The People’s Law Enforcement Board or PLEB is a check-and-balance mechanism against erring and abusive policemen. It acts as the central receiving entity for any citizen’s complaint against officers and members of the Philippine National Police. It is a quasi-judicial board, whose powers and procedures resembles that of a court, but is not part of judiciary.
PLEB Composition
The PLEB is composed of five members, namely:
- Sangguniang Panlungsod / Bayan member chosen by the local sanggunian
- Punong Barangay chosen by the Liga ng mga Barangay
- Three other members chosen by the local peace and order council (LPOC) who are from among the respected members of the community, known for their probity and integrity:
- A woman
- A member of the bar, or in the absence thereof, a college graduate, or, the principal of the central elementary school
- Any member
The constituted PLEB shall elect among themselves who the Chairperson is going to be. Public officials or employees are disqualified to be appointed or designated as PLEB member except the three mentioned above (i.e. sanggunian member, punong barangay and principal of the central elementary school).
The three members chosen by the local peace and order council can only be removed for cause.
Creation
Section 1 of Rule 11 of NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002 provides that:
The Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan in every city or municipality shall create such number of People’s Law Enforcement Boards (PLEBs) as may be necessary: Provided that there shall at least be one (1) PLEB for every five hundred (500) city or municipal police personnel and for each legislative districts in a city.
Section 4 of the same rule provides:
The Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan shall pass a Resolution formally organizing the PLEB, a copy thereof shall immediately be submitted to the City/Municipal Mayor who shall, within five (5) days from receipt of the same, issue the appropriate executive order adopting the resolution of the Sanggunian concerned. A copy of said Executive Order shall be furnished the NAPOLCOM Regional Office within ten (10) days from issuance.
Term of Office
The term of office of Sanggunian and Punong Barangay members shall expire with their of office. Meanwhile, the term of office of the three members chosen by the LPOC shall be three years from assumption to office OR until his/her successor shall have been chosen and qualified.
Funding
Under Section 6, the annual budget of the city or municipality shall include item and the corresponding appropriation for the maintenance and operation of the local PLEB.
Presentations/Materials:
- Introduction
- Administrative Proceedings (Appreciation of Evidence and Conduct of Hearing)
- Rules of Procedure
- Decision Writing
Revelant Laws and Issuance:
- Republic Act No. 6975 also known as the “AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE UNDER A REORGANIZED DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”
- NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002 dated March 7, 2016 entitled “Revised Rules of Procedure Before the Administrative Disciplinary Authorities and the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police“
- DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2017-154 dated November 16, 2017 entitled “Operational Guidelines on the Implementation of the People’s Law Enforcement Boards (PLEB) Program“
