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Advocates Philippines
Senator Advocates Strengthening Internal Affairs Service (IAS) In PNP
Photo credit: Senate PH
In a plenary discussion on Senate Bill 2449, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized the need to fortify the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) within the Philippine National Police (PNP) to combat misconduct and corruption effectively. Cayetano, with 31 years in government, expressed the rarity of significant PNP cases exposed by the IAS.
He underscored the importance of instilling a sense of constant oversight, ensuring accountability for police officers across all ranks. Cayetano urged Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to enhance the investigative function of IAS by placing it under the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) instead of the PNP Chief, ensuring independence in investigations.
Cayetano asserted that such autonomy would shield the IAS from external interference, allowing unbiased investigations. He highlighted the significance of protecting upright police officers from retribution for correctly performing their duties.
The senator proposed amendments to the bill, including provisions for faster promotion and improved compensation for officers joining the IAS. Additionally, he recommended allocating an automatic budget of P5 million to expedite priority investigations, addressing resource constraints faced by investigators.
Former PNP Chief Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who echoed Cayetano's sentiments, pledged to consider these "good ideas" for possible inclusion in the bill, emphasizing the goal of making the IAS an appealing career destination for quality and upright police officers.
He underscored the importance of instilling a sense of constant oversight, ensuring accountability for police officers across all ranks. Cayetano urged Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to enhance the investigative function of IAS by placing it under the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) instead of the PNP Chief, ensuring independence in investigations.
Cayetano asserted that such autonomy would shield the IAS from external interference, allowing unbiased investigations. He highlighted the significance of protecting upright police officers from retribution for correctly performing their duties.
The senator proposed amendments to the bill, including provisions for faster promotion and improved compensation for officers joining the IAS. Additionally, he recommended allocating an automatic budget of P5 million to expedite priority investigations, addressing resource constraints faced by investigators.
Former PNP Chief Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who echoed Cayetano's sentiments, pledged to consider these "good ideas" for possible inclusion in the bill, emphasizing the goal of making the IAS an appealing career destination for quality and upright police officers.
Dec 15, 2023
