PBBM vetoes PNP reform bill

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2024): PBBM vetoes PNP reform bill (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

(Photo courtesy of PNP)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vetoed the measure seeking to introduce organizational reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

"President Marcos, with careful consideration, has decided to veto the proposed PNP reform bill to ensure that any changes in our police force are fair, clear, and truly beneficial to everyone involved," Bersamin said in a statement issued on Thursday.

Bersamin said the proposed measure enables changes to police salaries that could cause "unfair disparities" among officers.

"The President believes it is essential to maintain fairness and equality in compensation for all members of the PNP," he said.

Bersamin further noted that proposed offices within the PNP could lead to "unnecessary" bureaucracy and inefficiency.

"Our administration's goal is to streamline operations, not complicate them. Furthermore, adding more liaison offices could pose security risks. The current structure already provides robust oversight and coordination," he said.

He added the proposal could also compromise the "vital independence" of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS), noting that the body responsible for investigating police misconduct should remain "independent and impartial".

He pointed out that some parts of the bill are unclear, particularly regarding retroactive benefits for officers.

"The President and our administration are steadfast in our commitment to supporting the PNP and ensuring that any reforms are both fair and effective," Bersamin said.

"The administration continues to work closely with Congress to develop better legislation that strengthens our police force without causing any negative side effects. We continue to strive to improve our country's police force in the best way possible," he added.

In his veto message, President Marcos said the provisions under the bill "run counter to administrative policy and efficiency".

Marcos said the proposed law may create pay disparities among police cadets, as well as overlapping functions and redundancies due to the creation of "ambiguous" offices.

"Different offices performing the same or related functions, all headed by high-ranking officials, will definitely be counterproductive and will defeat the purpose of enhancing the span of supervision and administrative control of the PNP Chief,” Marcos said.

The bill seeks the institutionalization of offices created by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) such as the Directorial Staff, Area Police Command (APC), Special Offices, and strengthened National Administrative and Operational Support Units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228821