Time delays in background checks of petitioners for probation can be reduced through giving priority to courtesy investigation referrals from other regions of the country, providing the most complete data possible on interoffice referral forms, and amending the law to give franking privileges to all probation communications. In addition, the law should be amended to include mandatory time requirements for courts to act on petitions for probation. Amendments to the probation law also define the probationers' and probation officers' responsibility for civil indemnity and restitution. However, restitution is a problem since studies show Philippine probationers are in the lowest income level and their inability to pay civil liability -noncompliance of most probation conditions -- increases workloads and costs in the system because it forces probation officers to file reports and judges to modify original conditions usually to extend supervision periods. Because there are a large number of youthful, first-time offenders on probation, a special program for youthful offenders is needed to provide vocational training, job placement, and education. Special guidelines for youthful offenders should be included in proposed revisions of the Codification of Probation Rules and Procedures. Tabular data are provided.