By Mario Casayuran
Senator Panfilo Lacson rejected outright today a bill at the House of Representatives seeking to make the ranks at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) equal to those at the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Senator Panfilo Lacson (JAY GANZON / MANILA BULLETIN)
‘’First, he (1987) Constitution provides for a PNP that is civilian in character,’’ Lacson said.
‘’That is the reason why the ranks of its personnel are made easily distinguishable from military ranks,’’ he explained.
Another reason, according to Lacson, is that ‘’at a time when the public is becoming familiar with the police ranks, it may not be wise to give them military ranks,’’ he added.
Lacson, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), was a former PNP Director-General. He is currently the chairman of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee.
Several senators in past Congresses had wanted to erase the word ‘’General’’ in the rank of the PNP chief because it has a military connotation.