Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre Jr. stressed the importance of integrity at the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) as he assumed his new post as commissioner and vice chairman and executive officer of the agency.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Aguirre also emphasized dedication and excellence in his message to NAPOLCOM officials and employees.
“Integrity, dedication and excellence are the hallmarks of all official tasks in order to maintain the people’s confidence and trust in the NAPOLCOM,” said Aguirre.
President Duterte appointed Aguirre to the NAPOLCOM post to replace lawyer Rogelio Casurao who recently passed away.
In its website, the National Police Commission was described as the agency mandated by the 1987 Constitution and the Major Police Reform Laws, Republic Act Nos. 6975 and 8551 to administer and control the Philippine National Police.
Under R.A. 8551, or the PNP Reform and Organization Act of 1998, NAPOLCOM’s authority over the PNP was strengthened and expanded to include administration of police entrance examinations, the conduct of pre-charge investigation of police anomalies and irregularities, and summary dismissal of erring police officers.
Aguirre, a fraternity brother of Duterte at the San Beda College of Law, was first appointed by Duterte as secretary of the Department of Justice.
He resigned in 2018 due to various allegations that stemmed from the junking of the drug charges against self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, putting alleged pork barrel scam architect Janet Lim Napoles under government protection, jundking of the case against a Bohol official who was accused of killing his wife and others. Aguirre repeatedly denied the allegations.
“To repay President Duterte’s continuing trust in me, I intend to fully execute his marching orders for a better NAPOLCOM and, consequently, a better police force, to the full extent of the authority granted to me under the law,” said Aguirre.
The official also asked for cooperation, support and patience of Napoclom officials and employees.