The Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed Friday, Jan. 28, that it is open to the idea of establishing special courts which will focus in expediting the resolution of cases involving alleged abuses of police personnel.
Senate Bill No. 2331 or the Police Courts Act seeks to establish special courts that will focus on resolving cases involving cops.
Police Gen. Dionardo Carlos, PNP Chief, assured that the interest of justice "is primordial in instilling discipline in the ranks so as not to tarnish the integrity of the organization from erring cops."
He said that the Internal Affairs Service (IAS), an investigative arm of the PNP that looks into the cases involving alleged irregularities and abuses of policemen, is "proactively" resolving such allegations with the end goal of bringing justice.
“Any case that has been filed in court is a different story. Promulgation of court decisions involving PNP personnel may take longer since they are calendared along with a load of cases that the trial courts are handling,” Carlos said.
Last Thursday, the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, and Committee on Finance proposed SB 2331 which has been submitted to the plenary for proper scrutiny.
Under the bill, the Supreme Court (SC) will designate a police court from the municipal or regional trial courts which will hear criminal and administrative cases confronting a police respondent based on his/her supposed actions.
These may include violation of rules of engagement and police protocol except if anti-graft case warrants the jurisdiction of Sandiganbayan.
The SC will also delegate a division at the Court of Appeals if ever cases will be elevated.
“At this point, we can’t comment on the provisions of this proposed legislation because nothing is final yet. But we are for swift justice. Anything that intends to fast track the judicial process for the benefit of the parties involved is a welcome development,” Carlos said.