Magna Carta for the PNP pushed

Monday, 16 May 2011 10:06

A senior lawmaker is urging Congress to speed up the approval of the proposed Magna Carta for the members of the Philippine National Police to strengthen and professionalize the 138,000-strong police force and boost its capability and competence to maintain peace and order and ensure public safety and security.

"The PNP has not lost its integrity and honor even if it is facing public scrutiny on the issue of corruption and irregularities allegedly committed by a few. We want to bring back the respect of the public for the men and women in uniform," Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd District, Bohol) said.

Aumentado, Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, filed House Bill 4092 noting that "peace and order and security are great factors to national development and stability."

"The government as the primary purveyor of security has the duty to provide a peaceful environment for the people by ensuring public safety through the delivery of effective and efficient police service. Cognizant of the critical role of the PNP as the lead agency in maintaining peace and order, it is necessary to institute measures that will promote and improve the welfare of its members," Aumentado said.

Under the proposed Magna Carta for Members of the Philippine National Police, which is now pending before the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, every uniformed PNP personnel should be a Filipino citizen, a person of good moral character, must be 1.62 centimeters in height for male and 1.57 cm for female and not less than 21 or more than 30 years of age.

He or she must possess a formal baccalaureate degree from a recognized learning institution; must have passed the psychiatric or psychological, drug and physical tests to be administered by the PNP or any government hospital accredited by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM); and must be eligible in accordance with the standards set by the NAPOLCOM.

Moreover, uniformed PNP personnel must not have been dishonorably dismissed from military service or civilian employment; must not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude and must obtain the appropriate PNP Security Clearance.

Prior to undergoing basic police training, the PNP personnel must have passed the pre-qualifying examination administered by the PNP Screening and Selection Board.

The proposed Magna Carta for Members of the PNP guarantees every member of the police force the rights to equal opportunity in promotion and assignments; to be secure in his or her present assignment or designation; and not to be discriminated against on assignments, promotion, receipt of merit and commendations, study grants and health and educational benefits.

He or she shall also be guaranteed the right to receive continuing in-service quality education and relevant training programs; present complaints and grievances to a superior office for immediate redress; be provided with free legal services when charged criminally, civilly or administratively; join a legitimate and recognized organization or institution to enhance and promote the performance of his duties; and undertake other activities that will develop his well-being.

As for duties and responsibilities, the proposed Magna Carta provides that every PNP personnel shall carry out police functions in adherence to the PNP Operational Procedures; implement his or her mission without fear or favor; uphold the dignity and prestige of the police service; promote and maintain the stability of the service by observing the hierarchy; and avoid direct or indirect involvement with partisan politics.

The PNP personnel shall likewise develop his or her talent and potentials through education and relevant training; observe the PNP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards; respect and protect human dignity and others' right to life, liberty and property; uphold the rights of the accused and promote gender sensitivity and development.

Another salient feature of the bill is the merit system and promotion program, which shall be established within 6 months upon the effectivity of the Act and this shall be uniformly and equitably applied to all PNP uniformed personnel.

"The pendency of any criminal, civil and administrative case arising from a service-related act or omission before any court, body or tribunal shall not be a bar for promotion or assignment," the bill provides.

According to the bill, PNP personnel shall be entitled to an additional compensation equivalent to his regular hourly rate but not more than 50 percent of his basic pay if he or she is required to render actual service beyond the initial ten-hour period.

Likewise, the bill provides that the salary scale of the PNP shall be separate and distinct from other government agencies to attract the best and competent applicants. There shall be different salary scales for uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.

"Basic monthly salary shall exclude the subsistence allowance, cost of living allowance, quarters allowance, clothing allowance, hazard pay, amelioration pay, health care pay and all other allowances as may be provided under existing laws," the bill says.

As for the monthly retirement pay of PNP personnel, the bill says it "shall be 50 percent of the base pay and longevity pay of the retired rank in case the retiree has rendered at least 20 years of continuous active police service, increasing by two and one-half percent for every year of police service rendered beyond the initial 20 years to a maximum of 90 percent for 36 years of active service and over."

The bill says the PNP personnel shall continue to be under the administrative control and direct supervision of the NAPOLCOM as provided under Republic Act 6975, as amended. However, the Director General of the PNP shall have the power to issue detailed implementing policies and instructions regarding personnel, funds, properties, records, correspondence and such other matters as may be necessary to effectively carry out the powers, functions and responsibilities of the PNP.