PNP chief, House Speaker meet to discuss welfare of law enforcers

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. (fourth from left) and other officials meet House Speaker Martin Romualdez (third from right) to discuss key issues including the welfare of the police force.

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez met recently to discuss key proposed legislation crucial to advancing the PNP’s legislative agenda.

Topping the list of issues tackled during the meeting was the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension fund now being deliberated upon in Congress.

Acorda pointed out that as an institution the PNP is keenly monitoring the progress of the proposed measure the final outcome of which is likely to affect the current 228,000-strong personnel of the PNP and those already retired from the service.

The PNP is hopeful that whatever law is crafted by the legislators, hoping it will be “equitable and just to all the parties concerned,” said Acorda after the meeting.

The PNP chief said representatives from both the active and retired personnel of the PNP are actively taking part in the ongoing discussions, which according to him is a positive step moving forward.

The proposed MUP Reform Bill in the Lower House mirrors Romualdez’ genuine sympathy and open-heartedness, not to mention his deep concern for the plight of MUPs and retirees, said Acorda.

On the other hand, Romualdez assured the PNP chief that Congress will be “reasonable” in crafting a law that is fair to all parties concerned.

“We must prioritize the well-being of our MUPs and retirees who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. It is our duty to ensure that they are given the care and support they deserve. I am committed to working with chief PNP Acorda and other stakeholders to provide our MUPs and retirees the decent life they so rightfully deserve,” Romualdez said.

Quoting the Speaker, Acorda said Romualdez promised that consultations will continue as Congress tries to find a “win-win” solution on the MUP pension fund issue.

“I was assured by the good Speaker that we will continue to coordinate and get updates while the matter is being discussed,” Acorda said.

“We both agreed that out-of-the-box solutions should be explored as we collectively attempt to find a lasting remedy anchored on compassion, and that it will be sensitive to the sentiments of the uniformed personnel” he added.

Acorda said he briefed the Speaker in the same occasion about the PNP’s security preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos’ second State of the Nation Address on July 24, 2023.

Also discussed during the meeting was the proposed annual budget of the PNP in 2024, which Acorda said the Speaker vowed to support.

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