Napolcom eyes more powers under OP

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has submitted a proposal that would strengthen the agency by placing it under the Office of the President.

Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Director Rogelio Pureza said he has submitted the proposed "Napolcom Act of 2002" to the House of Representatives which would address the streamlining of the Commission’s functions and its requests for additional powers.

Pureza explained that the existing Republic Act No. 6975 and Republic Act 8551, or the PNP Reform and Reorganization Law of 1998, fails to address the "delicate balance between the national and local aspects of the police service and preclude any possible abuse by the local executives.

Pureza made reference to the authority of the mayors to issue directives to their respective chiefs of police in a way he sees fit to ensure peace and order as stated under the proposed bill.

Any abuses committed by the mayors would result in the withdrawal of their deputation as Napolcom deputies.

Another important aspect of the proposed bill is the incorporation of the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police into the Napolcom.

The Napolcom in its previous statements argued that the PNP-IAS duplicates the functions of the Commission and also adds to the bureaucratic red tape.

Under the proposal, the IAS would now be part of the Internal Affairs Bureau of the Napolcom which is composed of its present personnel from the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service.

The proposal bill also provides for the creation of Napolcom district offices which Pureza said is meant to devolve the functions of the Commission to the grassroots level.

"It will be recalled that prior to the enactment of Republic Act No. 6975 or the PNP Law, the Napolcom was under the direct supervision of the President. The constitutional concept of the President as Commander-in-Chief would be given more meaning by returning the Napolcom under the Office of the President," Pureza said. – Marvin Sy