Press Release
February 18, 2009

PNP requirements to be amended

A bill that would adjust requirements on education and promotion in the PNP was jointly sponsored by the Committees on Public Order and Illegal Drugs, and Civil Service and Government Reorganization chaired by Senators Gregorio Honasan and Antonio F. Trillanes IV, respectively.

According to the bill, Philippine National Police (PNP) members facing frivolous lawsuits should still be eligible for promotion.

Trillanes said that if the case against a police officer remains unresolved one year after the determination of probable cause, he or she will be considered for promotion.

"Our police officers are entitled to the rights enjoyed by every other citizen and this includes the presumption of innocence. Moreover, this bill intends to shield our police officers from legal harassment." said Trillanes..

Currently, the finding of probable cause in any criminal case filed against a police officer makes him ineligible for promotion. This provision gravely affected the morale of police officers who were filed with frivolous complaints often by the same suspects they have apprehended.

Another amendment to RA 8551 or the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 would allow PNP members at least five more years to obtain the minimum educational qualification in the agency.

The new provisions are aimed at improving the effectiveness, efficiency, morale and welfare of the PNP personnel, said Trillanes.

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