Police chiefs seek passage of Magna Carta

The Association of the Chiefs of Police of the Philippines Inc. (ACPPI) urged both Houses of Congress to expedite the passage of the Magna Carta for Policemen to foster professionalism in the ranks as part of its continuing commitment to look after the welfare of the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Speaking before the members and officers of the ACPPI during the organization’s 4th National Convention at the Manila Hotel, Metro police chief and ACPPI president Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco bared the continuing advocacy of the organization.

Aside from Velasco, other key officers of the organization present during the convention were: founding chairman and now Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza; founding president and chairman emeritus PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane; chairman Guillermo Domondon; co-chairman and Representative Rep. Amado Espino; honorary chairman Dr. Emilio Yap; and members of the board of trustees.

Stressing the ACPPI motto: "To Protect and Serve Those Who Serve and Protect," Velasco assured that the organization will continue to support the PNP to facilitate the development of a strong police force, in the course of heeding the call of President Arroyo to build a strong republic.

He pointed out that the cornerstones of the strong republic envisioned by the commander-in-chief are the dedicated men and women of the PNP who remain professional and firm in their commitment to serve the country, which is why there is urgency for the passage of the Magna Carta for Policemen.

"The organization will be relentless in its pursuit of the passage of the Magna Carta for Policemen as part of its commitment to look after the welfare of the officers and men in uniform," he said.

To accomplish the objective, the ACPPI has established a venue to address advocacy for policy and legislative initiatives, where regional chapters of the organization and the sentiments of members in the field were obtained.

Senate Majority Floorleader Loren Legarda, one of the guest speakers during the convention, assured full support for the passage of the Magna Carta.

Likewise, Velasco highlighted the achievements of the organization for the year 2002 where he pointed out that the association has been at the forefront of vigorously working for the welfare of the police officers.

"The ACCPI has always taken a part in policy and legislative matters where the officers and men of the PNP are concerned. For the year 2002, the focus was on advocacy for things that can help the members most and give them the satisfaction and pride of belonging to an emerging prestigious organization. Old projects have been fast-tracked for implementation while new projects have been conceptualized and initiated," he said. "We have initiated a series of dialogues with the Napolcom and submitted studies with our recommendations as part of our participation and support in the formulation of policies affecting the police service."