MANILA, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo ordered the chiefs of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to report directly to him as part of efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the two bureaus.
A memorandum dated Aug. 17, 2010 (Direct Supervision of DILG over BJMP/BFP) put in detail Robredo’s decision to issue the memo and why the Philippine National Police (PNP), now haunted by the bungled hostage-taking rescue operations, was not included in his order.
Under the setup, the DILG’s attached agencies include BJMP, BFP, PNP, Philippine Public Safety College, and the Local Government Academy (LGA).
Robredo sent the memorandum to Jail Director Rosendo Dial and Fire Director Rolando Bandilla Jr.
“In view of the foregoing, and effective immediately, the chief of the BJMP and BFP shall report directly to the undersigned, and to submit all reports, memorandums, and all other personnel actions directly to him (Secretary),” Robredo said.
The memo further stated that “as provided under the Administrative Code of 1987, Republic Act 6975 and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) and Republic Act 9263 and its IRR, the Secretary shall have supervision and control over the bureaus, offices and agencies under the Department.”
Robredo told Dial and Bandilla to identify vital areas of coordination and synchronization of activities to address various concerns directly to the Office of the Secretary, “at the same time strengthening the capabilities of the Fire and Jail Bureaus towards the enhancement of the delivery of basic services to the citizenry.”
“As we pledge support to the President’s fight against red tape and corruption in the bureaucracy, we are all enjoined to exercise the powers vested in us to ensure victory against this chronic economic and moral malady,” he said.
Robredo also launched a public assistance center to bring the department closer to the people.
“We would like the ordinary Filipinos to feel the department’s presence and ensure them that we are a listening and working DILG,” he said.
Robredo led DILG officials in launching the public assistance center located at the ground floor of the DILG central office in Quezon City. The center will receive and quickly respond to and act on requests for assistance as well as complaints that are brought to the attention of the department by the public.
He said a similar public assistance center will also be established in every regional office of the DILG nationwide.
“Through the center, the people will feel the presence and services of the DILG and bring the government closer to them,” noted the DILG secretary.
Robredo said anyone who would like to avail of the services of the Public Assistance Center may personally visit the DILG office or send his request for assistance through e-mail at dilgmail@dilg.gov.ph or text message at DILG 2256, or telephone nos. 925-0343 and 925-0366.
He said the center, which will be supervised by a management committee, shall be manned by designated action officers from the bureaus and attached agencies of the department who shall receive and act on grievances and other related concerns from the public, and provide timely feedback on how such concerns are being acted upon.
He added that the committee will also develop a performance measurement tool to gauge the success of the system, and define the delineation of responsibilities and functions of all concerned units on the various offices of the DILG.