Republic of the Philippines

Department of Justice
Bureau of Corrections

Therapeutic Community Center

Standard Operating Manual

MESSAGE
 This Operating Manual stands as reference guide for the technical and
administrative staff whose works in the Therapeutic Community Centers (TCC) of
the Bureau of Corrections are towards the treatment and rehabilitation of
convicted drug offenders.
 Providing a standard procedure on the therapeutic community approach for the
treatment and rehabilitation of this category of national prisoners will help the
TCC staff work uniformly on their respective tasks.
 Muntinlupa City,  April 2002.
  
P/COL. RICARDO B. MACALA (RET.)
Director                             .
ENCOURAGEMENT
 
The Therapeutic Community has been considered as an effective treatment and
rehabilitation modality.
 
The effort of the Bureau of Corrections to rehabilitate Drug dependents under its
care is very significant in its commitment to create a Drug-Free Prison.
 
TC modifies negative behavior/attitudes while restoring self confidence in drug
dependents. It prepares them for their re-integration into their families and friends
as productive members of the community.
 
Muntinlupa City,  April 2002.
 
 
 
JOSELITO A. FAJARDO     .
Assistant Director           .
Administration and Rehabilitation
FOREWORD
 
            Worldwide developments in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug
offenders using the therapeutic community approach have been noted to be
effective in many prisons.
 
            In the Philippines, the Bureau of Corrections pioneered in adopting this
modality in the treatment and rehabilitation of national prisoners with drugs and
drug abuse related cases.
 
            For a more effective implementation of this approach a Standard
Operating Manual comes as an indispensable tool for the Correctional Officers
engaged in this endeavor to maximize the rehabilitation of convicted drug
offenders. This will be a constant guide that can continuously improve as the
condition requires.
 
            Muntinlupa City, 17 April 2002.
 
 
 
                                         EDILINDA GARCIA-PATAC, M.D., M.H.S.A.
                                                            Chief Executive Officer                     .
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Message
Encouragement
Foreword
 
Part 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 1. Basic principles
Sec. 2. Purpose of treatment and rehabilitation
Sec. 3. Definition of terms
Sec. 4. Status of inmate under the TCC treatment & rehabilitation program
Sec. 5. Status of inmate under the TCC treatment & rehabilitation program, as affected
by parole and/or executive clemency
 
Part II – ADMISSION OF INMATES AT THE TCC
CHAPTER 1. RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
Sec. 1. Orientation period at the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC)
Sec. 2. Assessment of applicants
Sec. 3. Preparation of treatment and rehabilitation plan
Sec. 4. Documents required before admission of applicant at the TCC
Sec. 5. Place of admission
Sec. 6. Personal effects of recipient
Sec. 7. Wearing of jewelry and use of other luxury personal items
 
CHAPTER 2. CLASSIFICATION OF TCC RECIPIENTS
Sec. 1. Technical Staff/Administrative Staff
Sec. 2. Recipients, how classified
Sec. 3. Privileges of recipients at the TCC
Sec. 4. Expulsion of recipients from the TCC
 
CHAPTER 3. ACCOMMODATION OF TCC RECIPIENTS
Sec. 1. Place of accommodation
Sec. 2. Security measures
Sec. 3. Provision of basic needs and amenities
Sec. 4. Provision of food
 
CHAPTER 4. TRANSFER OF TCC RECIPIENTS
Sec. 1. Transfer of recipients to another TCC facility
Sec. 2. Transfer of mentally disturbed recipients
 
CHAPTER 5. OUTSIDE MOVEMENTS OF TCC RECIPIENTS
Sec. 1. Movement of recipient outside the TCC
Sec. 2. Approval of outside movement
 
PART III – RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF TCC RECIPIENTS
CHAPTER 1. RIGHTS OF A RECIPIENT
Sec. 1. Rights of a TCC recipient
Sec. 2. Privileges of a TCC recipient
 
CHAPTER 2. VISITING RIGHTS
Sec. 1. Visiting rights
Sec. 2. Visitors’ list
Sec. 3. Visiting days and hours
Sec. 4. Limitation on visiting rights
Sec. 5. Visiting area
Sec. 6. Privacy of visits
 Sec. 7. Conjugal visits
Sec. 8. Visits of legal counsel
Sec. 9. Violation of visiting rules
 
PART IV – TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TCC RECIPIENTS
CHAPTER 1. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
Sec. 1. Conduct of treatment and rehabilitation program
Sec. 2. Treatment and rehabilitation process
Sec. 3. Evaluation of treatment and rehabilitation progress
 
CHAPTER 2. TCC RECIPIENTS’ SERVICES
Sec. 1. Recipients’ services
Sec. 2. Health services
Sec. 3. Medical consultation and visiting hours
Sec. 4. Guidelines on medical consultations
Sec. 5. Notification of kin of sick recipients
Sec. 6. Referral of sick recipient to government hospital
Sec. 7. Outside referral for dental treatment
Sec. 8. Medical certification
 
PART V - RELEASE OF TCC RECIPIENT
Sec. 1. Basis of release of recipient.
Sec. 2. Authority to release.
Sec. 3. Approval by Director for release.
Sec. 4. Prompt release of TCC recipient.
Sec. 5. Referral to Post treatment and rehabilitation work assistance program
 
PART VI – ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF ORDER
CHAPTER 1. ORGANIZATION OF TCC, RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES OF TCC OFFICERS
Sec. 1. Director
Sec. 2. Functions of Director
Sec. 3. Assistant Director
Sec. 4. Functions of Assistant Director
Sec. 5. Chief Executive Officer
Sec. 6. Functions of Chief Executive Officer
Sec. 7. Assistant Chief Executive Officer
Sec. 8. Functions of Asst. Chief Executive Officer
Sec. 9. Operation Officer
Sec. 10. Functions of the Operation Officer
Sec. 11. Coordinators
Sec. 12. Functions of Coordinators
Sec. 13. Asst. Coordinators
Sec. 14. Functions of Assistant Coordinators
Sec. 15. Special Services (Medical, psychiatric, psychological narcotic laboratory,
spiritual and family)
Sec. 16 Administrative Support
Sec. 17. Functions of Administrative Support
Sec. 18. Organizational Structure of TCC
 
PART VII – FINAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 1. Separability clause
Sec. 2. Effectivity
 PART I – GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
Sec. 1. Basic principles. More than four decades of Correctional work involving
treatment and rehabilitation of convicted drug offenders worldwide reveal that drug dependency
are harbored on behavioral problems hence, treatment approach is focus on factors causing
them.
 
Treatment and rehabilitation procedures shall then –
a.      seek to restore the individual drug offender to a state where he is physically,
psychologically and socially capable of coping with his problems.
b.      help the offender acquire employable skills to give him the opportunity to have a
productive life without abusing drugs.
c.      provide him opportunity to avail of a continuum of services aimed at achieving drug-
free existence, adjustment with fellow inmates and families and at re-establishing
these inmates in the prison community with a more satisfying way of life, in
preparation for his eventual re-emergence to the free community.
 
Sec. 2. Purpose of Treatment and Rehabilitation – An inmate is admitted at the
Therapeutic Community Center –
a.      to help him undergo rehabilitation, overcome his drug dependency or addiction and
strengthen his coping skills against the influence of drugs.
b.      to segregate him from the larger prison community while undergoing treatment and
rehabilitation to help him develop acceptable working habits and shape-up his
behavior.
c.      to identify the causes of his drug dependency/addiction
d.      to help him overcome unresolved conflicts in life which had contributed to his drug
dependency/addiction.
 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms – As used in the context, unless some adaptations require,
the following definitions apply;
a.      “Assistant Director” refers to Assistant Director of the Bureau of Corrections who also
serves as the Assistant Director of the Therapeutic Community Center.
b.      “Assistant Chief Executive Officer” refers to the fourth ranking TCC officer.
c.      “Administrative Support” refers to the several Division Offices (Accounting Division,
Budget Division, Administrative Division, Management Division, Legal Division,
Supply Division and General Services Division operating directly under the Bureau of
Corrections).
d.      “Assessment” refers to the process of determining if the convicted drug offender can
be admitted at the TCC.
e.      ”Cardinal Rules” refer specifically to “NO DRUGS”, “NO ALCOHOL”, “NO
GAMBLING”, “NO VIOLENCE”, “NO THEFT”
f.       “Chief Executive Officer” refers to the highest-ranking officer of the TCC after the
Director and the Assistant Director, and is also mainly responsible in the operation of
the Narcotic Laboratory at the TCC.
g.      “Commitment Period” refers to the two-month duration  of recipient’s stay at  the
TCC before he undergoes the treatment proper.
h.        “Consent” refers to the written document that the recipient voluntarily submits
himself  to undergo any required clinical or laboratory tests to determine
mental/psychological state, remnants of drug residuals in the body system and other
medical tests that may be deemed necessary.
i.        “Coordinator” shall be the officer in charge of respective prison camp where TCC is
located.
j.        “Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)” refers to the government mandated body under
Section 36 (m) and (n) of Republic Act 6425 as amended, to encourage, assist, and
accredit public/private centers and promulgate rules and regulations setting the
 minimum standards for their accreditation to assure their competence, integrity and
stability.
k.      “Director” refers to the Director of the Bureau of Corrections who also serves as the
Director of the Therapeutic Community Center.
l.        “Evaluation” refers to the process of determining the behavioral changes of the
“recipient” during the treatment and rehabilitation process.
m.    “Evaluation Committee” refers to the TCC technical and administrative staff that is
tasked to evaluate  the individual recipient’s progress of rehabilitation.
n.      “Inmate Training Staff” refers to the trusted TC trained inmates who serve as house
elders and chief expediters in a TCC.
o.      “Operation Officer” refers to the Superintendent assigned in a specific prison facility
who also serves as the Counselor of the TCC.
p.      “Rehabilitation Plan” refers to the specific treatment program that the “recipient” shall
undergo in the TCC.
q.        “Special Services” refer to the medical, psychiatric, psychological, spiritual and
family services, and the narcotic laboratory.
r.       “Therapeutic Community Center (TCC)” refers to the treatment and rehabilitation
center located within a specific prison facility under the Bureau of Corrections, which
means the three security camps in the New Bilibid Prison (Maximum, Medium,
Minimum Security Camps); the five Regional Prisons and Penal Farms (Davao
Prison and Penal Farm, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zampoanga City,
Leyte Regional Prison and Penal Farm, Sablayan Prison, and Penal Farm in
Occidental Mindoro and, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City,
Palawan) and; Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.
s.      “TCC Recipient” refers to a convicted drug offender who volunteered to undergo
treatment and rehabilitation at the TCC, and is qualified for admission.
 
Sec. 4. Status of recipient under the TCC treatment and rehabilitation program.
Recipients are segregated from the larger prison community and dissociated from the prison
gangs, with movements limited only at the TCC except when attending  religious activities.
 
The recipient is bound by all the prison rules and regulations as specified in the Bureau of
Corrections Operating Manual. Violation of any of the provisions in the said manual shall be dealt
with according to the procedures of the penal institution.
 
          Sec. 5. Status of recipient under the TCC treatment and rehabilitation program, as
affected by parole and/or executive clemency. The provisions of law and by the Rules and
Regulations of the Board of Pardons and Parole shall not be construed to be affected by the
admission of the recipient at the TCC. He shall be released from prison even if he has not
completed the required period of treatment and rehabilitation should he qualifies and/or granted
release on parole or conditional pardon. He shall, however, be referred to the Probation and
Parole Administration for post imprisonment TC attendance to complete his treatment and
rehabilitation.
PART II – ADMISSION OF INMATES AT THE TCC
  
CHAPTER 1. RECEPTION AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
 
Sec. 1. Orientation period at the Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC). The
Bureau of Corrections RDC in every correctional facility shall undertake a two-month orientation
for convicted drug offenders within which those who are qualified and volunteer to be admitted at
the TCC shall be introduced to the regular activities in the center. The TC principles shall be
amply explained to them. Regular procedures specified in the BuCor Operating Manual shall be
undertaken at this stage and the following procedures shall be accomplished:
a.      physical/mental examination
b.      orientation on corrections rules and regulations
 c.      interview by the TCC counselor, psychologist, social worker or other TCC staff or
officers.
 
Sec. 2. Assessment of applicants.  The RDC shall keep a complete record of the
applicant which shall include his personal circumstances; brief personal, social, and occupational
history and; the result of the intake interview. A copy of this record shall be forwarded to the TCC
where the applicant may be admitted.
 
Sec. 3. Preparation of treatment and rehabilitation plan. A treatment and rehabilitation
plan shall be prepared prior to the admission of the TCC applicant. Procedures of the treatment
and rehabilitation shall be discussed with him. If he agrees with these, he shall be prepared for
transfer to the TCC.
 
Sec. 4. Documents required before admission of the applicant at the TCC. The
following documents contained in an envelope shall be forwarded to the TCC where the applicant
will be admitted:
a.      Intake interview result
b.      Case Summary
c.      Recommendation by the RDC TCC Staff
d.      Consent form duly signed by the applicant
 
Sec. 5. Place of Admission. The recipient shall now be transferred to the TCC in the
corrections facility where he was committed by the court.
 
Sec. 6. Personal effects of recipient. In addition to the basic necessities supplied by the
corrections institution, the recipient may bring clothes and other personal items essential to his
well being, the quantity, nature and dimension thereof will not interfere with the safety and living
conditions of the other recipients. Luxurious items such as air-conditioner, carpets, sofas,
expensive beds and sleeping mattresses are not allowed.
 
Sec. 7. Wearing of jewelry. A recipient is not allowed to wear jewelry except for
inexpensive watch.
 
  CHAPTER 2 . CLASSIFICATION OF TCC RECIPIENTS 
Sec.1. Technical Staff/Administrative Staff.  Respective staff members shall classify
recipients according to the hierarchical requirements of the TCC, which shall be:
a.      Training Staff
b.      Chief Expediter
c.      Shingle
d.      Department Head
e.      Crewmember
 
Sec. 2. Recipients, how classified. Recipients shall be classified according to the
degree and/or quality of their performance at the TCC. Their ascent into more responsible 
position at the TCC hierarchy shall be earned through their positive changes in behavior and
good attitude towards work.
 
Sec. 3. Privileges of TCC recipients. To some extent, the TCC recipients may enjoy
other amenities that are not provided in the regular confinement cells.
a.      work and accommodation areas that are not overcrowded
b.      24-hour supply of electricity
c.      ample supply of water
d.      free use of individual lockers
e.      exclusive use of recreation and mini-weight lifting gym
f.       free from influence of prison gangs
g.      acquisition of vocational skills
 
Sec. 4. Expulsion of recipients from the TCC. Any recipient can be expelled from the
TCC on violation of the Cardinal Rules, and for repeated violation of the house rules.
 
 
CHAPTER 3. ACCOMMODATION OF TCC RECIPIENTS
 
Sec. 1. Place of accommodation. – Recipients shall be accommodated in the
dormitories provided in the TCC.
a.      They shall be issued their double-bed sleeping space sharing two on each.
b.      Emphasis shall be on requirements of sanitation and hygiene, adequate ventilation,
living space and lighting.
c.      Bathrooms and washing/laundry areas shall be provided in every TCC facility.
d.      Areas regularly used by recipients shall be properly maintained and kept clean at all
times.
e.      Beds and clothing shall be neatly made up in a uniform manner, as much as
possible, at all times. Beds and buildings occupied by recipients shall be thoroughly
disinfected at least once a month.
f.       Every Saturday or holidays, if weather permits, recipients shall expose their clothes,
beds and bedding in the sunshine in an area designated for the purpose.
g.      Littering is prohibited. Cleanliness of the premises of the dormitories and their
surroundings are strictly observed.
 
Sec. 2. Security Measures. A 24-hour security detail duty shift shall be assigned to each
TCC dormitory, with the number of security personnel proportionate to the number of recipients.
 
Sec. 3. Provision for basic needs and amenities. Each TCC dormitory shall have the
following facilities:
a.      Kitchen and dining area
b.      Administrative office
c.      Counseling room
d.      Recreation/fitness area
e.      Library
f.       Function area for the morning meetings and vocational courses
g.      Laundry/wash area
 
Sec. 4. Provision of food. Each TCC shall be supplied with raw food which shall be
cooked by its own kitchen department.
 
 
CHAPTER 4. TRANSFER OF TCC RECIPIENTS
 
Sec. 1. Transfer of TCC recipients to another TCC facility. Upon recommendation of
the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a recipient may be transferred to another TCC facility, and
shall be approved by the Director. Any transfer shall be for the benefit of the recipient, to bring
him closer to his family or as part of his treatment and rehabilitation program. Recipient’s transfer
shall be made known to his family before it is effected.
 
Sec. 2. Transfer of mentally disturbed recipient. A recipient, on recommendation of
the CEO, can be transferred to the NBP Hospital or to any government hospital for the purpose of
psychiatric treatment. The TCC psychiatrist shall conduct thorough examination of the recipient to
determine the need of his transfer to an appropriate treatment facility.
 
 
CHAPTER 5. OUTSIDE MOVEMENTS OF TCC RECIPIENTS
 
 Sec. 1. Movements of recipients outside the TCC. Movements of the recipient shall be
limited to the defined areas except when attending religious functions and fetching visiting
families, relatives and friends from the regular visiting hall, after having undergone the mandatory
two-month “commitment period” at  the TCC dormitory/building.
 
Sec. 2. Approval of outside movement. The TCC counselor, upon recommendation of
the coordinator/supervisor, shall approve the movement of the recipient outside the
building/dormitory.
PART III – RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF TCC RECIPIENTS
  
CHAPTER 1. RIGHTS/PRIVILEGES OF A TCC RECIPIENT
 
Sec. 1. Rights of a TCC recipient. The same rights provided at the Bureau of
Corrections Manual shall be enjoyed by the TCC recipient, which are:
a.      to receive compensation for labor he performs;
b.      to be credited with time allowance for good conduct and loyalty;
c.      to send and receive mail;
d.      to practice his religion or observe his faith;
e.      to receive authorized visitors;
f.       to ventilate his grievance through proper channel;
g.      to receive death benefits and pecuniary aids for injuries.
 
Sec. 2. Privileges of a TCC recipient. The following privileges shall also be extended to
the TCC recipient:
a.      attend or participate in any entertainment or athletic activity within the corrections
reservation;
b.      read books and other materials in the library;
c.      participate in civic, religious and other activities authorized by the TCC and
corrections authorities.
d.      receive gifts and prepared food from visitors, subject to inspection;
e.      proper documentation, filing and follow-up of records;
f.       segregation from prison gangs;
g.      freedom from problem of overcrowding;
h.      provision of free basic amenities;
i.        assistance in preparing motion to grants of parole or executive clemency;
j.        acquisition of vocational skills;
k.      referral to post imprisonment work program.
 
 
CHAPTER 2. VISITING RIGHTS
 
Sec. 1. Visiting rights. Visiting rights of a TCC recipient follows that of what the Bureau
of Corrections Manual provide, which allows him to be visited by his family and reputable friends
at regular intervals. His legal counsel may visit him at any time, as provided by his constitutional
rights.
 
Sec. 2. Visitors’ list. As provided for in the Bureau of Corrections Operating Manual, a
list of the recipient’s visitors shall be compiled and maintained which shall include his family such
as his parents, stepparents, brothers and sisters, wife and children. Upon the request of the
recipient, the list may include his grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins. Other visitors
may, after investigation, be included in the list if the recipient will benefit from such contact.
 
Sec. 3. Visiting days and hours. A TCC recipient may be visited from Sundays to
Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There shall be no visits on Fridays and Saturdays. Other
visiting days may be allowed on approval of the Director of Corrections or
Superintendent/Operation Officer of the Corrections facility where the TCC is located.
 
Sec. 4. Limitation on visiting rights. As provided for in the Bureau of Corrections
Operating Manual, the Director may limit the length or frequency of visits as well as number of
visitors to avoid overcrowding. Exceptions may be granted after taking into consideration special
circumstances, such as distance of travel of the visitor and the frequency of visits the recipient
receives.
 
Sec. 5. Visiting Area. The TCC function area shall be used in accepting recipients’
visitors.  Visitors shall be fetched from the regular visiting hall within the corrections facility and
shall be escorted to the TCC.
 
Sec. 6.   Privacy of Visits.  The TCC Asst Coordinator shall authorize the Inmate
Training Staff to maintain privacy of visits in the TCC. They shall not be obstructed during the
visits and in no manner shall any of the TCC staff eavesdrop on them. The recipient may be
required to bring along his visitor to the TCC office for purposes of updating the visitor/s on the
progress of his rehabilitation.
 
Sec. 7. Conjugal Visits. A TCC recipient may enjoy conjugal visits from his spouse as
provided for in the Bureau of Corrections Operating Manual. This may, however, be temporarily
suspended when certain house rules have been violated by the recipient.
 
Sec. 8. Visits of legal counsel. His legal counsel on record may visit a TCC recipient at
reasonable hours of the day or night.
 
Sec. 9. Violation of visiting rights. Any violation of the TCC House Rules for a
determined number of times shall mean temporary suspension of the visiting rights of the
recipient, which shall, however, exclude visits of his legal counsel.
PART IV – TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TCC RECIPIENTS
 
CHAPTER 1. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
 
Sec. 1. Conduct of treatment and rehabilitation. TCC recipients are in  state of mind
where their behavioral problems had led them to a life where the use of addictive substances help
them enjoy their everyday existence, oblivious of the ill effects of their actions until they had
violated certain laws which had caused them to land in prison. Causes of these conditions shall
be identified in the process of their treatment and rehabilitation. Appropriate procedures shall be
followed according to each recipient’s experiences and present condition, adopting the
therapeutic community approach.
 
Sec. 2. Treatment and rehabilitation process. The standard Guidelines for the
Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Dependents, approved by the Dangerous Drugs Board
(DDB), shall be applied to the individual as well as group of TCC recipients.
 
Sec. 3. Evaluation of treatment and rehabilitation progress. A standard Evaluation
Guideline approved by the DDB shall be used in measuring degree of changes in the TCC
recipients’ drug abuse as well as social behavior.
 
CHAPTER 2. TCC RECIPIENTS’ SERVICES 
Sec. 1. Recipients’ Services. Each TCC recipient shall be guaranteed access to health,
educational and vocational courses, religious activities, sports, fitness and recreation and other
related treatment and rehabilitation services.
 
Sec. 2. Health services.  Health care and services shall be accorded to the TCC
recipients by providing them unlimited access to the corrections hospital medical and dental
facilities.
 
 Sec. 3. Medical consultation and visiting hours. Medical consultation shall conform to
the existing system in the penal institution, unless otherwise required by the CEO or any of the
TCC Technical and Administrative Staff.
 
Sec. 4. Guidelines on medical consultations. In accordance with the existing
corrections rules and regulations, the following guidelines shall be observed whenever a TCC
recipient is referred to the corrections clinic or hospital for consultation or treatment –
a.      He shall be in proper uniform.
b.      He shall be attended on a “first-come, first-served” basis.
c.      The number of TCC recipients to be referred to the clinic or hospital shall depend on
the available number of doctors and other health practitioners.
d.      In emergency cases, only the medical staff shall be allowed inside the emergency
room.
e.      The TCC recipient shall not loiter in the clinic or hospital or leave the same without
permission from the medical staff.
f.       Visitors of TCC recipient shall not be allowed to stay in the clinic or hospital to attend
to the sick recipient without the permission of the medical staff.
g.      Visitors with children below twelve (12) years old shall not be allowed to enter the
clinic or hospital ward or treatment room.
h.      TCC recipient, like any other inmate, shall not be required to stand for regular
prisoner counting or checking.
 
Sec. 5. Notification of kin of sick TCC recipient. The TCC recipient’s immediate family
or nearest of kin shall be notified in the event of sickness and medical confinement.
 
Sec. 6. Referral of sick TCC recipient to a government hospital. If the medical
condition of a sick TCC recipient necessitates referral to a government hospital outside the penal
institution, the CEO shall adopt necessary measure for his transfer to a government hospital for
appropriate treatment. If the referral is made to a private health institution, treatment,
hospitalization and other incidental expenses shall be borne by the recipient or his family or
nearest of kin.
 
Sec. 7. Outside referral for dental treatment. In case the need for outside dental
treatment arises, the expenses incidental to this shall be borne by the TCC recipient or his
immediate family or nearest of kin.
 
Sec. 8. Medical certification. Treatment outside the TCC and the penal institution shall
be supported by certification of the TCC CEO and the corrections institution’s medical officer or,
in their absence, by a government physician, which shall specify the exact ailment of the
recipient, the treatment or examination required; duration of hospital stay, and shall certify that
the ailment cannot be properly attended to in the corrections institution’s hospital.
PART V – RELEASE OF TCC RECIPIENT
  
Sec. 1. Basis of release of TCC recipient. A TCC recipient may be released on a grant
of parole or conditional pardon and, upon expiration of his prison sentence irrespective of whether
he has not completed the required treatment and rehabilitation period. He shall, however, be
referred to the  Probation and Parole  Administration for completion of treatment and
rehabilitation.
 
Sec. 2. Authority to release. The following are authorized to order the release from
confinement of a TCC recipient:
a.      the Supreme Court or lower courts, in cases of acquittal (if his case is still on appeal)
or grant of bail;
b.      the President of the Philippines, in cases of executive clemency;
c.      the Board of Pardons and Parole, in grants of parole; and
d.      the Director, upon the expiration of sentence of the recipient.
 
Sec. 3. Approval of release by the Director. The Corrections Superintendent may
release the TCC recipient with the approval of the Director upon completion of the standard
requirements.
 
Sec. 4. Prompt release of TCC recipient. A TCC recipient shall be release without
delay. In cases of communicable disease or mental derangement of the recipient, the CEO shall
recommend to the Director that necessary steps be taken to arrange for the treatment of the
recipient in an appropriate government hospital.
 
Sec. 5. Referral to post treatment and rehabilitation work assistance program. Upon
release from the TCC and corrections’ institution, the recipient shall be referred to a post-
imprisonment work assistance program to help him re-start anew with his social and economic
life, away from the influence of addictive substances or drugs.
PART VI – ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF ORDER
 
CHAPTER 1. ORGANIZATION OF TCC, RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES  OF TCC OFFICERS
 
Sec. 1. Director. The Director of the Bureau of Corrections heads the TCC. The Director
is appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines upon recommendation of the
Secretary of Justice.
 
Sec. 2. Functions of the Director. The Director shall have the following functions:
a.      In addition to his functions as Bureau of Corrections Director, he acts as adviser of
the Secretary of Justice on matters relating to the formulation and execution of TCC
policies, plans, programs and projects;
b.      Administers and executes the laws, rules and regulations relating to the TCC and its
inmate-recipients;
c.      Exercises administrative supervision of the all TCCs under the Bureau of
Corrections;
d.      Recommends to the Board of Pardons and Parole recipients who are qualified for
the grant of parole, pardon and other forms of executive clemency; and
e.      Issues directives and instructions in accordance with laws, rules and regulation that
will effectively govern the activities of the TCC.
 
Sec. 3. Assistant Director. The Assistant Director shall be appointed also by the
President of the Republic of the Philippines.
 
Sec. 4. Functions of the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director shall have the
following functions:
a.      In addition to his functions as Assistant Director  of the Bureau of Corrections, he
serves as adviser of the Director on TCC matters.
b.      Assists the Director in the formulation and implementation of the TCC’s objectives
and policies;
c.      Coordinates and ensures the effective and efficient administration of the TCC
treatment and rehabilitation program;
d.      Assumes the duties of the Director in case of his absence and/or incapacitation; and
e.      Performs other functions as may be instructed by the Director.
 
Sec. 5. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall be designated by the
Corrections Director.
 
Sec. 6. Functions of the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall
have the following functions:
a.      Implements the objectives and policies of the TCC upon order of the Director and
Assistant Director;
 b.      Coordinates and ensures the full implementation of the TCC treatment and
rehabilitation program in all prisons in all prison and penal farms under the Bureau of
Corrections;
c.      Acts as adviser to the Director and Assistant Director on the formulation and
implementation of TCC policies, plans, programs and projects;
d.      Promulgates, plans, programs, for training/seminars for TCC staff in all prison
facilities under the Bureau of Corrections;
e.      Recommends to the Director and the Assistant Director pertinent administrative and
technical staff in each of the TCC in all of the prison facilities under the Bureau of
Corrections;
f.      Recommends to the Director and Assistant Director grants of parole, pardon and any
form of executive clemency for qualified TCC recipients;
g.      Serves as head of the Evaluation Committee for determining treatment and
rehabilitation progress of TCC recipients.
 
Sec. 7. Assistant Chief Executive Officer. The Director shall also designate the
Assistant Chief Executive Officer .
 
Sec. 8. Functions of the Assistant Chief Executive Officer. The Assistant Chief
Executive Officer shall have the following functions:
a.      Assists the Chief Executive Officer in the implementation of the objectives and
policies of the TCC;
b.      Assists the Chief Executive Officer in coordinating and ensuring the full and effective
implementation of the TCC treatment and rehabilitation program;
c.      Acts as adviser to the Chief Executive Officer on the formulation and implementation
of the TCC policies, plans, programs, and scheduling training/seminars for TCC
officers and staff;
d.      Sits in the Evaluation Sessions in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer.
 
Sec. 9. Operation Officer. The Superintendent of the prison facility acts as the TCC
Operation Officer/Counselor and shall have the following functions:
 
Sec. 10. Functions of the Operation Officer.
a.      Coordinates with the Special Services and the Administrative Support Units matter
relevant to the improvement and facilitation of the TCC functions and activities in his
area of concern;
b.      Disseminates down to the TCC Coordinators in the respective prison facilities
instructions from the Management Level matters relevant to the day-to-day
operations in the prison facilities under the Bureau of Corrections;
c.      May, upon instruction of the Management Level, sits in the TCC Evaluation
Sessions;
d.      Recommends to the Management Level any plans and programs aimed at improving
the operations of the TCC.
 
Sec. 11. Coordinators. The Director, upon the recommendation of the Chief Executive
Officer shall designate the Coordinators. They shall be the officers in charge of respective prison
facilities where the TCC is located.
 
Sec. 12. The Coordinators shall have the following functions:
a.      Assists the Operation Officer in the formulation and implementation of the objectives
and policies of the TCC;
b.      Submits to the Operation Officer recommendations relevant to the improvement of
administrative and technical support the TCC;
c.      May, upon designation of the Operation Officer, sits in the Evaluation Sessions.
 
 Sec. 13. Assistant Coordinators. The Assistant Coordinators shall be designated by the
Chief Executive Officer, with the approval of the Director.
 
Sec. 14. Functions of the Assistant Coordinators. The Assistant Coordinators shall
have the following functions:
a.      Shall assume the duties and responsibilities of the Coordinators in cases of their
absence or are incapacitated;
b.      To accept and implement instructions/orders from the Coordinators in relation to the
activities of the TCCs.
.
Sec. 15. Special Services. The Special Services unit shall be composed of the following:
a.      Medical
b.      Psychiatric
c.      Psychological
d.      Narcotic Laboratory
e.      Spiritual
f.       Family
 
Sec. 16. Administrative Support. All Bureau of Corrections Division/Office Chiefs shall
compose the TCC Administrative Support, which are as follows:
a.      Administrative Division
b.      Management Division
c.      General Services Division
d.      Accounting Division
e.      Supply Division
f.       Budget and Finance Division
g.      Legal Office
 
Sec. 17. Functions of Administrative Support. The various administrative offices shall
have their respective functions as defined by their specific titles.
 
Sec 18. Organizational Structure of TCC. The TCC shall carry out its functions through
the following TCCs and administrative units:
1.     Management level
i.        Director
ii.       Assistant Director
iii.     Chief Executive Officer
iv.    Assistant Chief Executive Officer
 
2.     Therapeutic Community Center level
i.        Operation Officer
ii.       Coordinator
iii.     Assistant Coordinator
iv.    Inmate Training Staff
-          communication section
-          ground section
-          maintenance section
-          kitchen section
-          expediting section
 
3.     Support Services
i.        Special Services
ii.       Administrative Support
PART VII- FINAL PROVISIONS
 
 Sec. 1. Separability Clause. The provisions of this Manual is hereby declared to be
separate. If one or more of these provisions are declared invalid, the validity of the other
provisions shall not be affected.
 
Sec. 2. Effectivity. This Manual shall become effective fifteen days after signing of the
Director of the Bureau of Corrections.
 
Done in the City of Muntinlupa this 22nd day of April 2002.
 
 
 
 
                                                                   (SGD)
                                                    EDILINDA GARCIA-PATAC, M.D., M.H.S.A.
                                              Chief Executive Officer, BuCor TCC
 
 
APPROVED:
 
                   (SGD)
P/COL. RICARDO B. MACALA (RET.)
     Director,  Bureau of Corrections