Guidelines for Decongesting Holding Jails by Enforcing the Rights of Accused Persons to Bail and to Speedy Trial

Section 1

The Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is the Chief Implementor. The Chief Implementor shall have control and supervision of the implementation of the Program and shall exercise the following powers and functions: a. Formulate WPP policies, guidelines and operational frameworks; b. Designate Program Implementors; c. Approve or deny applications or recommendations for admission to the Program; d. Approve or deny applications or recommendations for termination of coverage; e. Review, confirm, reverse, affirm or modify actions taken by Implementors; and f. Exercise other powers and functions as may be necessary for the effective implementation of the Program.

Section 2

The Program Director (PD) shall have the following powers and functions: a. Assist the Chief Implementor in the implementation of the Program; b. Effectively recommend to the Chief Implementor WPP policies, guidelines and operational frameworks; c. Execute Program policies and guidelines; d. Manage the Program's over-all operations; e. Prepare and defend the Program's budget in Congress; f. Approve Program fund disbursements; g. Approve recruitment, movement, discipline and dismissal of Program personnel; h. Approve contracts and requests for supply and equipment purchases, except those involving day-to-day operations; i. Authorize the Program's agents or security officers to carry firearms; and j. Perform such other functions and duties as assigned by the Chief Implementor.

Section 3

The Assistant Program Director (APD) shall have the following powers and functions: a. Assist the Program Director in the discharge of his functions; b. Recommend action to the Program Director on all requests for cash advances and other disbursements and liquidations; c. Review reports from the Evaluators regarding applications for coverage under the Program, confirmation of admissions by the Implementors and recommend action to be taken to the Program Director; d. Supervise and monitor the coverage of witnesses for the purpose of determining whether or not the coverage shall be maintained or terminated; e. Coordinate with other government agencies and NGOs involved in the implementation of the Program; f. Render periodic reports to the Program Director; g. Prepare referrals of witnesses to various Departments and agencies; h. Coordinate with the Implementors regarding actions on the coverage of witnesses i.e., admission, confirmation, extension, termination, monitoring of cases and other matters, and render periodic reports concerning these matters to the Program Director; i. Prepare the necessary documents for WPP budget presentation; j. Review the grant of benefits and recommend action to the Program Director; and k. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Chief Implementor and/or Program Director.

Section 4

Each region shall have an Implementor who shall exercise the following powers and functions within his jurisdiction: a. Manage and supervise the Program, its personnel, the witnesses and their dependents; b. Recommend measures for effective implementation of the Program; c. In the exercise of his delegated authority, approve or deny applications for coverage and termination; d. Coordinate with other government agencies and civil society organizations concerning Program implementation; e. Recommend to the Program Director personnel recruitment and disciplinary action; f. Recommend to the Program Director approval of contracts, other than those involving day-to-day operations; g. Act as Special Disbursing Officer, unless the Chief Implementor provides otherwise; h. Monitor WPP cases and submit periodic reports to the Program Director; i. Direct prosecutors to expedite WPP cases and to submit periodic reports; and j. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Chief Implementor and/or Program Director.