Napolcom exec twits Metro mayors’ plea

National Police Commission Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio Pureza described as absurd the desire of the Metro Manila Mayor’s League to gain absolute control over the local police.

In the statement, Pureza said MML president and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza’s demand is not possible unless the Constitution is changed.

He cited Article XVI Section 6 of the Constitution and Republic Act 6975 or the Philippine National Police Law which states that the police force is national in scope.

"The constitutional and statutory laws do not allow the mayors to hire the policemen. It would be absurd for a mayor to appoint a national official or employee," Pureza said.

He also quoted Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. who stressed that "there can be no shortcuts" because only an amendment of the Constitution could make Atienza’s demands a reality.

Atienza was previously quoted as saying that the Napolcom was not complying with the directive of President Arroyo to turn over to the mayors control of the police.

He argued that what the Napolcom presented to the mayors actually translates to a reversal of roles wherein the policemen would have control over the mayors.

In response to this, Pureza noted that the mayors are not aware of the "awesome powers" they already possess over the police as provided for under the existing laws and circulars issued by the Napolcom.

"The reality on the ground is that PNP personnel are obeying the mayors and governors in view of the local chief executives’ power to choose the chief of police or provincial director," Pureza said.

He added that the mayors actually have a hand in the hiring of new policemen in their capacity as chairperson of the city or municipal peace and order councils.

Pureza also pointed out that the mayors were asked to submit their comments on the draft memorandum circular of the Napolcom which defines the participation of the local chief executives in the administration of the PNP.

The Napolcom has yet to receive the comments of the mayors even though the one-week deadline for the submission has already lapsed. –Marvin Sy