A measure providing for rank classification in the PNP was discussed at the bicameral conference committee on Nov. 19. Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson, who sponsored the Senate version of the measure, led the Senate contingent while Rep. Romeo Acop led the House contingent.
A long hoped-for national ID system that will facilitate the delivery of basic government services while helping fight crime and terrorism.
Such a system, provided for by Republic Act 11055, is the landmark accomplishment of Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson during the first few months of the Senate’s third regular session.
RA 11055, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Aug. 6, harmonizes and integrates some 33 government ID cards into a single system.
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues of this august chamber, your Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs has the honor to report back for the consideration and approval of this body, Senate Bill 2031 under Committee Report No. 483, authored by this representation, Sen. Grace Poe, and Sen. Sonny Angara, entitled:
An Act Providing for the Rank Classification in the Philippine National Police, Amending for the Purpose Section 28 of RA 6975, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990.
As a brief background, Sec. 28 of RA 6975 or the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990 provides that the rank classification of the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are as follows: Director General; Deputy Director General; Director; Chief Superintendent; Senior Superintendent; Superintendent; Chief Inspector; Senior Inspector; Inspector; Senior Police Officer 4 or SPO4; SPO3; SPO2 and SPO1; and Police Officer 3 or PO3, PO2, and PO1.
This hearing is hereby called to order. I’d like to acknowledge the presence of the vice-chair of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Sen. Greg Honasan. Good morning, Sir.
This measure may look simple in its intended purpose. But as we go on with the discussion this morning, but as we go on with the discussion this morning you’ll find out it’s more complicated than we think.
Senate Bill 1869, which amends Section 28 of RA 6975, aims to eliminate public confusion on PNP terminologies and to bring the police force closer to the populace.
“Furthermore, this bill seeks to promote interoperability between police officers and equivalent military officers in the field, which in turn could enhance joint PNP-AFP internal security operations, counter-terrorism operation, and operations against threats to national security.”