Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has expressed his support for Committee Report No. 112 of Senate Bill 1833 providing for the rank classification and organization of key positions in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
"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 (Philippine National Police)," Go said.
The chairman of the Senate Health and Demography Committee explained this during his co-sponsorship speech of the measure during a recent Senate regular session. Citing the need to address the inequality in the rank classification in these bureaus, Go said 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 added.
"It will also uplift the morale of every uniformed personnel in the BJMP and the BFP," Go said.
Once passed into law, SB 1833 will amend several sections of Republic Act No. 9263, 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 to Section 3 that 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.
Go expressed hope that the measure will motivate uniformed personnel in the fire and jail services to provide effective and efficient public service.
He commended Senator Ronald dela Rosa for sponsoring and prioritizing the measure.
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 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 will be beneficial not only to the firefighters, but also to the public.
“The said bill will include the 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.
Go previously backed a proposed bill modifying the minimum height requirements for applicants to the PNP, BFP, BJMP, and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), 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.