President Marcos has ordered a study for creating a legal department within the Philippine National Police (PNP) to protect the welfare of the police officers against harassment and flimsy accusations.

Marcos said this during his second command conference with the PNP in Camp Crame on Tuesday, June 4.

In his remarks, the President said the government cannot ignore the welfare of the police officers who dedicated their lives to doing good in the PNP but cannot afford a lawyer, or seek legal services.

"Mayroon at mayroon silang tatakbuhan kaagad na abogado (So that they will have a lawyer to go to) just to give them advice and it will be internal, so hindi na sila magbayad (they won't have to pay)," he said.

"They can afford a lawyer so for one week tapos, tapos na (it's done). So we have to provide that kind of protection para naman yung mga pulis natin, malakas ang loob na gawin yung trabaho nila (so our police officers can confidently fulfill their duties),” he added.

Marcos said the measure also aims to protect the PNP from influential groups harassing the police force.

"Pag-aralan natin nang mabuti because ginagawang weapon, wine-weaponize yung kaso. Kahit tama yung ginagawa nila, hinaharass sila (Let's study this well because the charges are being weaponized against the police. They are being harrassed even if they're doing their job properly)," he said.

"Kakasuhan sila ng kung ano-ano (Trumped up charges will be filed against them), some of them are powerful figures. So, syempre, marami silang (They have the) capability, resources, maraming pera (money)... We have to protect our people,” he added.  

Currently, the PNP has a Legal Service headed by Police Brigadier General Arthur Llamas. According to its website, the PNP Legal Service serves as the organization's legal counsel and, in coordination with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), provides legal service to the PNP in actions filed before courts, quasi-judicial, and administrative bodies.

It also studies contracts affecting the PNP and renders legal opinions on matters arising from the PNP administration and operations.

Likewise, the PNP Legal Service provides legal assistance and advice to PNP personnel.