CIDG has no power to issue subpoena

See - DOJ: CIDG has no power to issue subpoena :: Department of Justice - Republic of the Philippines :: Tel: (+632) 523 8481, (+632) 523 6826


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Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II clarified that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director and his deputies may not issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum in the absence of an authority granted by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The clarification was issued upon the request for a legal opinion of P/Chief Supt. Roel Obusan, Acting Director of the PNP-CIDG on whether the CIDG Director and his deputies may issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum.

Aguirre stated that Republic Act No. 6975 (Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990) established the PNP under a reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). He said the law provides that the PNP shall absorb the functions of the Philippine Constabulary (PC), the Integrated National Police (INP) and the Narcotics Command, including the power to issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum.

However, Aguirre said such power is not granted to all the members of the PNP. "Thus, when the PNP absorbed the functions of the PC and the INP, such does not necessarily mean that the officials authorized therein to issue subpoena continue to exist. Indeed, nowhere in the law is there correlation or basis to say that the CIDG inherited the powers and functions of the defunct CIS [Criminal Investigation Service]."

He further clarified that under RA 6975, the powers granted to the CIDG is limited to monitoring, investigation and prosecution of serious crimes.

Aguirre stressed that "xxx in the absence of a grant of authority to a particular officer, the exercise of such absorbed power is reserved to the Chief PNP, which herein includes the issuance of subpoena and subpoena duces tecum. Thereafter, the Chief PNP may delegate such power to a subordinate xxx.”

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