After careful consideration, President Marcos has vetoed the proposed Philippine National Police (PNP) reform bill to ensure that changes in the police force are fair, clear, and truly beneficial to everyone involved, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Thursday, July 11.

In a statement, Bersamin said among Marcos' reasons for rejecting the bill was that it enables changes to police salaries that could cause unfair disparities among officers.

"The President believes it is essential to maintain fairness and equality in compensation for all members of the PNP," Bersamin said.

In addition, the bill creates new offices within the PNP, which could lead to unnecessary bureaucracy and inefficiency.

"Our administration's goal is to streamline operations, not complicate them. Furthermore, adding more liaison offices could pose security risks. The current structure already provides robust oversight and coordination," the Palace official said.

"It is also crucial that the Internal Affairs Service (IAS), responsible for investigating police misconduct, remains independent and impartial. The proposed changes could compromise this vital independence," he added.

According to Bersamin, some parts of the bill are unclear, particularly regarding retroactive benefits for officers.

"The bill should avoid any confusion and ensure consistent application of rules," he said.

Despite this, Bersamin said President Marcos remains steadfast in his commitment to supporting the PNP and ensuring that any reforms are fair and effective.

He added that the administration will work closely with Congress to develop better legislation that strengthens the police force without causing any negative side effects.

"We continue to strive to improve our country's police force in the best way possible," he said.