PRO-7 official eyes creation of Summary Hearing Office

Sr. Supt. Arturo Evangelista, chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) of the Regional Police Office-7, is planning to recommend to new PRO director Ronald Roderos the creation of a Summary Hearing Office.

Evangelista yesterday said there is really a need to create such office to hasten the investigation into cases filed against police scalawags.

He said once the office will be established, there should be a permanent hearing officer who will handle the job.

The hearing officer will have his own staff composed of a stenographer and secretariat who is in charge over subpoenas and summons. He will also have some personnel who will take charge in the filing of cases.

The Summary Hearing Office will also be designed like a court martial room where there is a seat for the judge, respondent and complainant, and a witness stand.

The creation of the office will also address the clogging of cases at the RIDMD, according to Evangelista.

Evangelista said who ever sits as the hearing officer will have his post permanently and will no longer hold another post. He said he is recommending a police officer who is a law graduate to handle the job. — Flor Z. Perolina/LPM