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A police officer is mandated to serve and protect the public. But what if the supposed protector abused his
authority?
Citizens may file complaints against erring police officers with a body that is not connected with the
Philippines National Police (PNP)—that is the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB).
PLEB, which was established by virtue of Republic Act No. 6975 and 8551, is the central receiving entity
for citizens’ complaints against any uniformed member of PNP.
Unlike the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and Internal Affairs Service (IAS), the
composition of the PLEB has no relation to any members of the PNP.
The PLEB is composed of a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan chosen by the respective
Sanggunian; a punong-barangay of the city or municipality concerned chosen by the Liga ng mga
Barangay.
Three other members must be a woman; a member of the Bar or in absence thereof, a college graduate;
or, the principal of the central elementary school in the locality.
Quezon City PLEB chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan said their office has the
power to hear and decide citizens’ complaints.
“Unlike other cases filed with the regular courts, the PLEB decides each case summarily,” Calinisan told
GMA News Online.
Any person or group may file a complaint before the PLEB. Citizens may also file the complaint
anonymously. Anonymous complaint may be the basis of a formal complaint if the material allegations
contained therein may be validated by the PLEB.
Calinisan said the complaint may be filed directly to the PLEB offices located at city and municipal halls
or through email. Complainants should submit the following requirements:
During the course of the proceedings, complainants and respondents may send affidavits, counter-
affidavits, pleadings, motions, position papers and other communication.
PLEB may also place the concerned cop on preventive suspension for a period not exceeding 90 days
upon the request of the complainant as a way to protect the latter, according to Calinisan.
Among the punishments that can be handed by the PLEB are withholding privileges, restriction,
suspension or forfeiture of salary, demotion in rank, or dismissal from service.
A motion for reconsideration may be filed by the party adversely affected by the PLEB decision within 10
days from receipt of a copy.
The final PLEB decision may also be appealed before the NAPOLCOM-Regional Appelate Board (RAB)
within 10 days from receipt of a copy.
The party adversely affected by the NAPOLCOM-RAB decision may bring it up to the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG).
On Thursday, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said it has denied the appeal of Police Lieutenant Colonel
Mark Julio Abong and upheld the March 21 recommendation of the QC-PLEB to dismiss the police
officer from service.