Section 43. People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB). —

1. Creation and Functions —

   The sangguniang panlungsod/bayan in every city and municipality shall create such number of People's Law Enforcement Boards (PLEBs) as may be necessary: Provided, That there shall be at least one (1) PLEB for every five hundred (500) city or municipal police personnel and for each of the legislative districts in a city.

   The PLEB shall be the central receiving entity for any citizen's complaint against the officers and members of the PNP. Subject to the provisions of Section 41 of Republic Act No. 6975, the PLEB shall take cognizance of or refer the complaint to the proper disciplinary or adjudicatory authority within three (3) days upon the filing of the complaint.

2. Composition and Term of Office. —

   The PLEB shall be composed of the following:

   1. Any member of the sangguniang panlungsod/bayan chosen by his respective sanggunian;

   2. Any barangay captain of the city or municipality concerned chosen by the association of barangay captains; and

   3. Three (3) other members who are removable only for cause to be chosen by the local peace and order council from among the respected members of the community known for their probity and integrity, one (1) of whom must be a woman and another a member of the Bar, or, in the absence thereof, a college graduate, or the principal of the central elementary school in the locality.

      The Chairman of the PLEB shall be elected from among its members. The term of office of the members of the PLEB shall be for a period of three (3) years from assumption of office. Such member shall hold office until his successor shall have been chosen and qualified.

3. Compensation. —

   Membership in the PLEB is a civic duty. However, PLEB members shall be paid per diem and shall be provided with life insurance coverage as may be determined by the city or municipal council from city or municipal funds. The DILG shall provide for the per diem and insurance coverage of PLEB members in certain low income municipalities.

4. Procedure —

   1. The PLEB, by a majority vote of all its members and its Chairman shall determine whether or not the respondent officer or member of the PNP is guilty of the charge upon which the complaint is based.

   2. Each case shall be decided within sixty (60) days from the time the case has been filed with the PLEB.

   3. The procedures in the PLEB shall be summary in nature, conducted in accordance with due process, but without strict regard to technical rules of evidence.

   4. The Commission shall issue the necessary implementing guidelines and procedures to be adopted by the PLEB, including graduated penalties which may be imposed by the PLEB.

   5. The Commission may assign the present NAPOLCOM hearing officers to act as legal consultants of the PLEBs and provide, whenever necessary, legal services, assistance and advise to the PLEBs in hearing and deciding cases against officers and members of the PNP, especially those involving difficult questions of law: Provided, That these lawyers may also be assigned to investigate claims for death and disability benefits of PNP members or their heirs.

5. Decisions —

   The decision of the PLEB shall become final and executory: Provided, That a decision involving demotion or dismissal from the service may be appealed by either party with the regional appellate board within ten (10) days from receipt of the copy of the decision.