Go supports PNP reorganization bill
‘It is still voluntary except in healthcare facilities, among other few places and situations’
photograph courtesy of SBG Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go.
Daily Tribune‘It is still voluntary except in healthcare facilities, among other few places and situations’
photograph courtesy of SBG Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go.
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order, reiterated during a Senate plenary session on Tuesday, 12 December, his support for the proposed Senate Bill No. 2449, which seeks to reorganize the Philippine National Police.
During its period of interpellations, the Senate has been debating on some provisions of the measure, focusing on the command structure, potential rank redundancies, and the intricacies of the PNP's promotion processes.
SBN 2449, sponsored by Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, seeks to amend two foundational acts — Republic Act 6975 and RA 8551 — to introduce comprehensive reforms in the PNP.
For his part, Go questioned the functional authority of area police commands. He highlighted an instance where a three-star general's authority seemed nominal compared to lower-ranked officers with more operational control.
"These area police commands who are three-star generals will have clear authority and command and would not just be accorded with ceremonial or organizational duties," Go said.
Responding to Go, Dela Rosa acknowledged the unique structure of the Davao City Metropolitan Police Command. He explained its creation and operational scope, stating, "The Davao City Metropolitan Police Command is a unique creation by the proponent himself, Senator Francis Tolentino. I hope he is here to defend his position."
"But I agree with him, Mr. President because you know the vision of creating that police command is also to take care of the Metro Davao Development Authority," he added.
Go then raised concerns about the apparent redundancy in positions within the PNP and its impact on operational control. He pointed out specific examples where seniority and rank did not align with the command responsibilities, leading to inefficiencies.
Meanwhile, Go urged everyone, especially high-risk individuals and those with comorbidities to voluntarily wear masks in the wake of the rising cases of Covid-19 nationwide.
He said that since the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency due to Covid-19, government policy has remained the same regarding the wearing of masks.
"It is still voluntary except in healthcare facilities, among other few places and situations," he added citing the 36 percent increase in Covid cases and influenza-like illnesses as chair of the Senate Health Committee.