Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa told the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, Jan. 26, to speed up its procurement of body cameras for policemen.
Dela Rosa lamented the slow procurement of body cameras, saying that the use of body cameras in police operations was a program that has already spanned five PNP chiefs during the administration but has yet to be fully implemented.
"Very important 'yon. Please expedite. Panahon ko pa ‘yon. Pumasok si Gen. Albayalde, sumunod si Gen. Gamboa, then Gen. Cascolan, and now Gen. Sinas. Naka-limang chief na, hindi pa rin na-deliver (That is very important. Please expedite. It has been pending since my time. Then Gen. Albayalde came in, followed by Gen. Gamboa, then Gen. Cascolan and now Gen. Sinas. Five chiefs have passed, but these have not been been delivered yet)," the former police chief told PNP officials during a hearing of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs on the proposed laws seeking to modernize and improve the PNP's capability.
"Gusto kong makakita ng (I want to see a) legitimate anti-drug operation ng (of the) PNP na may suot na (with) body-worn cameras kasi (because) that is a big clamor coming from the public. Kailangan natin 'yang gamitin (We need to use those)," he appealed.
PNP officials told Dela Rosa that the body cameras are already up for delivery, saying that they will update the Senate panel of its status.
In the same hearing, Dela Rosa noted the delays in the PNP's procurement of several other equipment through the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC).
Citing a Commission on Audit report, he said that P1.036 billion of PNP's funds for the purchase of crime-fighting equipment from the PITC remain undelivered since 2016.
"Yan palagi ang ibubutas sa inyo nga Congress, bakit 'yong pera na binigay namin sa inyo, hindi pa ninyo napambili. Ngayon hihingi naman kayo nang napakalaki dito sa modernization (That is what Congress will always call you out for, that you are not spending the funds we are giving you. And now you will ask us for a huge funding for your modernization)," Dela Rosa told the PNP officials.
Officials explained that they decided to tap the PITC's services then to avoid being charged for questionable purchases, but said the PNP is now procuring on its own. The utilization rate has also improved through the years, they added.
On the delayed purchase of equipment, they said the PITC encountered problems with the supplier. They assured Dela Rosa they are already working on getting a new supplier to deliver the needed equipment.
Dela Rosa advised the PNP leadership to place people who are competent in its bids and awards committee to speed up their purchases.
"Aside sa matino at ayaw gumawa ng corruption, may bayag na tumatayo na tama 'yong ginagawa nila para mabilis yong kuwan niyo. Hindi 'yong ipapasa niyo sa PITC dahil takot kayo magka-kaso (Aside from the competent and those who refuse corruption, consider placing those with balls who will stand up if for what is right so your procurement will be swift. And not pass on the buck tothe PITC)." he said.
A representative from Department of Budget and Management told the Senate panel that legislation for the PNP modernization will require "huge funding" and that the Department of Finance may have to look for additional revenue measures to cover its cost.
From 2008 to 2021, the PNP has already been given a total of P33 billion to finance its capability enhancement program, said the DBM.