PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. has expressed his profound gratitude to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin T. Romualdez for extending his full support to their efforts to prioritize the restructuring and strengthening of the 228,000-strong police force.

Last week, the top cop and Speaker Romualdez met anew to discuss common concerns as well as key proposed legislative measures crucial to the vision of the PNP to become a more effective, efficient and credible organization by the Year 2030.

Topping the list of issues tackled during their meeting was the Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension Fund now being deliberated upon in Congress.

Acorda pointed out that as an institution, the PNP is keenly monitoring the progress of the proposed measure—the final outcome of which is likely to affect the current 228,000-strong personnel of the PNP and those already retired from the service.

“The PNP is hopeful that whatever law is crafted by our legislators will be equitable and just to all the parties concerned,” the PNP chief said.

Acorda said representatives from active and retired personnel of the PNP are actively taking part in the ongoing discussions, which according to him, is a positive step moving forward.

“The proposed MUP Reform Bill in the Lower House mirrors Speaker Romualdez’s genuine sympathy and open-heartedness, not to mention his deep concern for the plight of MUPs and retirees,” the official said.

For his part, Speaker Romualdez assured the PNP chief that Congress will be “reasonable” in crafting a law that is fair to all parties concerned.

“We must prioritize the well-being of our MUPs and retirees who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. It is our duty to ensure that they are given the care and support they deserve. I am committed to working with Chief PNP Acorda and other stakeholders to provide our MUPs and retirees the decent life they so rightfully deserve,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Acorda said that during his talk with the Speaker, the latter promised him that consultations will continue as Congress tries to find a “win-win” solution on the MUP pension fund issue.

“I was assured by the good Speaker that we will continue to coordinate and get updates while the matter is being discussed,” the PNP chief said.

“We both agreed that out-of-the-box solutions should be explored as we collectively attempt to find a lasting remedy anchored on compassion, and that it will be sensitive to the sentiments of the uniformed personnel” he added.

Acorda also briefed the Speaker about the PNP’s security preparations for the 2nd State-of-the-Nation-Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 24.

Also discussed during the meeting was the proposed annual budget of the PNP in 2024, which Acorda said the Speaker vowed to support.

The PNP leadership has also lauded Congress for approving a bill that will restructure the force and create additional offices to combat criminality and terror.

In a move to enhance the capabilities of the 228,000-strong force to combat modern-day challenges in law enforcement, the proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 6975 and RA No. 8551 have gained traction in Congress, said PNP Public Information Office chief, Brigadier Gen. Redrico A. Maranan.

The suggested changes seek to restructure and strengthen the PNP organization, creating additional police offices and appropriating funds to support these reforms, he explained.

The House Committee on Public Order and Safety chaired by Laguna 1st District Representative Dan S. Fernandez, has recommended the approval of the proposed substitute bill, House Bill No. 8327 which consolidates House Joint Resolution No. 11 and House Bills Numbered 5229 and 7351.

The bill’s principal authors include the House Speaker and Representatives Sancho Fernando Oaminal, Jorge Bustos and Samier Tan among others.

The primary objective of the proposed amendments is to empower the PNP to effectively respond to the evolving landscape of law enforcement.

The bill recognizes the need for the PNP to address issues such as kidnapping, human trafficking, terrorism, cyber-crime, illegal drugs, and public safety concerns including effective humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

It also takes into account emerging threats and the impact of globalization and technological advancements.

Acorda extended his thanks to Congress and the National Police Commission for their efforts in prioritizing the restructuring and strengthening of the PNP organization.

The top cop acknowledged the necessity of these amendments to empower the PNP and equip it with the tools and structure needed to address contemporary law enforcement challenges effectively.

“I must emphasize that this proposal goes beyond making changes to our organization; it represents a profound commitment to make a positive impact on the communities we serve. We have persevered through various legislative attempts, undeterred by previous disapprovals of the PNP reorganization plan,” Acorda said.

The PNP chief also expressed his sincere gratitude to his predecessor, now retired Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin who eagerly pursued this legislative agenda along with the chairman of the PNP committee, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Lieutenant Gen. Rhodel O. Sermonia, PNP Director for Personnel and Records Management, Major Gen. Robert T. Rodriguez and former PNP Director for Plans, Maj. Gen. Bernard M. Banac.

Banac is now the PNP Director for Information and Communications Technology Management. He was replaced as PNP Director for Plans by Maj. Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo.

Acorda also thanked other members of the committee and its secretariat who worked together tirelessly from planning the proposed amendments and submitting them to the House of Representatives.

“Let us remember that this proposed reorganization is not just a matter of policy; it is an investment in the future of our country. By empowering the Philippine National Police to be more efficient and effective, we are fostering an environment where our people can live in peace, security, and prosperity. Together, let us build a nation where the rule of law prevails, where justice is served, and where the rights of every Filipino are protected,” the PNP chief said.

With the approval of the substitute bill by the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, it has now moved to the Committee on Rules for consideration on the second reading.

The proposed amendments hold significant national importance, providing an opportunity to fortify the PNP’s capabilities and ensure the safety and security of the Filipino people, said the PNP-PIO chief.

“As the legislative process continues, the proposed bill will undergo further deliberations and revisions to fine-tune its provisions. In the pursuit of restructuring and strengthening the PNP organization, the proposed amendments aim to modernize law enforcement and equip the PNP with the necessary tools to combat emerging threats in the Philippines,” Maranan said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon