UNDER the proposed PNP Reorganization Plan, a new section will be inserted in Republic Act 6975 or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 which will give more powers to the PNP Directorial Staff in order for them to better help the PNP Chief in the administration, operation and control of the 227,000-strong force, the Journal Group learned.

The proposed Section 25-A amendment to RA 6975 says that the PNP Directorial Staff System shall be implemented to enhance the span of control being exercised by the Chief of the PNP in the administration, operations and control of the PNP and to further strengthen the efficient and effective working relationship of all PNP offices.

Provided , that the Chief of the PNP may modify or merge such other Directorial Staff as may be necessary subjected to the approval of the National Police Commission provided further that no Directorial Staff headed by a Police Brigadier General or higher can be created unless provided for by law.

The proposed law says that the following Directorates shall continue to perform their specific functions under the supervision and authority of the Chief of Directorial Staff:

The Directorate for Personnel and Records Management shall assist and advise the Chief of the PNP in the management of PNP uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, manpower procurement and control, personnel records and reports, discipline, morale and welfare, law and order, personnel services and personnel procedures and miscellaneous functions assigned by the Chief of the PNP.

The Directorate for Intelligence shall assist and advice the Chief of the PNP in attaining intelligence objectives through effective management of all intelligence and counter-intelligence activities of the PNP.

The Directorate for Operations shall assist and advise the Chief of the PNP in the exercise of the command, control, direction, coordination and supervision of all activities concerning operations, employment and deployment of the PNP.

The Directorate for Logistics shall assist and advice the Chief of the PNP in the administration and management of logistics and its functional areas.

The Directorate for Plans shall assist and advice the Chief of the PNP in the areas of plans and programs that are beyond the immediate operational and tactical range. This includes organization and force development, special studies, research and project management of inter-agency and international affairs, legislative and other requirement that are needed for the effective and efficient administration and operation of the PNP.

The Directorate for Comptrollership shall assist and advice the Chief of the PNP on budgeting, accounting, financial management and internal auditing matters.

The Directorate for Police-Community Relations shall assist and advice the Chief of the PNP in planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the implementation of the sustainable programs for institutional image-building, citizen’s participation in the maintenance of public order including peace policy for socio-economic development, value orientation and continuing education, gender awareness and development and auxiliary force multiplier development.

The Directorate for Investigation shall assist and advise the Chief of the PNP in the investigation activities of the PNP.

The Directorate for Training, Education and Doctrine Development shall assist and advice the Chief of the PNP in the formulation of policies and in the planning, coordination and supervision of all matters pertaining to training, education and doctrine development.

The Directorate for Research and Development shall assist and advice the Chief of the PNP in the conduct of research and development; test and evaluation of clothing, material, vehicles and equipment, issuance of accreditation of manufacturers and suppliers of PNP uniforms and accoutrements; formulation and implementation of PNP policies on the wearing of PNP uniforms; and in the implementation and administration of the PNP Self-Reliant Development Posture Programs which are important to peace and order and public safety.

The Directorate for Information and Communications Technology Management shall assist and advise the Chief of the PNP in the formulation of policy and managing information, electronics and communication technology resources to promote, develop and regulate integrated strategic ICT systems and reliable and efficient communications infrastructure.

It shall provide and maintain reliable, secured, integrated and cost-efficient information technology and communications services and facilities to all PNP offices and units.

It shall likewise be responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of the Database System of the organization and the development of the anti-cybercrime capabilities of the PNP to address the growing incidence of cybercrime in the country.

The House Committee on Public Order and Safety chaired by Laguna (1st District) Representative Dan S. Fernandez has approved the proposed reorganization plan of the police force, the Journal Group learned from PNP Director for Plans, Major Gen. Bernard M. Banac.

According to the official, the House Committee on Public Order and Safety has adopted the report and draft bill prepared by Technical Working Group chairman, retired Police General-turned Antipolo City (2nd District) Rep. Romeo M. Acop.

“It will be presented during the plenary sessions of the House of Representatives. Hopefully, it will be categorized as Priority Bills and certified as urgent by both Houses,” said the official who has earned congratulatory words from PNP chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. for his ‘miracle work’ in Congress.

Maj. Gen. Banac, also a former PNP spokesperson and later Eastern Visayas police director, said they have the full support of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin T. Romualdez and Senate President, Senator Jose Miguel ‘Migz’ F. Zubiri in their bid to further reform the 227,000-strong police force and improve its ‘move, shoot, communicate and investigate’ capabilities under the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.

Senate President Zubiri had informed the PNP leadership that the proposed bill will be studied and reviewed by a Senate committee chaired by former PNP chief-turned Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. dela Rosa.

The proposed PNP Reorganization Plan calls for the adaptation of the current structure of the Philippine National Police including the pay and allowances of PNP personnel, amending for the purpose Sections 25,26,29,30,31,35, 36 and 67 of Republic Act No. 6975 otherwise known as the ‘Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990,’ as amended and Section 32 or RA No. 8551 otherwise known as the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 and appropriating funds therefor.