Ex-cop's bill seeks to remove CSC's role in PNP promotion

MANILA, Philippines - A former police officer-turned-legislator has filed a bill seeking to remove the role of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in the appointment and promotion of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel.

Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil proposed House Bill 2962, which seeks to amend Sections 31 and 96 of Republic Act 6975 or "An Act Establishing the Philippine National Police under a Reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government, and for Other Purposes."

The bill seeks to remove the requirement of attestation from the CSC to expedite government transactions and reduce bureaucratic red tape and processing time for appointment of police personnel.

"Our police officers who offer their lives and limbs to serve and protect our country should not be restricted in their career advancement by requiring a tedious process before approval of their appointment and promotion," Bataoil said.

Bataoil said that considering the National Police Commission has administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP, civil service laws should only have suppletory application to avoid any conflicting issuances that may affect personnel management of police operations.

"Clearly, it is the Napolcom which is vested with the power to effectively supervise and control the PNP. As such, the Napolcom is the most competent authority to determine the qualification for appointment and promotion of police officers," Bataoil said.

To date, the appointment of police officers still requires an attestation from the CSC, which is unduly unnecessary since the Napolocom should already exercise this function,  he added.

"The appointment and promotion of personnel from other armed services or law enforcement agencies in our government no longer require an attestation from the CSC. Thus, this should also be applied to the PNP since there is already a Napolcom which is given such authority," said Bataoil, a vice chairman of the House committees on appropriations, public information, and veterans affairs and welfare.

Under Section 5 of Republic Act 8551, or the "Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998," the Napolcom exercises administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP,  which include, among others, the authority to develop policies and promulgate a police manual prescribing rules and regulations for efficient organization.