Police reform bill OK’d on third reading
THE SENATE passed on third and final reading on Monday a Philippine National Police (PNP) reform bill that, among others, gives the national police chief the authority to designate chiefs of police throughout the country and order the immediate detention of erring cops.
In a 23-0-0 vote, senators approved Senate Bill No. 2449 which also seeks to set the compulsory age of retirement for police officers to 57 years old from 56.
Once the bill filed by former PNP chief turned Senator Ronald M. dela Rosa becomes law, uniformed personnel who have less than a year of service will be allowed to choose to retire at 56.
Under the measure, the PNP chief would be allowed to confine erring police officers within police barracks or quarters for 90 days at most. This provision, the senator said earlier, would improve discipline among the ranks of the police.
Seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) 6975 (Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990) and RA 8551 (PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998), SB 2449 also transfers the authority to appoint chiefs of police from local government executives like mayors and governors to the PNP chief.
“For a quarter of a century, the Philippine National Police has waited patiently for the much-needed reforms and reorganization they justly deserve. The time has arrived for decisive action, for bold change,” Mr. Dela Rosa said.
The bill also sets a PNP chief’s term to a maximum of two years. Upon reaching the term limit, the PNP chief shall be required to retire or be revived of his duty.
Moreover, the bill will institutionalize the PNP Directorial Staff, Area Police Command, and Special Offices created by the National Police Commission.
The House of Representatives passed a counterpart bill on third and final reading in August last year.
“Consistent with the principles of innovation and enhanced accountability of the PNP, this bill is to ensure that our police force is better equipped to address contemporary challenges, uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of our dear citizens, and maintain public trust,” Mr. Dela Rosa said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez