PHILI PPINE COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Master Of Science In Criminal Justice Major In Criminology

Foundations of Criminal justice and Criminology

Prepared By :
Subject Code :
Instructor : Atty. Theodore Mapangdol Timpac, Ph.D
Topic : Latest Trends in Criminology
1. What are the topics to be discussed?
The following topics are to be discussed:
a. Overview on Criminology;
b. Licensure Examination for Criminologists;
c. Practice of Criminology:
 Requirements in the Practice of Criminology; and
 Scope of Practice of Criminology.
d. Privileges of Criminologists;
e. Laws in relation to Criminology and Relationship of CHED, PRC, PRB for Criminology, CPD
Council; and
f. Curriculum, syllabus and TOS in the Criminology Academe.

Overview on Criminology:
2. What is Criminology? Who is a criminologist?
Criminology refers to the scientific study of crimes, criminals, and victims; it also deals
with prevention and solution of crimes. (par. e, Sec. 4 of RA 11131)
A criminologist is defined as a person who is a graduate of the Degree of Criminology,
who has passed the examination for criminologists, and is registered as such by the Board.
(Sec 22 of RA 6506)
In other words, before a person will become a criminologist, he must:
a. Finish Degree of Criminology;
b. Pass the Licensure Examination for criminologists; and
c. Be registered by the Professional Regulatory Board for Criminologists.
Hence, if a person takes a licensure and successfully passes the same but dies before
registration, he is not considered as a criminologist.

Licensure Examination for Criminologists:

3. May a person take the Licensure Examination for Criminologists without finishing BS
Criminology?
Yes, a person may take the Licensure Examination for Criminologists without finishing
BS Criminology under the qualifications upgrading program for the members of the national
Police Commission.
Under the law, the National Police Commission shall design and establish a
qualifications upgrading program for the members of the Commission in coordination with the
Civil Service Commission, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and the
Commission on Higher Education through a distance education program and/or an in-service
education program or similar programs within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of Republic
Act 8551. (Sec. 12 of RA 8551)
To enforce this qualifications upgrading program, the NAPOLCOM Memorandum
Circular No. 2001 – 008 (Circularization of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and
Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) to All PNP Regional Offices) was enacted.
4. What are the qualifications of a person to take the Criminologists Licensure Examination?
An applicant for the licensure examination for criminologist shall satisfactorily prove that he
possesses the following qualifications:
a. Must be citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country/state has reciprocity
with the Philippines in the practice of criminology;
b. Must be of good moral character, good reputation and of sound mind and body certified
by the school where he/she graduated and the barangay where he/she lives, unless the
examinee is a foreign national a certification from any professional of good standing will
do;
c. Must hold a bachelor’s degree in criminology duly accredited by the CHED and conferred
by a school/college/university duly authorized by the government or its equivalent degree
obtained by the either a Filipino of foreign country/state: Provided, that is duly recognized
and/or accredited by the CHED;

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 d. Must not have been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of
competent jurisdiction; and
e. Those who failed five (5) times whether consecutive or cumulative in the criminologist
licensure examination, must present a certification issued by a reputable institution duly
recognized by the CHED that such applicant has satisfactorily completed a refresher
course in criminology. (Sec. 14 of RA 11131)
5. What are the distinctions between Republic Act 6506 and Republic Act 11131?
The distinctions between Republic Act 6506 and Republic Act 11131 includes the
following:
a. With respect to reciprocity;
Republic Act 11131 provides for the first time that a foreign citizen whose
country/state has reciprocity with the Philippines in the practice of criminology may take
the licensure examination in the Philippines.
b. With respect to the provisions of Republic Act 6506 which states that “holders of Bachelor
of Laws degree may, within five years from the effectivity of this Act, take this examination
after completing at least 94 units of Criminology, Law Enforcement, Police Science, and
Penology subjects;”
This was deleted by Republic Act 11131.
c. With respect to refresher course under Republic Act 11131 which provides that: “Those
who failed 5 times whether consecutive or cumulative in the criminologist licensure
examination, must present a certificate issued by a reputable institution duly recognized
by the CHED that such applicant has satisfactorily completed a refresher course;”
The rule on “refresher course” was introduced by Republic Act 11131 for the first
time.
d. With respect to the provisions of “deferred” examinees under Republic Act 11131.
(To be discussed later)
6. What is the Original Policy in Passing the Licensure Examination?
For an examinee in the licensure examination for criminologists pass, his/her general
weighted average must be at least 75% with no rate of less than 50% in any of the 6 areas.
7. What are the new policies introduced by Republic Act 11131?
The new policies introduced by Republic Act 11131 include the following:
a. To pass the licensure examination for criminologist, a candidate must obtain a weighted
average rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) with no grade less than sixty percent
(60%) in any given subject;
b. If a candidate must obtain a weighted average rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%)
but his grade in one or two subjects fall sixty percent (60%), he is considered “deferred”
and he/she be required to retake that particular one or two subjects.
Illustration of “Deferred” result:
Area % Sample GWA
Distribution Result
Law Enforcement Admin. (LEA) 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminal Jurisprudence 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminalistics 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminal Sociology 15% 89% 13.35%
Criminal Detection & Investigation (CDI) 15% 89% 13.35%
Correctional Administration 10% 59% 5.9%
Total= 100% 86%

Take Note:
Any examinee who failed three (3) or more board subject shall be deemed to have failed
the board examination. (Sec. 17 of RA 11131)
8. State the summary of how may an examinee fail in Criminologists Licensure Examination:
An examinee will fail in Criminologists Licensure Examination when:
a. If an examinee will obtain a general weighted average of less than 75%;
b. If an examinee will obtain a general weighted average of more than 75% but fails in at least
3 areas (obtained less than 60%);

Illustration of letter “b:”

Area % Sample GWA
Distribution Result
Law Enforcement Admin. (LEA) 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminal Jurisprudence 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminalistics 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminal Sociology 15% 59% 8.85%
Criminal Detection & Investigation (CDI) 15% 59% 8.85%
Correctional Administration 10% 59% 5.9%
Total= 100% 77%

c. If an examinee will obtain a general weighted average of at least 75% but failed one or two
areas and did not retake the examination within two years;

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 d. If an examinee will obtain a general weighted average of more than 75% but failed one or
two areas, took the examination within two years but did not obtain at least 80% in all of
the deferred areas;
Illustration of letter “d:”
Area % Sample GWA
Distribution Result
Law Enforcement Admin. (LEA) 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminal Jurisprudence 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminalistics 20% 89% 17.8%
Criminal Sociology 15% 89% 13.35%
Criminal Detection & Investigation (CDI) 15% 59% 8.85%
Correctional Administration 10% 59% 5.9%
Total= 100% 81.5%

What if the examinee will repeat the examination with the following result?
Area Sample GWA
Result
Criminal Detection & Investigation (CDI) 89%
Correctional Administration 79%
84%

The examinee did not pass the examination because the law provides that he must at
least 80% in all of the deferred areas.

Practice of Criminology:
9. What are the salient provisions of Republic Act 6506 with respect to Practice of
Criminology?
A person is deemed to be engaged in the practice of Criminology if he holds himself out
to the public in any of the following capacities:
a. As a professor, instructor or teacher in Criminology in any university, college or school
duly recognized by the government and teaches in the subject of:
 Law Enforcement Administration;
 Criminalistics;
 Correctional Administration;
 Criminal Sociology and allied subjects; and
 Other technical and specialized subjects in the Criminology curriculum provided by
the Department of Education;
b. As law enforcement administrator, executive, adviser, consultant or agent in any
government or private agency;
c. As technician in dactyloscopy, ballistics, questioned documents, police photography, lie
detection, forensic chemistry and other scientific aspects of crime detection;
d. As correctional administrator, executive supervisor, worker or officer in any correctional
and penal institution; and
e. As counselor, expert, adviser, researcher in any government or private agency on any
aspects of criminal research or project involving the causes of crime, juvenile delinquency,
treatment of offenders, police operations, law enforcement administration, scientific
criminal investigation or public welfare administration. (Sec. 23 of RA 6506)
Take Note:
All certified criminologists shall be exempt from taking any other entrance or
qualifying government or civil service examinations and shall be considered civil service
eligibles to the following government positions:
a. Dactylographer;
b. Ballistician
c. Questioned document examiner;
d. Correctional officer;
e. Law enforcement photographer;
f. Lie detection examiner;
g. Probation officer;
h. Agents in any law enforcement agency;
i. Security officer;
j. Criminal investigator; or
k. Police laboratory technician. (Sec. 24 of RA 6506)
10. What are the salient provisions of Republic Act 11131 with respect to Practice of
Criminology?
Republic Act 11131 classified those who can practice criminology as follows:
a. Natural Persons; and
This refers to those who are duly registered criminologist and holders of valid
certificates of registration and valid professional identification cards issued by the Board
and the Commission pursuant to Republic Act 11131 and holders of valid

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 temporary/special permits issued by the Board and the Commission to foreign licensed
criminologist pursuant to Republic Act 11131.
b. Juridical Persons.
This refers to single proprietorship whose owner and technical staff are registered
criminologist, partnership duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) as professional partnership pursuant to the Civil Code and composed of partners
majority of whom are registered criminologist, corporation duly registered with the SEC as
engaged in the practice of criminology and with officers and Board of Directors who are all
registered criminologist, and association and cooperative duly registered with the
appropriate government agency as a non-stock corporation where majority of the officers,
Board of Trustees and members are registered criminologist.
These juridical persons shall also be registered with the Board and the Commission in
accordance with the rules and regulations thereon.

Privileges of Criminologists:
11. What are the privileges of Criminologists?
All registered criminologist shall be exempt from taking any other entrance or
qualifying government or civil service examinations and shall be considered civil service
eligible to the following government positions, among others:
a. Dactylographer;
b. Ballistician;
c. Questioned Document Examiner;
d. Forensic Photographer;
e. Polygraph Examiner;
f. Probation Officer;
g. Parole Officer;
h. Special Investigator;
i. Special Agent;
j. Investigative Agent;
k. Intelligence Agent;
l. law Enforcement Evaluation Officer;
m. National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Inspector;
n. Traffic Operation Officer ;
o. Associate Graft Investigation Officer;
p. Special Police Officer;
q. Safekeeping Officer;
r. Sherriff;
s. Security Officer;
t. Criminal Investigator;
u. Warden;
v. Reformation Officer;
w. Firefighter;
x. Fire Marshall;
y. Jail Officer up to the rank of Jail Superintendent and other law enforcement agencies,
and agencies under the Criminal Justice System. (Sec. 34 of RA 11131)

12. What are the government institutions where criminologists enjoy priority of appointment?
Registered criminologist shall enjoy priority of appointment and shall not be required to
take any qualifying or entrance examinations in:
a. The Philippine National Police (PNP);
b. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);
c. The Bureau of jail Management and Penology (BJMP);
d. The Bureau of Fire and Penology (BFP);
e. The Land Transportation Office (LTO); and
f. Other government positions related to criminology, police and law enforcement work,
investigations and security, corrections and public safety of the following bureaus,
department of Justice (DOJ);
g. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR);
h. The Office of the Ombudsman;
i. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA);
j. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC);
k. The Bureau of Treasury (BoT);
l. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR);
m. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
n. The Department of Tourism (DOT);
o. The department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
p. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP);
q. The Bureau of Immigration (BI);
r. The Bureau of Corrections (BoC);

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 s. The Department of Transportation (DOTr);
t. The Air Transportation Office (ATO);
u. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP);
v. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);
w. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR);
x. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
y. The City/Municipal Security Office;
z. The Provincial Jail;
aa. The Provincial Security Office;
bb. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA);
cc. The Supreme Court and lower courts;
dd. The Security Consultation; the Social Security System; the NAPOLCOM;
ee. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM);
ff. The Optical Media Board;
gg. The Intellectual Property Rights Office;
hh. The PDEA;
ii. The Public Attorney’s Office(PAO);
jj. The PPC;
kk. Government-owned and controlled corporations; and
ll. other government agencies with position involving the practice of criminology. (Sec. 35 of RA
11131)

13. State the summary of the distinctions of practice of criminology between Republic Act
6506 and Republic Act 11131.
The distinctions of practice of criminology between Republic Act 6506 and Republic
Act 11131 may be summarized as follows:
a. The scope of Practice of Criminology and agencies where Criminologists were expanded
under Republic Act 11131;
b. There was an express exemption of criminologists in qualifying or entrance examinations in
different agencies;
c. The long and complicated debated issue in the qualifications of teachers of Criminology
was clarified by Republic Act 11131.
This issue is whether or not a policeman who is not a Criminologist teach major
subjects in Criminology.

14. May a policeman who is not a Criminologist teach major subjects in Criminology?
No. The law is clear that all subjects for the licensure examination shall be taught by a
registered criminologist who is a holder of a valid certificate of registration and updated
professional identification card for criminologist, APO membership, and CPD required units
earned, and meet other CHED requirements. Allied field in criminology may also be allowed to
teach as it may deem proper. (Sec. 16 of RA 11131)

15. What are the other privileges of Criminologists?

The other privileges of Criminologists include the following:
a. Lateral Entry of Registered Criminologists Under RA 11131;
Registered criminologists who are not in the government service shall be eligible and
given preference for appointment via lateral entry as Police, Fire, and Jail Inspectors or its
equivalent in the PDEA, NBI, and other law enforcement agencies provided that they
possess the general qualifications for appointment of Police Officers in the PNP, BJMP,
BFP, PDEA, or NBI.
Those who are already in the police, fire, and jail service as non-commissioned officers
and who are already registered and licensed criminologists shall be given preference for
lateral entry. (Sec. 36 of RA 11131)

Take Note:
Under the old law, licensed criminologists may be appointed to the rank of
Inspector in the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fill up vacancy. (Sec. 33 of RA 6975)
b. As a qualification to become a Policeman;
Republic Act 8881 provides for the qualifications of a person to become a policeman
which includes among others “Must possess a formal baccalaureate degree from a
recognized institution of learning.” (Sec. 14 of RA 8551)
c. As a qualification to become a Chief of Police (COP);
Republic Act 8881 provides for the following qualifications of a person to become a
Chief of Police (COP) of a City or Municipal Police Station:
 Members of the Bar with at least five (5) years of law practice;
 Licensed criminologists; and
 Graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy. (Sec. 22 of RA 8551)
d. As a prioritized course under Republic Act 9708 which a policeman must finish;
The phrase “law enforcement related courses” which a policeman must finish under
Republic Act 9708 shall include:

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  Bachelor of Science in Criminology;
 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science; and
 Bachelor of Science in Legal Management. (Sec. 1 of the Implementing Rules & Regulations of
RA 9708)
e. The top priority consideration for lateral entry into the rank of Police Inspector shall be
given to the top ten placers in the Licensure Examination for Criminologists;

However, the incumbent members who land in the top ten places shall be given first
priority. (Sec. III [C] of NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No 2003 – 010)

Laws in relation to Criminology:

16. What are the different laws in relation to Criminology?
a. Republic Act 11131 (An Act Regulating the Practice of Criminology Profession in the
Philippines, and Appropriating Funds Therefor, Repealing for the Purpose Republic Act
Republic Act 6506).
This was approved on November 8, 2018.
b. Republic Act 6506 (An Act Creating the Board of Examiners for Criminologists in the
Philippines and for Other Purposes). This was approved and became effective on July 1,
1972.
c. Republic Act 7722 (An Act Creating the Commission on Higher Education, Appropriating
Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes)
This was approved and became effective on May 18, 1994.
d. Republic Act No. 8981 (An Act Modernizing the PRC, Repealing for this Purpose PD 223,
Entitled “Creating the PRC and Prescribing its Powers and Functions,” and for Other
Purposes)
This is known as the “PRC Modernization Act of 2000.”
e. Republic Act 10912 (An Act Amending and Strengthening the Continuing Professional
Development Program for All Regulated Professions, Creating the Professional Development
Council, and appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Related Purposes.)
This is known as “The CPD Act of 2016.”

Relationship of CHED, PRC, PRB for Criminology, CPD Council:

17. What is the Commission Higher Education (CHED)?
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) was created by Republic Act 7722 (An Act
Creating the Commission on Higher Education, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other
Purposes).
It shall be independent and separate from the Department of Education, Culture and
Sports (DECS) and attached to the Office of the President for administrative purposes only. Its
coverage shall be both public and private institutions of higher education as well as degree-
granting programs in all post-secondary educational institutions, public and private. (Sec. 3 of
RA 7722)
It shall have the following powers and functions:
xxx
d. Set minimum standards for programs and institutions of higher learning
recommended by panel of experts in the field and subject to public hearing, and enforce the
same;
e. Monitor and evaluate the performance of programs and institutions of higher
learning for appropriate incentives as well as the imposition of sanctions such as, but not
limited to, diminution or withdrawal of subsidy, recommendation on the downgrading or
withdrawal of accreditation, program termination or school closure. (Sec. 8 of RA 7722)

18. What are some orders issued by CHED in relation to Criminology?

Some orders issued by CHED in relation to Criminology include the following:
a. CMO No. 21 Series of 2005 (Criminal Justice Education: Policies and Standards for
Criminology Program);
b. CMO 48 s. 2006 (Criteria and Implementing Guidelines for the Identification, Support and
Development of centers of Excellence (COEs) and Centers of Development (CODs) for
Criminology Program);
c. CMO No. 37 Series of 2010 (Guidelines in the Conduct of Practicum [On the Job Training
and Community Immersion] Requirement for BS Criminology Students);
d. CMO No. 5 Series of 2018 (Policies, Standards and Guidelines for the Bachelor of Science
in Criminology Program)

19. What is Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) and what is its authority over the
Criminology profession?
The Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) is attached to the Office of the President
for general direction and coordination. (Sec. 3 of RA 8981)

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 It shall be headed by 1 full – time Chairperson and 2 full – time Commissioners, all to
be appointed by the President for a term of 7 years without reappointment. (Sec. 4 of RA 8981)
It shall have the power, function, and responsibility “To administer and conduct the
licensure examination in the various regulatory boards. . .” (Sec. 7.d. of RA 8981)

Take Note:
Criminology profession is one of the “regulatory boards” under the PRC; hence, the
Professional Regulatory Board for Criminologists was created.

20. What is Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) for Criminologists?

The Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) for Criminologists is a collegial body under
the administrative supervision and control of PRC to be composed of a Chairperson and 4
members appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of 3 years without
reappointment. (Secs. 6 & 8 of RA 11131)
At present, The PRB for Criminolgists has a Chairperson (Atty. Ramil G. Gabao) and 2
Members (Dr. Ruben A. Sta. Teresa and Dr. George o. Fernandez).
The Professional Regulatory Board for Criminologists has the power, function and
duty:
xxx
“(j) To monitor the conditions affecting the practice of Criminology . . . may conduct ocular
inspection of establishments where criminology is practiced, and recommend sanction as it
may deem proper to the appropriate government agency concerned;
(k) To monitor all colleges and universities offering criminology program and recommend
sanctions to the CHED . . .”
xxx

21. What is the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Council?

The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is required from all professionals such
as teachers, criminologists, etc. The rationale behind it is to help professionals stay up to date
with the latest research, professional development and applicable legislation.
A CPD Council is created in each regulated professions, which shall be under the
supervision of the concerned PRB. Every CPD Council shall be composed of the following:
a. Chairperson; and
Member of the PRB chosen by the PRB concerned.
b. 2 members.
1 member is the President of APO and the other 1 is the President or officer of
the national organization of Deans or Department Chairpersons of schools offering
Criminology. (Sec. 7 of IRR of RA 10912)
The Continuing Professional Development is a mandatory requirement in the renewal
of the Professional Identification Cards (PICs) of all registered and licensed professionals
under the regulation of the PRC. (Sec. 10 of RA 10912)

Take Note:
The Criminologists must have 45 Credit Units required every 3 years. (PRC Res. 990 s.
2016 & IRR of RA 10912)

Curriculum, syllabus and TOS in the Criminology Academe:

22. Where shall the Criminology Curriculum and syllabi originate?
Curriculum is being proposed by CHED and the HEIs may enrich it on the needs of
the times, provided that all prescribed courses/competencies required in the curriculum
outline are offered and the pre – requisites are observed. (Sec. 7 of CMO 21 s. 2005)
The latest curriculum was proposed by CMO 5 s. 2018, which amended some
provisions of CMO 21 s. 2005.
On the other hand and ordinarily, it is the instructor who must prepare the syllabi of
his subject/s, considering the proposed syllabi by the CMO.

23. What are the challenges in the criminology syllabi?

The challenges in the criminology syllabi include the following:
a. CMO 5 s. 2018 does not attach/introduce syllabi;
b. The latest complete syllabi were attached in CMO 21 s. 2005 to be enriched by HEIs.
The latest syllabi making involving different Deans nationwide was organized in the last
week of April 2018 at Midas Hotel, Pasay;
However, the syllabi of the majority of the subjects were not finalized.
c. It is the power, function, duty and responsibility of the Professional Regulatory Board
for Criminologists “to promulgate, adopt, or amend the syllabi and tables of
specifications of the subjects for licensure examination/s in consultation with the APO,
the academe and the CHED Technical Panel for Criminology, prepare questions for the
licensure examination which shall strictly be within the scope of the syllabi of the
subjects for examination, as well as administer and correct and release the results of
the licensure examination.” (Sec. 10. g. of RA 11131)

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24. What shall the Table of Specifications (TOS) contain?
The Table of Specifications contains on part the following:
a. The classifications of examination if it is Easy, Moderate or Difficult; or if it is
Remembering, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluating, Creating; and
b. The distribution of questions.

25. Did the PRC follow its Table of Specifications (TOS) in the previous Licensure
Examinations?
No comment.

Bibliography
A. Published Books
Black, C., (1990). Black’s Law Dictionary: USA. Merriam and Webster Bookstore, Inc.

Manwong, R., and Delizo, B., (2005). Law Enforcement Administration: Philippines. Wiseman’s Books and Trading.

Timpac, TM (2022) Law Enforcement Organization and Administration. Printure Enterprise

B. Laws

Philippine Congress, (2018) RA 11131. An Act Regulating the Practice of Criminology Profession in the Philippines, and Appropriating Funds Therefor,
Repealing for the Purpose Republic Act Republic Act 6506. Official Gazette.
Philippine Congress, (2016) RA 10867. An Act Reorganizing and Modernizing the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Providing Funds Therefor.
Official Gazette.
Philippine Congress, (2009). RA 9708. An Act Extending for Five (5) years the Reglementary Period for Complying with the Minimum Educational
Qualification for Appointment to the PNP and Adjusting the Promotion System Thereof, Amending Certain Provisions of RA 6975 and RA 8551 and for
Other Purposes. Official Gazette.
Philippine Congress, (1998). RA 8551. Police National Police Reform and Reorganization Act. Official Gazette.
Philippine Congress, (1954). RA 1080. An Act Declaring the Bar and Board Examinations as Civil Service Examinations. Official Gazette.