Press Release
September 18, 2020

Bong Go backs measures providing for the rank classification and organization of key positions in the BFP, BJMP and enhancing fire protection capabilities

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has expressed his support for Senate Bill No. 1833 under Committee Report No. 112 providing for the rank classification and organization of key positions in the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

"For our uniformed personnel, rank is not simply a rank, it is a symbol of leadership and duty. Therefore, it is just right that we classify the key officers of the BFP and BJMP at par with the rank classification of the PNP," Go explained during his co-sponsorship speech of the measure during the Senate regular session on Wednesday, September 16.

Citing the need to address the inequality in the rank classification in these bureaus, Go said that the bill will improve organization efficiency and effectiveness in the BFP and BJMP by eliminating confusion in ranks.

"We need to address the inequality in the rank classification and show our fire and jail officers that we appreciate their devotion to their duty and their sacrifice, dedication and service to the country," he said.

"It will also uplift the morale of every uniformed personnel in the BJMP and the BFP," Go added.

If passed into law, SB 1833 will amend several sections of the Republic Act No. 9263, or An Act Providing for the Professionalization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Amending Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 6975, Providing the Funds Thereof and for Other Purposes.

This includes the amendment of Section 3 which provides for the organization and key positions of the BFP and the BJMP; and Section 12 which provides for the standardization of the base pay, retirement and other benefits of the uniformed personnel of the BFP and the BJMP.

Meanwhile, the Senator expressed his hopes for the measure to motivate uniformed personnel in the fire and jail service to provide effective and efficient public service.

He, then, commended Senator Ronald dela Rosa for sponsoring and prioritizing this measure. Go also requested to be made a co-sponsor of the bill.

During the same Senate session, Go also co-sponsored the Fire Protection Modernization Bill, a measure which seeks to strengthen the mandate and capability of the BFP.

Go, who is the principal author of the bill, said that now is the right time to modernize the BFP, as he emphasized that the government should be proactive in combating any kind of catastrophe in the country.

Under the Fire Protection Modernization Bill, the BFP will be responsible for implementing a fire protection modernization program, which would be beneficial not only to the firefighters, but also to the public.

"The said bill will include hiring of more personnel, acquiring modern fire equipment and training for our firefighters. It also mandates the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drive in all local government units," Go said.

"Thus, it is fitting that our firefighters at the frontlines be given the best tools to ensure their own safety and the safety of our fellow countrymen," he added.

Previously, Go also backed a proposed bill modifying the minimum height requirements for applicants to the Philippine National Police, BFP, BJMP, and the Bureau of Corrections, saying that it will help augment and strengthen the country's law enforcement and firefighting forces, and other first-responders in times of emergencies and calamities.

"I want to commend the good sponsor for pushing for this measure and I wish to manifest my support and my intention to co-author this bill modifying the minimum height requirement for PNP, BJMP, BFP, and BuCor personnel," Go said in a separate co-sponsorship speech of the bill on September 4.

"Malaking tulong rin po ito upang mapalakas at mapatatag ang ating mga kapulisan, bumbero at iba pang first-responders pagdating ng oras ng sakuna," he added.

It will give Filipino citizens more opportunities to serve the country, according to the Senator. "Marami pong lumalapit sa akin kahit noong hindi pa ako Senador. Nagpapatulong para ma-waive o mabawasan ang minimum height requirement sa pagiging pulis at bumbero," Go said.

"Marami pong gustong magsilbi sa kapwa tao, kailangan lang po natin silang bigyan ng oportunidad na tumulong at magserbisyo," he added.

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