Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. has expressed support to the Senate proposed measure that seeks to initiate organizational reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"This measure will lead to the first comprehensive legislative reform of the PNP since 1998," Abalos said in a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

Senate Bill 2449, or the "An Act Providing for the Organizational Reforms in the Philippine National Police’", authored by Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 6975 or the DILG Act of 1990, and RA 8551 or the PNP Reorganization Act of 1998 to bring about rejuvenated purpose and excellence in the PNP. 

The Senate bill is a counterpart measure of House Bill 8327, which Congress approved on third reading last August, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez.

During the Senate plenary session, Abalos said the move is a timely response to make the police force responsive to the contemporary challenges of law enforcement.

“It’s about time that we introduce organizational reforms in the PNP to empower our police force to effectively address current challenges of law enforcement. The multitude of reforms provided in this bill are anchored on the needs of the PNP and the communities, and it will also fortify the capabilities of our police force to ensure the safety and security of the Filipino people,” Abalos noted.

“A salient feature of the bill is the institutionalization of various PNP offices created ad hoc over the past 25 years to respond to the country’s evolving public safety concerns, such as the Anti-Cybercrime Group and the Area Police Commands,’’ the DILG added.

In his sponsorship speech, Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, acknowledged the DILG leadership for their commitment to support the “long-overdue” legislative measure. 

“For a quarter of a century, the Philippine National Police has waited patiently for the much-needed reforms and reorganization they justly deserve. The time has arrived for decisive action, for bold change, and for unwavering commitment,” Dela Rosa stated.

“Please allow me to recognize those who continue to tirelessly push for this legislation: the DILG, headed by the Secretary himself, Secretary Benhur Abalos.  Their presence today, as this bill gets through the period of sponsorship, is proof of how much they support its passage. And of course, their willingness to help me hurdle interpellation and debates,” he added.