Urgent legislation
THE approval of the House of Representatives of a proposed legislation seeking to restructure the Philippine Natonal Police (PNP) should be welcomed by all sectors of society.
In approving the bill, the solons demonstrated their genuine concern over the welfare not only of the law enforcers but also of the people whom the PNP seeks to serve and protect.
A total of 187 district and sectoral lawmakers voted to approve the proposed measure, while nobody voted against it or abstained from voting, House records show.
Principally authored by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez of Leyte, House Bill (HB) No. 8327 seeks to amend Republic Act Nos. 6975 and 8551.
Of course, RA Nos. 6975 and 8551 are the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 and the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998, respectively.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. had earlier expressed his support for the bill, saying it would equip the PNP with the tools and structure needed to address law enforcement concerns.
“This will ultimately redound to the benefit of the Filipino people whom the PNP (which is civilian in nature but national in scope) seeks to preotect and serve,” according to Romualdez.
Under the bill, the President shall appoint the PNP chief from among the senior officers down to the rank of brigadier general, but subject to the approval of the Commission on Appointments.
The Chief PNP shall serve a term of office not to exceed four years, and shall be compulsory retired at the maximum tenure in position herein prescribed, or at age 56, whichever is earlier.
