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BY TIFFANY ANNE TAN
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BACOLOD City – Removing from mayors or governors the power to pick their own police chiefs or directors is not a good idea, according to Mayor Emmanuel Aranda of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson filed a bill removing the power of mayors and governors to choose their own police commanders.
According to Aranda, mayors know better the peace and order situation in their turfs.
He also said it is important that mayors are given the freedom to choose the police chiefs they trust.
“Amon na ‘ya banwa, kami ang kabalo kun ano ang mga whereabouts sa palibot,” Aranda said.
Senator Lacson said his proposal aims to shield the police from politics.
Aranda said he does not believe in such.
“Ga-govern sa bilog nga Pilipinas puro pulitika. May pulitika gid na ‘ya. Pero dependi sa sitwasyon…dependi sa mayor nga naga-obra,” he said.
Aranda said removing the mayor’s power to appoint his police chief must be applied on a case-to-case basis.
“May ara man ya abusado, may ara man ya indi,” explained Aranda.
For his part, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. of Negros Occidental said it is sensible for mayors or governors to appoint a person they can trust.
“When you work it is essential that you appoint persons you have trust and confidence,” he stressed.
Under Senate Bill 971 (An Act to Further Professionalize the Police Service Amending for the Purpose Pertinent Provisions of Republic Act No. 6975 as amended by Republic Act No. 8551 and for Other Purposes),” the Philippine National Director will now have the authority to choose the provincial/district police director.
Provincial / district police directors shall be chosen by the regional director from a list of three qualified candidates recommended by the Philippine National Police’s Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board.
The chiefs of police of towns and cities shall be chosen by the provincial / district director from a list of five qualified candidates recommended by the PNP Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board./PN
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