PLEB or Peoples Law Enforcement Board is a body who has a power to hear cases
brought before it by any Filipino citizen against any member of the PNP or
Philippine National Police.
When a member of the PNP commits an act punishable by Withholding of privileges,
Restriction to specified limits, Suspension or forfeiture of salary or any
combination thereof for a period exceeding 30 days or by dismissal, you can file
a case before the PLEB.
So for instance, you are a tricycle driver and suddenly without cause or
any violation, a police officer hit you with his fists which caused you to be
hospitalized for more than 30 days because of a serious physical injury you
suffered, you can file a case before the PLEB for the purpose of having the police
officer be dismissed from the service.
There is a PLEB in every Philippine City and Municipality.
The PLEB shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide citizen’s complaints or cases
filed before it against erring officers and members of the PNP.
The PLEB is composed of the following:
- Any member of the sangguniang panglungsod/bayan choses by his respective
sanggunian - Any barangay captain of the city or municipality concerned chosen by the
association of barangay captains - Three (3) other members who shall be chosen by the peace and order council
from among the respected members of the community known for their probity and
integrity, one of whom is a lawyer or in the absence of a lawyer, a college
graduate or a principal of the central elementary school in the locality
The Chairman shall be elected from among the members.
Peoples Law Enforcement Board Member’s Term Of Office
The PLEB’s member’s term of office shall be for a period of 2 years from assumption
of office. The member shall hold office until his successor shall have been
chosen and qualified.
Peoples Law Enforcement Board Members Compensation
Members do not receive salary but they are paid per diem as may be determined
by the city or municipal council from city or municipal funds.
How are cases decided?
The Chairman and all the members shall determine by a majority vote whether
or not the PNP member complained of is guilty of the charge upon which the
complaint is based.
The peoples law enforcement board will decide the case within 60 days from the time the case against an erring policeman has been filed.
Unlike in the regular courts, the procedure in the conduct of the case is
summary in nature and conducted in accordance with due process but without
strict regard to the technical rules of evidence.
A decision involving demotion or dismissal from the service of a PNP member
may be appealed by either party with the Regional Appellate Board and the
Regional Appellate Board.
Note:
- No fees are required when you file a case before PLEB
- The Categories of cases being filed are administrative
- Most PLEB offices are located in the city/municipal hall