Remulla to address “bloated” PNP

CEBU, Philippines — Newly-confirmed Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla promised to look into the Civil Service ruling making police personnel eligible for promotion every three years.

As opposed to the five-year-rule of the military, personnel of the PNP, which is civilian in character, may be promoted after only three years under civil service rules and regulations for as long as they are qualified and eligible, Remulla noted.

With this, the PNP organization has become bloated and being promoted up to general is now a right rather than a privilege.

“So I propose that it (promotions) should be based on merit, on need, and on function,” Remulla said.

Remulla cited the case of the National Capital Regional Police Office which is headed by a one-star general, and whose deputy is also a one-star general.

“So why do you have two generals of the same rank occupying one position higher than the other?” Remulla said.

During the Commission on Appointment (CA) hearing the other day, Remulla said a lot of the generals are promoted yet have no command directly under them.

 “Sometimes there are floating generals and sayang ang capacity nila. With proper conversation and deliberation with the PNP and the national government, we should be able to make the responsibilities of the generals clearer and delineate areas of command much better,” Remulla said.

Aside from that, Remulla also disclosed plans to improve the qualification standards for PNP applicants. A scholarship for graduates of the PNP Academy to pursue Law school is also being considered.

Meanwhile, the ad-interim appointment of Remulla, former Cavite governor, as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government was already confirmed by the CA headed by Senate President Francis Escudero.

“All my life, I have been in local government, and I have seen the ins and outs of what it takes to run a province. It is a big challenge, but I think I am up to the task and ready to serve,” Remulla said.

Remulla faced the CA Committee of the Interior and Local Government, headed by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, tackling issues on local autonomy, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, PNP restructuring, and travel authority of local chief executives, among others.

Zubiri expressed his support for Remulla, crediting him for the Cavite’s responsive local government units and best-equipped police force.

“We expect him to bring the same energy, ingenuity, industry, dedication, and passion to this new role,” he said.

CA vice chairman, Rep. Ramon Guico, Jr. said Remulla is the best candidate for the position.

“His outstanding tenure as governor of Cavite highlights his ability to implement meaningful reforms, promote disaster resilience and foster strong local governance,” he said.

Fellow Caviteño and CA member Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. also agreed.

“Cavite’s loss is the nation’s great gain. Kilala si Jonvic sa pagiging tapat sa bayan, tapat sa usapan. Ito marahil ang nakapukaw sa atensyon ng presidente para siya ay pagkatiwalaan sa napakahalagang katungkulan,” he said. (CEBU NEWS)