J. CONDITIONS IN THE GRANT OF
I. PERIOD OF PROBATION AND ITS
PROBATION AND ITS
IMPLICATION (Sec. 14 of PD 968)
CONSEQUENCE IF VIOLATED
I. PERIOD OF PROBATION (SECTION 10, PD 968)
a. If the convict is sentenced to a term of
imprisonment of NOT MORE THAN ONE (1), the
period of probation shall NOT EXCEED TWO (2) QUESTION
YEARS. What are the rights and duties of the probationer?
b. In all cases, if he is sentenced to MORE THAN ONE When Probation is granted, what conditions
(1) YEAR, said period SHALL NOT EXCEED SIX (6) does the court impose?
YEARS. 1. The probationer must present himself to his
c. When the sentence imposes a FINE ONLY and the Probation Officer within seventy-two (72)
offender is made to SERVE SUBSIDIARY hours;
IMPRISONMENT in case of insolvency, the period 2. Report to his Probation Officer in-charge of
of probation shall NOT BE LESS THAN NOR TWICE his supervision at least once a month;
the total number of days of subsidiary 3. Not to commit any offense;
4. Comply with any other conditions imposed
by the court. uttered insulting and defamatory words against Remedios
Estillore, principal of the Plaridel Central School. Her
conviction was affirmed by the appellate court, taking into
I. MANDATORY OR BUILT IN CONDITIONS account the aggravating circumstance of disregard of the
The two Mandatory Conditions of Probation respect due the offended party on account of her rank and
1. To present himself to the Probation Officer age and the fact that the crime was committed in the office
concerned for supervision within 72 hours from of the complainant. She was sentenced to one year, 8
receipt of said order; and months, 21 days of arresto mayor in its maximum period to
2. To report to the Probation Officer at least once a 2 years and 4 months of prision correccional in its minimum
month during the period of probation. period.
The petitioner applied for probation with respondent
II. OPTIONAL/DISCRETIONARY OR OTHER CONDITIONS judge who referred the application to a Probation Officer.
The Probation Order may also require the probationer The Post-Sentence Investigation Report favorably
in appropriate cases to: recommended the granting of petitioner's probation for a
1. Cooperate with a program of supervisor; period of three (3) years.
2. Meet his family responsibilities The respondent Judge issued an order granting
3. Devote himself to a specific employment and not petitioner's probation, but modified the Probation Officer's
to change said employment without prior written recommendation by increasing the period of probation to
approval of the probation officer; five (5) years and by imposing the 10 conditions:
4. Comply with a program of payment of civil liability However the petitioner's prays for the deletion of the
to the victim of his heirs; last condition that petitioner should "refrain from
5. Undergo medical, psychological or psychiatric continuing her teaching profession." The petitioner
examination and treatment and/or enter and submits that said condition is detrimental and prejudicial to
remain in specific institution, when required for her rights as well as not in accordance with the purposes,
that purpose; objectives and benefits of the probation law.
6. Pursue a prescribed secular study or vocational
training; Issue:
7. Attend or reside in a facility established for Whether paragraph (h) of the questioned order
instruction or reaction of persons on probation; granting probation which requires that petitioner refrain
8. Refrain from visiting houses of ill-repute; from continuing with her teaching profession be deleted.
9. Abstain from drinking intoxicating beverages to
excess; Held:
10. Permit the probation officer or unauthorized social YES.
worker to visit his home and place of work;
11. Reside at premises approved by the court and not The conditions which trial courts may impose on a
to change his residence without prior written probationer may be classified into general or mandatory
approval; and and special or discretionary.
12. Satisfy any other condition related to the The MANDATORY CONDITIONS, enumerated in Section
rehabilitation of the probationer and not unduly 10 of the Probation Law, require that the probationer
restrictive of his liberty or incompatible with his should (a) present himself to the probation officer
freedom of conscience. designated to undertake his supervision at such place as
may be specified in the order within 72 hours from receipt
BACLAYON vs. MUTIA; of said order, and (b) report to the probation officer at least
G.R. No. L-59298 April 30, 1984 once a month at such time and place as specified by said
officer.
Stated Ruling: SPECIAL OR DISCRETIONARY CONDITIONS are those
The condition that petitioner should "refrain from additional conditions, listed in the same Section 10 of the
continuing her teaching profession is an invalid condition. Probation Law, which the courts may additionally impose
If probation is granted, the imposition of her sentence of on the probationer towards his correction and
imprisonment was thereby suspended and necessarily, the rehabilitation outside of prison.
imposition of the accessory penalties was likewise thereby NOTA BENE: The enumeration, however, is not
suspended. inclusive. Probation statutes are liberal in character and
Probation is not a sentence. enable courts to designate practically any term it chooses
as long as the probationer's constitutional rights are not
Facts: jeopardized. There are innumerable conditions which may
Petitioner, a school teacher convicted of the crime of be relevant to the rehabilitation of the probationer when
Serious Oral Defamation for having quarreled with and
viewed in their specific individual context. It should, of the facts and surrounding circumstances and all possible
however, be borne in mind that the special or discretionary areas of consideration.
conditions of probation should be realistic, purposive and
geared to help the probationer develop into a law-abiding QUESTION
and self-respecting individual Conditions should be What happens to a probationer if conditions of
interpreted with flexibility in their application and each case probation are violated?
should be judged on its own merits — on the basis of the The Court may modify the conditions of probation or
problems, needs and capacity of the probationer. The very revoke the same. If the violation is serious, the court may
liberality of the probation should not be made a tool by trial order the probationer to serve his prison sentence. The
courts to stipulate instead unrealistic terms. probationer may also be arrested and criminally
Petitioner is a teacher and teaching is the only prosecuted if the violation is a criminal offense.
profession she knows and as such she possesses special Any set or commission on the part of the probationer
skills and qualifications. To order the petitioner to refrain which is contrary to the terms and conditions specified in
from teaching would deprive the students and the school in the probation order.
general the benefits that may be derived from her training a. The probation officer investigates the alleged
and expertise. violation and it is established, a report is
While it is true that probation is a mere privilege and its submitted to the court. There can be
grant rests solely upon the discretion of the court, this MODIFICATION of condition of probation by the
discretion is to be exercised primarily for the benefit of court, depending on the nature and seriousness
organized society and only incidentally for the benefit of of the violation;
the accused. Equal regard to the demands of justice and b. There is also the possibility of arrest including
public interest must be observed. In this case, teaching has criminal, prosecution of the probationer in the
been the lifetime and only calling and profession of vent of commission of another offense. The
petitioner. The law requires that she devote herself to a REVOCATION proceeding is summary.
lawful calling and occupation during probation. Yet, to After considering the nature and seriousness of
prohibit her from engaging in teaching would practically violation court may order ARREST of probation
prevent her from complying with the terms of the
probation. NOTA BENE: If the court finds the probationer guilty of
Respondents contend that petitioner's final conviction serious violation of the conditions of probation he may
carries with it the accessory penalties in addition to the be ordered to serve the original sentence imposed on
principal penalty of imprisonment; and since petitioner was him.
sentenced to arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision
correccional in its minimum period, she must likewise suffer IF VIOLATION IS ESTABLISHED- court may revoked or
the accessory penalties of suspension from public office and continue with modified conditions
from the right to follow a profession or calling, and that of IF REVOKED- probationer shall serve the sentence
perpetual special disqualification from the right of suffrage. originally imposed.
This cannot apply to petitioner, however, because she was
granted probation. The imposition of her sentence of
imprisonment was thereby suspended and necessarily, the QUESTION
imposition of the accessory penalties was likewise thereby If the probationer committed a crime while under
suspended. probation, what would be the consequences?
a. The probationer will be arrested for violation of the
condition of probation
K. RULE IN VIOLATION OF b. Prosecution of the new crime committed
The court will order the serving of the original sentence of
CONDITIONS ITS MODIFICATION the previous offense
AND REVOCATION OF
I. ABSCONDING PETITIONER
PROBATION Section 43 of Parole and Probation Administration
Section 46 of Parole and Probation Administration Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure.
Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure. Absconding Probationer. –
Concept. - A probationer's specific act and/or omission(s) (a) A probationer who has not reported for initial
constitutive of a violation of probation condition(s) set forth supervision within the prescribed period and/or whose
in the original, modified or revised Probation Order shall be whereabouts could not be found, located or determined
reported to the Trial Court, taking into account the totality despite best diligent efforts within reasonable period of
time shall be declared by the proper Office as an 1. accurate and complete statement of the facts and
absconding probationer. surrounding circumstances, concluding but not limited
Thereafter said Office shall file with the proper court a to the:
Violation Report (PPA Form 8), containing its findings and (a) nature, character and designation of the violation;
recommendation, duly prepared and signed by the (b) specific acts and/or omissions constitutive of the
Supervising Parole and Probation Officer and duly noted by violation;
the Chief Parole and Probation Officer. (c) place, date and time of commission or omission;
(d) statements or affidavits of apprehending officers
II. FACT-FINDING INVESTIGATION. and offended parties and
Section 47 of Parole and Probation Administration (e) other related data and information.
Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure. Fact- 2. probationer's response, explanation and clarification
Finding Investigation. - Based on reasonable cause reported duly sworn to before a notary public and other
by a reliable informant or on his own findings, the SPPO, supporting testimonial, documentary and objective
SrPPO, PPOII, PPOI concerned or the CPPO himself shall evidence;
conduct or require the Supervising Probation Officer on case 3. findings, assessment and recommendation of the
to immediately conduct a fact-finding investigation on any Probation Office. The Violation Report shall be prepared
alleged or reported violation of probation condition(s) to and signed by the SPPO, SrPPO, PPOII or PPOI concerned
determine the veracity and truthfulness of the allegation. and approved and signed by the CPPO.
IV. VIOLATION OR INFRACTION REPORT Sec.35: Methods and Procedures. A violation of probation
Infraction Report is refers to the report submitted by shall be understood to main any act or any omission on the
the Probation and Parole Officer on violations committed part of the probationer with respect to the terms and
by a parolee/pardonee of the conditions of his release on condition or probation.
parole or conditional pardon while under supervision.
Section 49 of Parole and Probation Administration SEC. 36 The probation officer shall motu-propio (on his
Omnibus Rules on Probation Methods and Procedure. - own) or upon the report of the probation aide or any other
Violation Report. Its Contents: Signatories and Submission person conduct a fact finding investigation of any alleged
to Trial Court. - The Violation Report shall include, among violation of probation
others, the following:
SEC.37 Rule VII of the Revised Rules on Probation. Once 1. Failure to comply with any condition
the investigation is completed the probation officer shall 2. Commission of another offense
report the result of the same to the court.
QUESTION
SEC.38 Rule VII of the Revised Rules on Probation. The What constitute commission of another offense or
report of the probation officer to the court (P.A. form no. violation of penal law? Is it the act of committing or
38) concerning and alleged violation of the condition of perpetrating a crime? Or conviction for the commission
probation shall include: of said offense?
a. Complete statement of the facts of the alleged Supreme Court ruled that a condition violated by the
violation including the date, place and pardonee or parolee on judicial condition is not
circumstances thereof, statements of victims, necessary.
witnesses and arresting officer if any. Supreme Court revoked probation on the basis of a
b. The explanation, if any of the problem for the subsequent final judgment without remanding the case
alleged violation. to the probation office.
c. The recommendation of the probation officer.
G. DUTIES OF VPA
1. Assist the Probation Officer in supervision of
probationer
2. Prepare and submit reports and record of his work
as may be required by probation offices
3. Assist the probation officer in mobilization of
community support for probation program
H. FUNCTIONS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
The functions and responsibilities of a VPA may include:
1. Works in close consultation and coordination with
the chief probation and parole officer (CPPO) and
supervising officer-on-Case (SOC), who will provide
the needed information about the client including
the treatment and supervision plan;
2. Supervise a maximum of five (5) clients and
thereafter yen (10) clients upon re-appointment
subject to the administrative and technical
supervision by the Chief Parole and Probation
Officer (CPPO);
3. Keeps all information about the clients in strict
confidential;
4. Performs such other task related to clients
rehabilitation as may be assigned by the CPPO
from time to time;
5. Prepares records of their activities and accomplish
related reports and prompt submission thereof
and undertake other related activities; and
6. They may be designated to identify, generate, tap
local community resources or conduct such
activities on skills training and sports and cultural
programs for clients.
CHAPTER VI
THE PAROLE AND PROBATION ADMINISTRATION
who are likely to respond to individualized community-
CHAPTER CONTENTS
based treatment programs.
1. What is parole and probation and parole
administration?
2. Functions of PPA B. FUNCTIONS
3. The history and Creation of Probation To carry out these goals, the Agency through its
Administration under PD 968 network of regional and field parole and probation officers
4. Qualification and Powers and Duties of the performs the following functions:
following: a. To administer the parole and probation system
a. Probation administrator, b. To exercise supervision over parolees, pardonees
b. Assistant probation administrator and probationers
c. Regional probation officer c. To promote the correction and rehabilitation of
d. Provincial and City Probation Officers criminal offenders.
5. The Organization Structure of Probation
Administration
6. Vision, Mission, Mandate, Goals and C. HISTORY AND THE CREATION OF
Organizational Values PROBATION ADMINISTRATION
7. Major Rehabilitation Programs of PPA Probation was first introduced in the Philippines during
the American colonial period (1898–1945) with the
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES enactment of Act No. 4221 of the Philippine Legislature on
At the end of this chapter the students should be able August 7, 1935. This law created a Probation Office under
to: the Department of Justice. On November 16, 1937, after
1. Define PPA and know its functions barely two years of existence, the Supreme Court of the
2. discuss the history and creation of probation Philippines declared the Probation Law unconstitutional
and parole administration under PD 968; because of some defects in the law's procedural
3. identify the qualification and duties of the framework.
following: In 1972, House Bill No. 393 was filed in Congress, which
a. probation administrator; would establish a probation system in the Philippines. This
b. assistant probation administrator; bill avoided the objectionable features of Act 4221 that
c. regional probation officer; and struck down the 1935 law as unconstitutional. The bill was
d. provincial and City Probation Officers; passed by the House of Representatives, but was pending
4. Draw the Organization Structure of Probation in the Senate when Martial Law was declared and Congress
Administration was abolished.
5. identify and understand the vision, mission, In 1975, the National Police Commission
mandate, goals and organizational values of Interdisciplinary drafted a Probation Law. After 18 technical
PPA; and hearings over a period of six months, the draft decree was
6. enumerate and discuss the major rehabilitation presented to a selected group of 369 jurists, penologists,
programs of PPA. civic leaders and social and behavioral scientists and
practitioners. The group overwhelmingly endorsed the
establishment of an Adult Probation System in the country.
A. WHAT IS PAROLE AND On July 24, 1976, Presidential Decree No. 968, also
known as Adult Probation Law of 1976, was signed into Law
PROBATION ADMINISTRATION? by the President of the Philippines.
The Parole and Probation Administration (Filipino:
Pangasiwaan ng Parol at Probasyon), abbreviated as PPA, is Section 18 of PD 968. The Probation Administration. There
an agency of the Philippine government under the is hereby created under the Department of Justice an
Department of Justice responsible for providing a less agency to be known as the Probation Administration
costly alternative to imprisonment of first-time offenders
herein referred to as the Administration, which shall “Parole and Probation Administration”. It was given the
exercise general supervision over all probationers. added function of supervising prisoners who, after serving
The Administration shall have such staff, operating units part of their sentence in jails are released on parole or are
and personnel as may be necessary for the proper granted pardon with parole conditions.
execution of its functions.
The startup of the probation system in 1976-1977 was a D. POWERS AND DUTIES OF
massive undertaking during which all judges and
prosecutors nationwide were trained in probation methods OFFICERS OF PROBATION
and procedures; administrative and procedural manuals ADINISTRATOR
were developed; probation officers recruited and trained, A. PROBATION ADMINISTRATOR
and the central agency and probation field offices The Administration shall be headed by the Probation
organized throughout the country. Fifteen selected Administrator, hereinafter referred to as the
probation officers were sent to United States for Administrator.
orientation and training in probation administration. Upon It is appointed by the President of the Philippines.
their return, they were assigned to train the newly He shall hold office during good behavior and shall not
recruited probation officers. be removed except for cause. (Section 19 of PD 968:)
The probation system started to operate on January 3,
1978. As more probation officers were recruited and The following are the powers and Duties of Probation
trained, more field offices were opened. There are at Administration under Section 19 of PD 968:
present 204 field offices spread all over the country, (a) Act as the executive officer of the Administration;
supervised by 15 regional offices. (b) Exercise supervision and control over all probation
PAROLE AND PROBATION ADMINISTRATION officers;
PANGASIWAAN NG PAROL AT PROBASYON (c) Make annual reports to the Secretary of Justice, in
Abbreviation PPA-DOJ such form as the latter may prescribe, concerning
the operation, administration and improvement of
the probation system;
(d) Promulgate, subject to the approval of the
Secretary of Justice, the necessary rules relative to
the methods and procedures of the probation
process;
(e) Recommend to the Secretary of Justice the
appointment of the subordinate personnel of his
Administration and other offices established in this
Seal of the Parole and Probation Administration
Decree; and
Agency overview
(f) Generally, perform such duties and exercise such
Formed July 24, 1976
powers as may be necessary or incidental to
Legal Governmental: Government agency
achieve the objectives of this Decree.
personality
Jurisdictional structure
B. ASSISTANT PROBATION ADMINISTRATOR
National Philippines Under Section 20 of PD 968 there shall be an
agency Assistant Probation Administrator who shall assist the
General nature Law enforcement Administrator perform such duties as may be assigned
Civilian agency to him by the latter and as may be provided by law. In
Operational structure the absence of the Administrator, he shall act as head
Headquarters DOJ Agencies Building, NIA Road cor. of the Administration.
East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City He shall be appointed by the President of the
Agency Manuel G. Co, Administrator Philippines and shall receive an annual salary of at least
executive thirty-six thousand pesos.
Parent agency Department of Justice
QUALIFICATIONS:
Under Section 21 of PD 968 to be eligible for
Appointment as Administrator or Assistant Probation
NOTA BENE: Under Executive Order no. 292, entitled “the Administrator one must be:
Administrative Code of 1987”, promulgated on November 1. At least 35 years old
23, 1989, the probation Administration was renamed as
2. Holder of a master degree in criminology, (h) Perform such duties as may be assigned by the
social work correction, penology, psychology, court or the Administration.
sociology, public administration , laws, police
science, police administration or relation field. Qualifications of Regional, Assistant Regional, Provincial,
3. 5 years supervisory experience and City Probation Officers. (Section 25 of PD 968)
4. Member of BAR with 7 years supervisory No person shall be appointed Regional or Assistant
Regional or Provincial or City Probation Officer unless:
C. REGIONAL OFFICE; REGIONAL PROBATION OFFICER. 1. He possesses at least a bachelor's degree with a
Under Section 22 of PD 968 the Administration shall major in social work, sociology, psychology,
have regional offices. criminology, penology, corrections, police science,
Such regional offices shall be headed by a Regional administration, or related fields
Probation Officer. 2. He has at least 3 years of experience in work
1. He shall exercise supervision and control over all requiring any of the abovementioned disciplines or
probation officer within his jurisdiction and such 3. A member of the Philippine Bar with at least 3
duties as may assigned to him by the years of supervisory experience.
Administrator.
2. He shall have an annual salary of at least 24,000 Whenever practicable, the Provincial or City Probation
pesos. Officer shall be appointed from among qualified residents
The Regional Probation Officer shall be assisted by an of the province or city where he will be assigned to work.
Assistant Regional Probation Officer with an annual salary
of at least 20,000 pesos E. MISCELLANEOUS POWERS UNDER SECTION 24 OF PD
N.B. Both were appointed by President of the 968.
Philippines upon the recommendation of the Secretary of They shall have the authority within their territorial
Justice. jurisdiction to administer oaths and acknowledgments and
to take depositions in connection with their duties and
D. PROVINCIAL AND CITY PROBATION OFFICERS. functions under this Decree. They shall also have, with
Under Section 22 of PD 968 there shall be at least one respect to probationers under their care, the powers of
probation officer in each province and city who shall be police officer.
appointed by the Secretary of Justice upon
recommendation of the Administrator and in accordance F. FIELD ASSISTANTS, SUBORDINATE PERSONNEL
with civil service law and rules. Sec. 27. Field Assistants, Subordinate Personnel. —
The Provincial or City Probation Officer shall receive an Provincial or City Probation Officers shall be assisted by
annual salary of at least 8,400. such field assistants and subordinate personnel as may be
His duties shall be to: necessary to enable them to carry out their duties
(a) Investigate all persons referred to him for effectively.
investigation by the proper court or the
Administrator;
(b) Instruct all probationers under his supervision of
E. THE ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
that of the probation aide on the terms and OF PROBATION
conditions of their probations;
(c) Keep himself informed of the conduct and ADMINISTRATION (See
condition of probationers under his charge and use Appendices)
all suitable methods to bring about an The Probation Administration was created by virtue of
improvement in their conduct and conditions; Presidential Decree No. 968, “The Probation Law of 1976”,
(d) Maintain a detailed record of his work and submit to administer the probation system. Under Executive Order
such written reports as may be required by the No. 292, “The Administrative Code of 1987” which was
Administration or the court having jurisdiction over promulgated on November 23, 1989, the Probation
the probationer under his supervision; Administration was renamed “Parole and Probation
(e) Prepare a list of qualified residents of the province Administration” and given the added function of
or city where he is assigned who are willing to act supervising prisoners who, after serving part of their
as probation aides; sentence in jails are released on parole pardon with parole
(f) Supervise the training of probation aides and conditions
oversee the latter's supervision of probationers; Effective August 17, 2005, by virtue of a Memorandum
(g) Exercise supervision and control over all field of Agreement with the Dangerous Drugs Board, the
assistants, probation aides and other personnel; Administration performs another additional function of
and investigating and supervising first-time minor drug
offenders who are placed on suspended pursuant to monitors attendance of officials and employees in
Republic Act No. 9165. training programs sponsored by the other
Probation Administration (EO no. 292 Paroles and agencies/organizations.
Probation Administration) Line Bureau under the DOJ 1. Research Development Section
2. Material Preparation and A/V Section
A. CENTRAL OFFICE 3. Training Evaluation Section
1. OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR – It acts as the head 5. COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION (CMSD) – Assist
and the executive officer of the PPA. in the establishment/development of facilities,
a. Planning staff – Develops plans, programs and programs and services for the rehabilitation of
conducts, research towards economical, efficient probationers/parolees/pardonees utilizing
and effective operation and implementation of PD community resources, provides technical and
no. 968 as amended. consultative services to operating units and offices
b. Technical services - It acts as service arm of the of the administration, screens and recommends for
Board of Pardons and Parole in the supervision of appointment of VPAs.
parolees and pardoness. 1. Community Programs Section
2. Volunteer services Section
2. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR - One
deputy. Assist the administrator and performs such 6. CASE MANAGEMENT AND RECORDS DIVISION - It
duties as may be assigned by the administrator. provides technical services assistance to field
officers in improving investigation
3. STAFF DIVISION procedures/supervision over probationers and
1. ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION (AD) – It provides the their services to the courts; conducts studies on
administration with well-planned, directed and caseloads, caseworks services and procedures in
coordinated services relating to personnel, case management, maintains central files of
records, supplies and equipment, disbursement, records of
security and janitor/messengerial services and petitioners/probationers/parolees/pardonees and
public information dissemination. establishes linkages with criminal justice pillars for
1. Personnel Section improvement of case load management.
2. Public Information Section
3. Records and Mailing Section 7. CLINICAL SERVICES DIVISION (CSD) - Provides the
4. Cash Section administration with effective diagnostic/evaluation
5. Property Section and therapy/management of PPA employees and
6. General Services Section their dependents, petitioner, probationers,
parolees, pardonees which include psychiatric,
2. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION (FMD) - It medical, dental, and psychological and social
provides financial support to all units of the agency services.
and implements policies and procedure on 1. Psychological Services Section
financial management in accordance with the 2. Social Services Section
government rules and regulations. 3. Medical and Dental Section
1. Accounting Section
2. Budget Section
3. Management Section B. REGIONAL OFFICES - Regional Probation
and Parole Offices (Dir. II/ Regional Dir.) - It exercise
3. LEGAL AND INSPECTORATE DIVISION (LID) – It supervision and control over all provincial/city Parole
provides various units of the administration with and Probation offices within the jurisdiction and
legal advice, prepares opinions on questions of law performs such duties as may be assigned by the
that may arise in the implementation of P.D. no. administrator.
968 as amended. - One Deputy (Dir. I/ Asst. Reg. Dir.)
1. Inspection and Investigation Section - 15 Regional Office
2. Legal Counseling Section
NOTA BENE: See Appendix for the Organizational Charts G. VISION, MISSION, MANDATE,
GOALS AND ORGANIZATIONAL
PROBATION ADMINISTRATION – appointed by President -
h\old office during good behavior/ or shall not be remove VALUES
without case.
I. VISION
Regional Probation Office- appointed by the President A model component of the Philippine Correctional
upon recommendation Secretary of DOJ. It IS Assisted by System that shall enhance the quality of life of its
Assistant Regional Probation Office clients through multi disciplinary programs and
resources, and efficient organization, and highly
Provincial or City Probation and Parole Officer- at least one professional and committed workforce in order to
in each province or City appointed by secretary of DOJ, promote social justice and development.
upon recommendation of Probation Administration.
II. MISSION
Requirement for Regional Probation Office, Assistant RPO, To rehabilitate probationers, parolees and pardonees
Provincial or City: and promote their development as integral persons by
1. A bachelor degree major in social work, sociology, utilizing innovative interventions and techniques which
psychology, criminology, penology, correction, respect the dignity of man and recognize his divine
police science, police administration or related destiny.
field with 3 years supervisory experience.
2. member of the BAR with 3 years supervisory III. MANDATE
experience The Parole and Probation Administration is mandated
to conserve and/or redeem convicted offenders and
prisoners who are under the probation or parole
F. PPA FORMS system.
PPA TITLE
FORM IV. GOALS
NO. The Administration's programs sets to achieve the
1 Post-Sentence Investigation Work following goals:
Sheet a. Promote the reformation of criminal offenders and
2 Waiver-Cum-Authorization reduce the incidence of recidivism, and
3 Post-Sentence Investigation Report b. Provide a cheaper alternative to the institutional
5 Monthly Caseload Summary Reports confinement of first-time offenders who are likely
7 Request for Outside Travel to respond to individualized, community-based
8 Violation Report treatment programs.
9 Probation Officers Final Report
10 Office Order V. ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES (PPA)
11 Payment Plan
14 General Inter-Office Referral A. PERFORMANCE - Efficient and effective
15 Case Classification accomplishment of task and targets, beginning with
16 Supervision Treatment Plan individual officials and throughout all units in the
17 Supervision Case Notes organizational hierarchy, linked coherently and
18 Attendance Monitoring Form of Clients progressively toward the agency Mission, Vision and
19 Termination Form strategic works.
22 Arrival Report 1. Teamwork - Working together to achieve
23 Certificate of undertaking shared goals
2. Resourcefulness and Innovativeness -
24 Change of Residence
Exploring resources with ingenuity optimizing
25 Pre-Parole/Pre-Executive Clemency
opportunities with creativity.
Investigation Report
community may volunteer to assist the probation
B. PROFESSIONALISM - High level of proficiency on and parole officers in the supervision of a number
the resulting from mastery and conscientious of probationers, parolees and conditional
application of appropriate knowledge and skills, pardonees in their respective communities. Since
honed by sound judgment, self-discipline and they reside in the same community as the client,
unceasing striving for excellence, and founded on a they are able to usher the reformation and
code of conduct that respects the dignity of clients rehabilitation of the clients hands-on.
and fellowmen. In collaboration with the PPO, the VPA
1. Role modeling - Serving and inspiring by helps pave the way for the offender, victim and
example. community to each heal from the harm resulting
2. Professional Existence - Achieving high from the crime done. They can initiate a circle of
standards for ethical and quality service support for clients and victims to prevent further
C. ACCOUNTABILITY - Inherent obligation of every crimes, thereby be participants in nation-building.
official and employees to answer employee to
answer for decisions, actions and result within C. The THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY (TC) is a self-help
his/her authority, including proper and effective social learning treatment model used in the
utilization of resources is support of Agency policies rehabilitation of drug offenders and other clients
and programs with timely, complete and accurate with behavioral problems. TC adheres to precepts
disclosure in required report. of “right living” - Responsible Love and Concern;
1. Responsibility - Achieving expectations, Truth and Honesty; the Here and Now; Personal
answering for results. Responsibility for Destiny; Social Responsibility
2. Honesty and Integrity - Being upright and (brother’s keeper); Moral Code; Work Ethics and
transparent in transaction and relations. Pride in Quality.
The Therapeutic Community (TC) is an
H. MAJOR REHABILITATION environment that helps people get help while
helping themselves. It operates in a similar fashion
PROGRAMS to a functional family with a hierarchical structure
of older and younger members. Each member has
A. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE (RJ) is a philosophy and a a defined role and responsibilities for sustaining
process whereby stakeholders in a specific offense the proper functioning of the TC. There are sets of
resolve collectively how to deal with the aftermath rules and community norms that members commit
of the offense and its implications for the future. It to live by and uphold upon entry. The primary
is a victim-centered response to crime that “therapist” and teacher is the community itself,
provides opportunity for those directly affected by consisting of peers, staff/probation and parole
the crime - the victim, the offender, their families officers and even Volunteer Probation Aides (VPA),
and the community - to be directly involved in who, as role models of successful personal change,
responding to the harm caused by the crime. Its serve as guides in the recovery process.
ultimate objective is to restore the broken
relationships among stakeholders.
The Restorative Justice process provides a
healing opportunity for affected parties to
facilitate the recovery of the concerned parties and
allow them to move on with their lives.
FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF PARDONS SECTION 6. Every prisoner released from confinement on
AND PAROLE parole by virtue of this Act shall, at such times and in such
SECTION 4. The Board of Pardons and Parole is authorized manner as may be required by the conditions of his parole,
to adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary for as may be designated by the said Board for such purpose,
carrying out its functions and duties. The Board is report personally to such government officials or other
empowered to call upon any bureau, office, branch, parole officers hereafter appointed by the Board of
subdivision, agency or instrumentality of the Government Indeterminate Sentence for a period of surveillance
for such assistance as it may need in connection with the equivalent to the remaining portion of the maximum
performance of its functions. A majority of all the members sentence imposed upon him or until final release and
shall constitute a quorum and a majority vote shall be discharge by the Board of Indeterminate Sentence as
necessary to arrive at a decision. Any dissent from the herein provided. The officials so designated shall keep such
majority opinion shall be reduced to writing and filed with records and make such reports and perform such other
the records of the proceedings. Each member of the Board, duties hereunder as may be required by said Board. The
including the Chairman and the Executive Officer, shall be limits of residence of such paroled prisoner during his
entitled to receive as compensation fifty pesos for each parole may be fixed and from time to time changed by the
meeting actually attended by him, notwithstanding the said Board in its discretion. If during the period of
provisions of Section two hundred and fifty-nine of the surveillance such paroled prisoner shall show himself to be
Revised Administrative Code, and in addition thereto, a law-abiding citizen and shall not violate any of the laws of
reimbursement of actual and necessary travelling expenses the Philippine Islands, the Board of Indeterminate Sentence
incurred in the performance of duties: Provided, however, may issue a final certificate of release in his favor, which
That the Board meetings will not be more than three times shall entitle him to final release and discharge.
a week. (As amended by Republic Act No. 4203, June 19,
1965.) SECTION 7. The Board shall file with the court which passed
judgment on the case, and with the Chief of Constabulary, a
SECTION 5. It shall be the duty of the Board of certified copy of each order of conditional or final release
Indeterminate Sentence to look into the physical, mental and discharge issued in accordance with the provisions of
and moral record of the prisoners who shall be eligible to the next preceding two sections.
parole and to determine the proper time of release of such
prisoners. Whenever any prisoner shall have served the
SECTION 8. Whenever any prisoner released on parole by 8. Persons already sentenced by final judgment at the
virtue of this Act shall, during the period of surveillance, time this Act was approved (Dec. 5, 1933)
violate any of the conditions of his parole, the Board of III. APPLICATION
Indeterminate Sentence may issue an order for his re-arrest A. RPC: MIN (NEXT LOWER TO PRESCRIBED) TO MAX
which may be served in any part of the Philippine Islands by (IMPOSABLE)
any police officer. In such case the prisoner so re-arrested 1. Derive MAXIMUM term imposable by applying
shall serve the remaining unexpired portion of the rules for aggravating (AC) and ordinary mitigating
maximum sentence for which he was originally committed circumstances (MC) under Art. 64 and for complex
to prison, unless the Board of Indeterminate Sentence crimes under Art. 48
shall, in its discretion, grant a new parole to the said a. No AC or MC: Penalty PRESCRIBED medium
prisoner. (As amended by Act No. 4225.) period
b. 1 AC, no MC: Penalty PRESCRIBED maximum
SECTION 9. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to impair period
or interfere with the powers of the Governor-General as set c. No AC, 1 MC: Penalty PRESCRIBED minimum
forth in Section 64(i) of the Revised Administrative Code or period
the Act of Congress approved August 29, 1916 entitled “An d. Several ACs and MCs: OFFSET then apply rules
Act to declare the purpose of the people of the United to remainder
States as to the future political status of the people of the e. No AC, 2 or more MCs: Penalty NEXT LOWER
Philippine Islands, and to provide a more autonomous IN DEGREE TO THAT PRESCRIBED
government for those Islands.” f. If COMPLEX CRIME (2 or more grave or less
grave felonies OR one offense is a necessary
SECTION 10. Whenever any prisoner shall be released on means for committing the other): Penalty for
parole hereunder he shall be entitled to receive the the MOST SERIOUS CRIME maximum period
benefits provided in Section 1751 of the Revised
Administrative Code. 2. Derive MINIMUM term by getting the penalty one
degree lower than the penalty prescribed by the
Effective on December 5, 1933. RPC, without regard to its three periods. The court
has discretion to fix as the minimum term any
INDETERMINATE SENTENCE LAW period of imprisonment within that penalty next
lower to the penalty prescribed.
PRIMER- Instead of imposing a “straight” penalty, the
court must determine two penalties (maximum and EXCEPTION: WHEN THERE IS A PRIVILEGED
minimum) MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCE, do NOT follow the
aforementioned rule. Consider the privileged
I. PURPOSE: To uplift and redeem valuable human mitigating circumstance FIRST before any AC or MC
material, and prevent unnecessary and excessive to get the PENALTY PRESCRIBED and then proceed
deprivation of liberty and economic usefulness. as required by the rule on deriving the minimum
Penalties shall not be standardized but fitted as far as is term. Otherwise, the maximum of the ISL will end
possible to the individual, with due regard to the up being lower than the minimum of the ISL.
imperative necessity of protecting the social order
(People v. Ducosin, 59 Phil 109). B. SPL: Min (at least that prescribed) to Max (not exceed
II. COVERAGE prescribed)
A. GENERAL RULE: All persons convicted of certain crimes 1. MAXIMUM TERM: Court may fix any as long as it
under Philippine courts does not exceed the penalty prescribed by the
B. EXCEPTIONS (Sec. 2): Law will NOT apply to persons special law
1. Convicted of offense punishable with death 2. MINIMUM TERM: Court has discretion so long as it
penalty or life imprisonment does not exceed the minimum prescribed by the
2. Whose maximum term of imprisonment (imposed) special law
does not exceed one year
3. Convicted of treason, conspiracy or proposal to
commit treason, misprision of treason
J. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND
4. Convicted of rebellion, sedition, espionage, REGULATION ON PAROLE AND
5. Convicted of piracy
6. Who are habitual delinquents PARDON – Nov. 26, 2002
7. Who escaped confinement or evaded sentence or
violated the terms of a conditional pardon Pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of Act No. 4103,
"The Indeterminate Sentence Law", as amended, the
following Rules and Regulations are hereby promulgated to h. "Prison Record" refers to information concerning
govern the actions and proceedings of the Board of an inmate's personal circumstances, the offense he
Pardons and Parole: committed, the sentence imposed, the criminal
case number in the trial and appellate courts, the
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS date he commenced serving his sentence, the date
SEC. 1. Policy Objectives - Under the provisions of Act No. he was received for confinement, the place of
4103, as amended, otherwise known as the "Indeterminate confinement, the date of expiration of the
Sentence Law", which was approved on December 5, 1933, sentence, the number of previous convictions, if
it is the function of the Board of Pardons and Parole to any, and his behavior or conduct while in prison;
uplift and redeem valuable human material to economic i. "Parole" refers to the conditional release of an
usefulness and to prevent unnecessary and excessive offender from a correctional institution after he
deprivation of personal liberty by way of parole or through has served the minimum of his prison sentence;
executive clemency. Towards this end, the Board j. "Executive Clemency" refers to Reprieve, Absolute
undertakes the following: Pardon, Conditional Pardon with or without Parole
1. Looks into the physical, mental and moral records Conditions and Commutation of Sentence as may
of prisoners who are eligible for parole or any form be granted by the President of the Philippines;
of executive clemency and determines the proper k. "Reprieve" refers to the deferment of the
time of release of such prisoners on parole; implementation of the sentence for an interval of
2. Assists in the full rehabilitation of individuals on time; it does not annul the sentence but merely
parole or those under conditional pardon with postpones or suspends its execution;
parole conditions, by way of parole supervision; l. "Commutation of Sentence" refers to the
and, reduction of the duration of a prison sentence of a
3. Recommends to the President of the Philippines prisoner;
the grant of any form of executive clemency to m. "Conditional Pardon" refers to the exemption of
prisoners other than those entitled to parole. an individual, within certain limits or conditions,
from the punishment which the law inflicts for the
SEC. 2. Definition of Terms - As used in these Rules, unless offense he had committed resulting in the partial
the context indicates otherwise- extinction of his criminal liability;
e. "Board" refers to the Board of Pardons and Parole; n. "Absolute Pardon" refers to the total extinction of
f. "Executive Director" refers to the Executive the criminal liability of the individual to whom it is
Director/Secretary of the Board; granted without any condition. It restores to the
g. "Administration" refers to the Parole and individual his civil and political rights and remits the
Probation Administration; penalty imposed for the particular offense of which
a. "Administrator" refers to the Administrator of the he was convicted;
Parole and Probation Administration; o. "Petitioner" refers to the prisoner who applies for
b. "Regional Director" refers to the Head of the the grant of executive clemency or parole;
Parole and Probation Administration in the region; p. "Parolee" refers to a prisoner who is released on
c. "Probation and Parole Officer" refers to the parole;
Probation and Parole Officer undertaking the q. "Pardonee" refers to a prisoner who is released on
supervision of the client; conditional pardon;
d. "Director" refers to the Director of the Bureau of r. "Client" refers to a parolee/pardonee who is placed
Corrections; under supervision of a Probation and Parole
e. "Penal Superintendent" refers to the Officer-In- Officer;
Charge of the New Bilibid Prison, the Correctional s. "Release Document" refers to the Conditional
Institution for Women and the prison and penal Pardon/Absolute Pardon issued by the President of
farms of the Bureau of Corrections; the Philippines to a prisoner or to the "Discharge
f. "Warden"refers to the Officer-In-Charge of the on Parole" issued by the Board;
Provincial, City, Municipal or District Jail; t. "Parole Supervision" refers to the
g. "Carpeta" refers to the institutional record of an supervision/surveillance by a Probation and Parole
inmate which consists of his mittimus or Officer of a parolee/pardonee;
commitment order issued by the Court after u. "Summary Report" refers to the final report
conviction, the prosecutor's information and the submitted by the Probation and Parole Officer on
decisions of the trial court and the appellate court, his supervision of a parolee/pardonee as basis for
if any; certificate of non-appeal, certificate of the latter's final release and discharge;
detention and other pertinent documents of the
case;
v. "Progress Report" refers to the report submitted take action on the petition of a prisoner who has a pending
by the Probation and Parole Officer on the conduct criminal case in court or when his case is on appeal.
of the parolee/pardonee while under supervision;
w. "Infraction Report" refers to the report submitted In case the prisoner has one or more co-accused who had
by the Probation and Parole Officer on violations been convicted, the Director/Warden concerned shall
committed by a parolee/pardonee of the forward their prison records and carpetas at the same time.
conditions of his release on parole or conditional
pardon while under supervision. II. PETITIONS FOR EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY/PAROLE
SEC. 3. National Prisoner Confined in a Local Jail - The SEC. 5. Filing of Petition - A formal petition for executive
Board may not consider the release on pardon/parole of a clemency addressed as follows shall be submitted to the
national prisoner who is serving sentence in a municipal, Board before the question of said clemency will be
city, district or provincial jail unless the confinement in said considered:
jail is in good faith or due to circumstances beyond the "The President of the Philippines
prisoner's control. Thru: The Chairman
A national prisoner, for purposes of these rules, is Board of Pardons and Parole
one who is sentenced to a maximum term of imprisonment DOJ Agencies Bldg., NIA Road cor. East Avenue
of more than three (3) years or to a fine of more than five Diliman, Quezon City"
thousand pesos (Php. 5,000); or regardless of the length of Petitions for parole shall be addressed to the Chairman or
sentence imposed by the court, to one sentenced for to the Executive Director of the Board.
violation of the customs law or other laws within the However, the Board may, motu proprio , consider cases for
jurisdiction of the bureau of customs or enforceable by it, parole, commutation of sentence or conditional pardon of
or to one sentenced to serve two (2) or more prison deserving prisoners whenever the interest of justice will be
sentences in the aggregate exceeding the period of three served thereby.
(3) years.
SEC. 6. Contents of Petition - A petition for
IS NATIONAL PRISONER CONFINED IN A parole/executive clemency shall state the name of the
LOCAL JAIL CAN BE RELEASE ON PARDON/PAROLE? prisoner, his age, previous criminal record, if any, whether a
No, unless his confinement in said jail is in good Filipino citizen or an alien and, if a naturalized Filipino, his
faith or due to circumstances beyond the prisoner's former nationality and date of naturalization, his previous
control. occupation, place of residence, present crime for which he
WHO ARE NATIONAL PRISONERS UNDER THE was convicted, the trial/appellate court, his penalty of
RULES? imprisonment, fine, indemnity and the commencing date
The following are the National Prisoners: thereof, the jail or prison to which he was committed
1. Those WHO IS SENTENCED TO A and/or where he is presently confined, the date he was
MAXIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT received for confinement, the grounds upon which
OF MORE THAN THREE (3) YEARS or executive clemency is being asked and certification from
to a fine of more than five thousand the trial court that his case is not on appeal.
pesos (Php. 5,000);
2. Those who SENTENCED FOR In addition to the above-mentioned data, a petition for
VIOLATION OF THE CUSTOMS LAW absolute pardon shall be under oath and shall include the
OR OTHER LAWS WITHIN THE date the petitioner was released from prison after service
JURISDICTION OF THE BUREAU OF of sentence or released on parole/pardon or terminated
CUSTOMS or enforceable by it, from probation.
regardless of the length of sentence
imposed by the Court; and SEC. 7. Supporting Documents of Petition for Absolute
3. Those one sentenced to serve two (2) Pardon - The petition for absolute pardon shall be
or more prison sentences in the accompanied by -
aggregate exceeding the period of a. the affidavits of at least two (2) responsible
three (3) years. members of the community where the petitioner
resides. The affidavits shall, among others, state
that the petitioner has conducted himself in a
SEC. 4. Scope of Authority - The Board may consider the moral and law-abiding manner since his release
case of a prisoner for executive clemency or parole only from prison and shall indicate the petitioner's
after his case has become final and executory. It will not occupation and his social activities including
religious involvement;
b. the clearances from the National Bureau of 2. At least ten (10) years for prisoners
Investigation, the Philippine National Police, the sentenced to reclusion perpetua or life
Prosecutor's Office, the Municipal Circuit Trial imprisonment for crimes or offenses
Court, the Municipal Trial Court, the Municipal Trial committed before January 1, 1994.
Court in Cities, the Metropolitan Trial Court and the 3. At least twelve (12) years for prisoners
Regional Trial Court where petitioner resides; whose sentences were adjusted to a
c. proof of payment of indemnity and/or fine, or in definite prison term of forty (40) years in
lieu thereof, certification from the City/Municipal accordance with the provisions of article
Treasurer or Probation and Parole Officer on his 70 of the revised penal code, as amended.
financial condition; and, 4. At least fifteen (15) years for prisoners
d. proof of service of sentence or certificate of Final convicted of heinous crimes as defined in
Release and Discharge or court's Termination republic act no. 7659 and other special
Order of probation. laws committed on or after January 1,
1994 and sentenced to one or more
SEC. 8. Referral of Petition for Absolute Pardon to a reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment
Probation and Parole Officer - Upon receipt of a petition 5. At least twenty (20) years in case of one
for absolute pardon, the Board shall refer the petition to a (1) or more death penalty/penalties, which
Probation and Parole Officer who shall conduct an was/were automatically reduced or
investigation on the conduct and activities, as well as the commuted to one (1) or more reclusion
social and economic conditions, of the petitioner prior to perpetua or life imprisonment;
his conviction and since his release from prison and submit B. For Conditional Pardon, the prisoner shall have
a report thereof within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the served at least one-half (1/2) of the minimum of his
referral. original indeterminate and/or definite sentence.
However, in the case of a prisoner who is
SEC. 9. Referral of Petition for Executive Clemency/Parole convicted of a heinous crime as defined in Republic
to Other Government Agencies - A petition for executive Act No. 7659 and other special laws, he shall have
clemency shall be referred by the Board to the Secretary of served at least one-half (1/2) of the maximum of his
National Defense for comment and recommendation if the original indeterminate sentence before his case
crime committed by the petitioner is against national may be reviewed for conditional pardon.
security or public order or law of nations. In case of C. For Absolute Pardon, after he has served his
violation of election laws, rules and regulations, a petition maximum sentence or granted final release and
for executive clemency/parole shall be referred to the discharge or court termination of probation.
Commission on Elections for favorable recommendation, However, the Board may consider a petition for
provided, however, that regardless of the crime absolute pardon even before the grant of final
committed, a petition for executive clemency/parole may release and discharge under the provisions of
be referred for a pre-parole/executive clemency Section 6 of Act No. 4103, as amended, as when
investigation to a Probation and Parole Officer who shall the petitioner: (1) is seeking an appointive/elective
submit a report on the behaviour, character antecedents, public position or reinstatement in the government
mental and physical condition of the petitioner within thirty service; (2) needs medical treatment abroad which
(30) days from receipt of referral, to include the results of is not available locally; (3) will take any
the National Bureau of Investigation records check. government examination; or (4) is emigrating.
In case of an alien, the petition shall be referred to the
Department of Foreign Affairs for comment and SEC. 11. Prisoners not Eligible for Executive Clemency -
recommendation. Prisoners who escaped or evaded service of sentence are
not eligible for executive clemency for a period of one (1)
III. EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY year from the date of their last recommitment to prison or
conviction for evasion of service of sentence.
SEC. 10. Review of Cases for Executive Clemency - Petitions
for executive clemency may be reviewed if the prisoners SEC. 12. Transmittal of Carpeta and Prison Record - In
meet the following minimum requirements : executive clemency/parole cases, the Director or Warden
A. For Commutation of Sentence - concerned shall forward the prison record and carpeta of a
1. The prisoner shall have served at least petitioner at least one (1) month prior to the eligibility for
one-third (1/3) of the minimum of his review as specified in Sections 10 and 13 of these Rules.
indeterminate and/or definite sentence or The Director or Warden concerned shall also furnish the
the aggregate minimum of his Board and the Administration on or before the fifth day of
indeterminate and/or definite sentences. every month, a list of prisoners whose minimum sentences
will expire within ninety (90) days and those who may be
considered for executive clemency. V. PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD
CHAPTER IX
EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY
WHY IT IS EXTENDED
WHAT IS EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY? In general, Executive Clemency is often extended for
It shall refer to Absolute Pardon, Conditional Pardon humanitarian reasons, such as to an aged and ill inmate
with or without Parole conditions and Commutation of who needs specialized medical care. Inmates who suffer
Sentence as may be granted by the President of the from serious, contagious, or life threatening illness or
Philippines upon the recommendation of the Board of disease and those prisoners with severe disability can now
Pardon and Parole. be recommended for executive clemency.
It is an act of mercy or leniency from certain The condition of the inmate should be certified “under
consequences of a criminal conviction, and is exercised by oath” by a physician of the Bureau of Corrections Hospital
the President after receipt of a recommendation from the and likewise certified under oath by a physician designated
BPP. by the Department of Health (DOH
Executive Clemency under the criminal justice system is It is also extended in the following instances:
the act by an executive member of government of 3. When there is real doubt about the guilt of the
extending mercy to a convicted individual. In the United party.
States, clemency is granted by a governor for state crimes 4. When the sentence given is Apparently excessive
and by a president for federal crimes. Clemency can take 5. When the party is a political or personal friend of
one of four forms: a reprieve, a commutation of sentence, a the President.
pardon and amnesty. 6. To clear the record of some who has demonstrated
rehabilitation or public service.
CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS:
1. ART. VII, SEC. 19, 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN PETITION FOR
Except in cases of impeachment, or as CONDITIONAL PARDON, COMMUTATION OF SENTENCE OR
otherwise provided in this Constitution, the PAROLE - The following factors may be considered by the
President may grant reprieves, commutations, and Board in the grant of conditional pardon, commutation of
pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures, after sentence or parole:
conviction by final judgment. a. the age of the petitioner, the gravity of the offense
He shall also have the power to grant amnesty and the manner in which it was committed, and
with the concurrence of a majority of all the the institutional behavior or conduct and previous
Members of the Congress. criminal record, if any;
b. evidence that petitioner will be legitimately
2. Section 5, Article IX (Constitutional Commissions- employed upon release;
The Commission on Elections) c. a showing that the petitioner has a place where he
No pardon, amnesty, parole, or suspension of will reside;
sentence for violation of election rules, and d. availability of after-care services for the petitioner
regulations shall be granted by the President who is old, seriously ill or suffering from a physical
without a favorable recommendation of the disability;
Commission. e. attitude towards the offense and the degree of
remorse; and,
WHO WILL GRANT EXECUTIVE CLEMECY? f. the risk to other persons, including the victim, his
It is exercise by the President. witnesses, his family and friends, or the community
Upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons in general, the possibility of retaliation by the
and Parole, s/he can grant pardons, commute sentences, or victim, his family and friends.
defer the implementation of sentences.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION TO THE RECOMMENDATION
EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY BASICS FOR COMMUTATION OF SENTENCE OR CONDITIONAL
1. It is discretionary; PARDON
1. youthful offenders; NOTA BENE: A petition for absolute pardon shall be
2. prisoners who are sixty (60) years old and above; under oath and shall include the date the petitioner
3. physical disability such as when the prisoner is was released from prison after service of sentence or
bedridden, a deaf mute, a leper, a cripple or is blind released on parole/pardon or terminated from
or similar disabilities; probation.
4. serious illness and other life-threatening disease as
certified by a government physician; REFERRAL OF PETITION FOR EXECUTIVE
5. those prisoners recommended for the grant of CLEMENCY/PAROLE TO OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
executive clemency by the trial/appellate court as a. Secretary of National Defense - If the crime
stated in the decision; committed by the petitioner is against national
6. alien prisoners where diplomatic considerations security or public order or law of nations.
and amity between nations necessitate review; b. Commission on Elections - In case of violation of
7. circumstances which show that his continued election laws, rules and regulations.
imprisonment will be inhuman or will pose a grave c. Department of Foreign Affairs - In case of an alien.
danger to the life of the prisoner or his co-inmates;
and, PRISONERS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY
8. such other similar or analogous circumstances Prisoners who escaped or evaded service of sentence
whenever the interest of justice will be served are not eligible for executive clemency for a period of one
thereby. (1) year from the date of their last recommitment to prison
or conviction for evasion of service of sentence.
FILING OF PETITION
A formal petition for executive clemency addressed as TRANSMITTAL OF CARPETA AND PRISON RECORD
follows shall be submitted to the Board before the question In executive clemency/parole cases, the Director or
of said clemency will be considered: Warden concerned shall forward the prison record and
"The President of the Philippines carpeta of a petitioner at least one (1) month prior to the
Thru: The Chairman eligibility for review as specified in Sections 10 and 13 of
Board of Pardons and Parole these Rules.
DOJ Agencies Bldg., NIA Road cor. East Avenue The Director or Warden concerned shall also furnish
Diliman, Quezon City" the Board and the Administration on or before the fifth day
of every month, a list of prisoners whose minimum
Petitions for parole shall be addressed to the Chairman sentences will expire within ninety (90) days and those who
or to the Executive Director of the Board. may be considered for executive clemency.
However, the Board may, motu proprio , consider cases
for parole, commutation of sentence or conditional pardon EXCERPTS FROM THE AMENDED GUIDELINES FOR
of deserving prisoners whenever the interest of justice will RECOMMENDING EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY, REVISED
be served thereby. MANUAL, BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLE (2006)
ISSUE:
WHAT IS AMNESTY
WON accused be granted an amnesty.
A general pardon extended to a group of persons, such
a political offenders purposely to bring about the return of
dissidents to their home and to restore peace and order in HELD:
the community. It Is generally exercised by the Chief This Court takes judicial notice of the grant of
Executive with the concurrence of congress. amnesty upon accused-appellant Jose N. Patriarca, Jr.
It is an act of sovereign power granting oblivion or Once granted, it is binding and effective. It serves to
general pardon for past offense and rarely, if ever, put an end to the appeal.
exercised in favor of single individual is usually exerted in Pardon is granted by the Chief Executive. It is
behalf of certain classes of person who are subjected to a private act, which must be pleaded and proved by
trial but not have been convicted.
the person pardoned, because the courts take no
NOTA BENE: Amnesty can be availed of before, during and
notice thereof; while amnesty by Proclamation of the
after the trial of the case, even after conviction. Chief Executive with the concurrence of Congress is a
public act of w/c the courts should take judicial notice.
PEOPLE VS. PATRIARCA Pardon is granted to one after conviction; while
G.R. NO. 135457. SEPTEMBER 29, 2000 amnesty is granted to classes of person or
communities who may be guilty of political offenses,
FACTS: generally before or after the institution of the criminal
That on or about the 30th day of June, 1987 at prosecution and sometimes after conviction. Pardon
about 10:00 o'clock in the evening in the Municipality looks forward and relieves the offender from the
consequences of an offense of which he has been the offense into oblivion the offender from the
convicted, it abolishes or forgives the punishment consequences of his
thus it does not work the restoration of the rights to offense
hold public office or right of suffrage unless such
rights be expressly restored by the 10 terms of the ADMISSION OF GUILT
pardon and it in no case exempts the culprit from the
payment of the civil indemnity imposed upon him by GAUDENCIO VERA VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES
the sentence (Article 36, Revised Penal Code). While AMNESTY – REVERSAL OF THE DOCTRINE HELD IN THE
amnesty looks backward and abolishes and puts into BARRIOQUINTO CASE
oblivion the offense itself, it so overlooks and FACTS:
obliterates the offense with which he is charged that Vera, together with 92 others were charged
the person released by amnesty stands before the law for the crime of kidnapping with murder done against
precisely as though he had committed no offense." a certain Lozaňes. The said crime was committed
allegedly to aid the Japanese occupation. During the
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AMNESTY AND PARDON hearing, none of the petitioners-defendants admitted
having committed the crime charged. In fact,
7. As to the number of those who can avail: Pardon Gaudencio Vera, the only defendant who took the
includes any crime and is exercised individually by the witness stand, instead of admitting the killing of the
Chief Executive, while amnesty is a blanket pardon deceased Lozañes, categorically denied it. Hence, the
granted to a group of prisoners, generally political Amnesty Commission held that it could not take
prisoners.
cognizance of the case, on the ground that the
8. As to the Time to Avail: Pardon is exercised when the
person is already convicted, while amnesty maybe
benefits of the Amnesty Proclamation, could be
given before trial or investigation is done. invoked only by defendants in a criminal case who,
9. As to the Consent of Congress: Pardon is granted by admitting the commission of the crime, plead that
the Chief Executive and such as private act, which must said commission was in pursuance of the resistance
plead and proved by the person pardoned because the movement and perpetrated against persons who
court takes no choice thereof. While amnesty is by aided the enemy during the Japanese occupation.
proclamation with concurrence of congress, and it is a Consequently, the Commission ordered that the case
public act, which the court should take judicial notice. be remanded to the court of origin for trial.
10. As to the Effect: Pardon is an act of forgiveness, i.e. it
relieves the offender from the consequences of the
ISSUE:
offense, while amnesty is an act of forgetfulness. i.e. it
puts into oblivion the offense of which one is charged Whether or not the accused can avail of
so that the person as if he had never committed the amnesty sans admission of guilt.
offense.
11. As to the Crime committed: Pardon is granted for HELD:
infractions of the peace of the State while amnesty, for It is rank inconsistency for appellant to justify
crimes against sovereignty of the state (ex. political an act, or seek forgiveness for an act which, according
offense) to him, he has not committed. Amnesty presupposes
the commission of a crime, and when an accused
Amnesty Pardon maintains that he has not committed a crime, he
Granted for political Granted for any offense
cannot have any use for amnesty. Where an amnesty
offenses
proclamation imposes certain conditions, as in this
Granted to classes of Granted to individuals
persons or communities case, it is incumbent upon the accused to prove the
May be granted at any Granted after final existence of such conditions. The invocation of
time conviction amnesty is in the nature of a plea of confession and
Need not be accepted Must be accepted avoidance, which means that the pleader admits the
Requires the concurrence Does not need the allegations against him but disclaims liability therefore
of congress concurrence of congress on account of intervening facts which, if proved,
Public act which the court Private act which must be would bring the crime charged within the scope of the
may take judicial notice pleaded and proved by the amnesty proclamation. The present rule requires a
person pardoned previous admission of guilt since a person would not
Looks backward and puts Looks forward and relieves
need the benefit of amnesty unless he was, to begin Section 1. Grant of Amnesty. – Amnesty is hereby granted
with, guilty of the offense covered by the to all persons who shall apply therefor and who have or
proclamation. may have committed crimes, on or before thirty (30) days
following the publication of this Proclamation in two (2)
newspapers of general circulation, in pursuit of political
beliefs, whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code
LAW ON AMNESTY
or special laws, including but not limited to the following:
rebellion or insurrection; coup d’etat; conspiracy and
PROCLAMATION NO. 347
proposal to commit rebellion, insurrection or coup d’etat;
GRANTING AMNESTY TO REBELS, INSURGENTS, AND ALL
disloyalty of public officers or employees; inciting to
OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE OR MAY HAVE COMMITTED
rebellion or insurrection; sedition; conspiracy to commit
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER, OTHER CRIMES
sedition; inciting to sedition; illegal assembly; illegal
COMMITTED IN FURTHERANCE OF POLITICAL ENDS, AND
association; direct assault; indirect assault; resistance and
VIOLATIONS OF THE ARTICLES OF WAR, AND CREATING A
disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such
NATIONAL AMNESTY COMMISSION
person; tumults and other disturbances of public order;
unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful
WHEREAS, the peace process, as an anchor of political,
utterances; alarms and scandals; illegal possession of
economic and social stability and development, has steadily
firearms, ammunition or explosives, committed in
moved forward with the overwhelming acceptance and
furtherance of, incident to, or in connection with the crimes
support of the Filipino people;
of rebellion or insurrection and violations of Articles 59
WHEREAS, to enhance and hasten the peace process,
(desertion), 62 (absence without leave), 67 (mutiny or
there is a need to reintegrate, as soon as possible, all rebels
sedition), 68 (failure to suppress mutiny or sedition), 94
and insurgents into the mainstream of society under the
(various crimes), 96 (conduct unbecoming an officer and a
rule of law, including those who may have committed
gentlemen), and 97 (general article) of the Articles of War;
unlawful acts in furtherance of their respective political
Provided, that the amnesty shall not cover crimes against
beliefs;
chastity and other crimes committed for personal ends.
WHEREAS, the grant of amnesty to those who may
have committed unlawful acts in pursuit of their political
Section 2. Effects. – (a) Amnesty under this Proclamation
beliefs is one of the six paths to the attainment of a just and
shall extinguish any criminal liability for acts committed in
lasting peace as recommended by the National Unification
pursuit of a political belief, without prejudice to the
Commission;
grantee’s civil liability for injuries or damages caused to
WHEREAS, amnesty was proclaimed under
private persons. The grant of amnesty shall also effect the
Proclamation Nos. 10 and 10-A, which proclamations
restoration of civil or political rights suspended or lost by
however extended only to those who applied for amnesty
virtue of criminal conviction.
under Executive Order No. 350, Series of 1989, and whose
(b) The amnesty herein proclaimed shall not ipso
applications were processed and ready for action as of 28
facto result in the reintegration or reinstatement into the
July 1992, and who applied for amnesty under Executive
service of former Armed Forces of the Philippines and
Order No. 350 from 28 July 1992 up to 31 December 1992;
WHEREAS, after the lapse of the period for application Philippine National Police personnel. Reintegration or
reinstatement into the service shall continue to be
for the grant of amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 10 and
governed by existing laws and
10-A, many more rebels and insurgents, who may have
regulations; Provided, however, that the amnesty shall
committed unlawful acts in pursuit of their political beliefs,
reinstate the right of AFP and PNP personnel to retirement
have returned or expressed their desire and readiness to
and separation benefits, if so qualified under existing laws,
return to the fold of the law and join the mainstream of
rules and regulations at the time of the commission of the
Philippine society; and
acts for which amnesty is extended, unless they have
WHEREAS, there is a need for government to act on
forfeited such retirement and separation benefits for
rebel and insurgent returnees’ request for the grant of
reasons other than the acts covered by this Proclamation.
amnesty so that they may live in peace in the pursuit of
productive endeavors without prejudice to any legal
Section 3. Firearms. – The surrender of firearms,
arrangement that may result from a negotiated settlement
ammunitions and explosives shall not be a condition for
which the government is pursuing with the various rebel
amnesty. Applicants for amnesty may surrender their
and insurgent groups.
firearms within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the
Proclamation without incurring liability for illegal
Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested
possession thereof. The Government shall continue to
in me by Section 19, Article VII of the Constitution, do
encourage rebels and insurgents to turn-in firearms,
hereby declare and proclaim:
ammunition and explosives which may be in their within six (6) months from the effectivity of this
possession. Proclamation.
Section 4. National Amnesty Commission. – There is hereby Section 7. Effectivity. – This Proclamation shall take effect
created a National Amnesty Commission, hereinafter upon concurrence by a majority of all the Members of the
referred to as the Commission, which shall be primarily Congress.
tasked with receiving and processing applications for
amnesty, and determining whether the applicants are DONE in the City of Manila, this 25th day of March in the
entitled to amnesty under this Proclamation. Final decisions year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Four.
or determinations of the Commission shall be appealable to
the Court of Appeals.
Pursuant to its functions, the Commission shall be PROCLAMATION NO. 724
authorized to: AMENDING PROCLAMATION NO. 347 DATED MARCH 25,
(a) Administer oaths, summon witnesses and require 1995
the production of documents by subpoena duces
tecum; Provided, that the testimonies of the WHEREAS, on March 25, 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos
applicant and his witnesses for a grant of amnesty, issued Proclamation No. 347 entitled “Granting Amnesty to
and any evidence presented by him before the Rebels, Insurgents, and All Other Persons Who Have or May
Commission not otherwise, available to the Have Committed Crimes Against Public Order, Other Crimes
prosecution, shall not be used as evidence against Committed in Furtherance of Political Ends, and Violations
the applicant in any other proceeding where the of the Articles of War, and Creating a National Amnesty
amnesty is not in issue, except for perjury Commission,” which was concurred in by both Houses of
committed in so testifying; Congress on June 2, 1994 through Concurrent Resolution
(b) Promulgate rules and regulations subject to the No. 12 as provided for by the Constitution;
approval of the President; WHEREAS, when the prescribed period for filing of
(c) Call on any Government office, body, agency, applications for amnesty lapsed on June 1, 1995, 7,166
instrumentality, council and commission to render applications were recorded to have been filed with the
assistance in the efficient and effective National Amnesty Commission and the nineteen (19) Local
implementation of its functions; Amnesty Boards nationwide;
(d) Constitute Local Amnesty Boards in such WHEREAS, after June 1, 1995, the National Amnesty
provinces, cities, and municipalities as may be Commission and its nineteen (19) Local Amnesty Boards
necessary; and throughout the country have reported that many other
(e) Perform such other functions necessary for the rebels and insurgents voluntarily returned to the folds of
proper implementation of this Proclamation as the law and filed applications for amnesty or otherwise
may be authorized by the President. expressed their desire to avail of amnesty;
The Commission shall be composed of seven (7) WHEREAS, in the course of processing amnesty
members: a chairperson and three (3) regular members to applications, the National Amnesty Commission has been
be appointed by the President; the Secretary of Justice, the constrained to deny amnesty to persons who were found
Secretary of National Defense and the Secretary of the to have committed acts/crimes clearly in pursuit of their
Interior and Local Government as ex-officio members. political belief because their acts/crimes were committed
The amounts necessary for the operational and after April 30, 1994 but before June 1, 1995, which is beyond
administrative expenses of the Commission shall be funded the period of coverage of Proclamation No. 347; or because
from the budget of the Office of the President. they filed their applications beyond the deadline of June 1,
The term of the Commission shall expire upon the 1995;
completion of its assigned tasks as may be determined by WHEREAS, the sincere desire of the foregoing rebels
the President. and insurgents to return to the folds of the law cannot be
ignored by the Government if it is to pursue a true,
Section 5. Who May Apply. – All persons who have or may comprehensive, just, and lasting peace;
have committed the crimes enumerated in Section 1, within WHEREAS, by virtue of the General Agreement for
the period prescribed therein, including those detained, Peace dated October 13, 1995 signed between the
charged, or convicted for the commission of the same Government and the RAM-SFP-YOU, Proclamation No. 723
crimes, may apply with the Commission for the grant of was issued granting amnesty to members and supporters
amnesty. of the RAM-SFP-YOU and allowing those inadvertently
omitted from the said list to apply individually for amnesty;
Section 6. Application Period. – Applications for the grant WHEREAS, in the interest of equity and justice,
of amnesty shall be filed under oath with the Commission members of rebel groups other than the RAM-SFP-YOU
should also be entitled to file applications for amnesty after The act of the president changing, reducing or
the lapse of the period for application under Proclamation mitigating a heavier sentence to a lighter one or a longer
No. 347; term into a shorter term. It may alter death sentence to life
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the sentence or life sentence to a term of years.
Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested It does not forgive the offender but merely to reduce
in me by Section 19, Article VII of the Constitution, do the penalty pronounce by the court.
hereby declare and proclaim: It is a change of the decision of the court made by the
Chief Executive by reducing the degree of the penalty
SECTION 1. Grant of Amnesty under Proclamation No. inflicted upon the convict, or by decreasing the length of
347. Section 1 of Proclamation No. 347 is hereby amended the imprisonment of the original sentence.
as follows: A commutation of sentence takes place when the
“Section 1. Grant of Amnesty.- Amnesty is hereby granted sentence, generally one of imprisonment, is reduced to a
to all persons who shall apply therefor and who have or lesser penalty or jail term. This type of clemency does not
may have committed crimes, on or before June 1, 1995, in void the conviction.
pursuit of their political beliefs, whether punishable under
the Revised Penal Code or special laws, including but not SPECIFIC CASES WHERE COMMUTATION IS PROVIDED FOR
limited to the following: rebellion or insurrection; coup BY THE CODE:
d’etat; conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion, 1. When the convict sentenced to death is over 70 years
insurrection, or coup d’etat; disloyalty of public officers or of age;
employees; inciting to rebellion or insurrection; sedition; 2. When ten justices of the Supreme Court failed to
conspiracy to commit sedition; inciting to sedition; illegal reach a decision for the affirmation of the death
assembly; illegal association; direct assault; indirect assault; penalty;
resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or
agents of such person; tumults and other disturbances of In other cases, the degree of the penalty is reduced
public order; unlawful use of means of publication and from death to reclusion perpetua.
unlawful utterances; alarms and scandals; illegal possession In Commutation of Sentence consent of the offender is
of firearms, ammunitions, and explosives, committed in not necessary. The public welfare, not his consent,
furtherance of, incident to, or in connection with the crimes determines what shall be done.
of rebellion and insurrection; and violations of Articles 59
(desertion), 62 (absence without leave), 67 (mutiny or WHO MAY FILE A PETITION FOR COMMUTATION OF
sedition), 68 (failure to suppress mutiny or sedition), 94 SENTENCE?
(various crimes), 96 ( conduct unbecoming an officer and The Board may review the petition of a prisoner for
gentleman), and 97 (general article) of the Articles of War; commutation of sentence if he/she meets the following
Provided, That the amnesty shall not cover crimes against minimum requirements:
chastity and other crimes for personal ends.” 1. At least one half (1/2) of the minimum of his
indeterminate and/or definite prison term or the
SEC. 2. Re-opening of Application Period. Applications for aggregate minimum of his determinate and/or
the grant of amnesty under Proclamation No. 347 dated prison terms;
March 25, 1994, as amended by this Proclamation, shall be 2. At least ten (10) years for prisoners sentenced to
filed with the National Amnesty Commission within ninety one (1) reclusion perpetua or one (1) life
(90) days from the effectivity of this Proclamation. imprisonment, for crimes/offenses not punishable
under Republic Act 7659 and other special laws;
SEC. 3. Effectivity. This Proclamation shall take effect upon 3. At least twelve (12) years, for prisoners whose
the concurrence by a majority of all Members of Congress. sentences were adjusted to forty (40) years in
DONE in the City of Manila this 17th day of May in the year accordance with the provisions of Article 70 of the
of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Six. Revised Penal Code, as amended;
4. At least fifteen (15) years for prisoners convicted of
heinous crimes as defined in Republic Act 7659
committed on or after January 1, 1994 and
COMMUTATION OF sentenced to one (1) reclusion perpetua or one (1)
life imprisonment;
SENTENCE 5. At least seventeen (17) years for prisoners
sentenced to two (2) or more reclusion perpetua
or life imprisonment even if their sentences were
WHAT IS COMMUTATION OF SENTENCE? adjusted to forty (40) years in accordance with the
provision of Article 70 of the Revised Penal Code, occasion of disorders due to conflagrations, earthquakes,
as amended; or other calamities shall be granted if he returns to
6. At least twenty (20) years, for those sentenced to authorities within 48 hours after the president declared
death which was automatically commuted or that the calamity is over.
reduced to reclusion perpetua. - Once granted hall not be revoked.
REPRIEVE
WHAT IS REPRIEVE
Reprieve, in criminal law, the temporary suspension of
a sentence, such as a stay of execution, granted a person
convicted of a capital crime. A reprieve is usually granted by
the sovereign or chief executive and also, in the United
States, by the governor of a state. In some cases it may be
granted by the court that tried the offender.
It is a postponement of sentence or temporary stay of
the execution of sentence especially the execution of the
death sentence. Generally, Reprieve is extended to
prisoners sentenced to death.
The date of execution of sentenced is set back several
days to enable the Chief to study the petition of the
condemned man for commutation of sentenced or pardon.
A reprieve is given to suspend the execution of a
sentence in order to give the prisoner time to find ways to
have it reduced. With respect to capital cases, a reprieve is
given to suspend the execution of the death penalty for a
period of time to consider whether or not it should be
imposed.
PURPOSE OF REPREIVE
The purpose of the reprieve is generally to allow an
investigation into the legality of the conviction or into
alleged newly discovered evidence in favor of the convicted
person. A reprieve delays an execution but, unlike a pardon
or a commuted sentence, does not negate a sentence
unless the reinvestigation shows that the prisoner has been
unjustly tried or sentenced.