Morale booster for men in blue uniforms.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) signed into law a measure that finally laid to rest what has been troubling well-meaning police officers who get entangled with cases in the performance of their duties.
Moreover, the president's action on the law amending Republic Acts 6975 and 8551 also gives five years for undergraduate cops to finish the minimum requirement for police officers under the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The new law which she signed last week is entitled "An act Extending to Five Years the Reglementary Period for Complying with the Minimum Educational Qualifications for the Appointment of the PNP and Adjusting the Promotion System, Amending for the Purpose the Pertinent Provisions of RA 6975 and RA 8551 and for other purposes.
RA 6975 effectively bars promotion for any police officer facing service-related charges, until they are cleared.
This is even if these charges are in furtherance of their duties as protectors of peace, says Camp Dagohoy Information Officer P/Insp. John Gano.
Some police officers think this law (RA 6975) has been a convenient tool used by criminals who threaten officers by getting back at cops administrative or criminal charges, and not a few have chickened out from performing their duties diligently because of this provision of law.
Under the new law however, if after two years, the case has not been resolved, sued cops can be considered for promotions.
Furthermore, some absorbed police officers, especially those who came from the ranks of the now defunct Philippine Constabulary (PC) or the Integrated National Police (INP) still needs to complete the required college degree as a minimum requirement for PNP appointment.
The new law allows them to breeze through the minimum college requirement in the next five years as a good provision of a continuing education for police personnel, Pinsp. Gano said. (PIA)
