Zubiri to PNP: Good cop isn’t defined by height; what counts is courage

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri attends the 44th PNPA Grand Alumni Homecoming. (Photo courtesy of the senator’s office)

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has extended to officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) of its continued support through the passage of measures seeking to address and enhance law enforcers’ needs, including institutional improvement and arms procurement.

In his speech during the 44th Grand Alumni Homecoming of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri noted the passage of the Republic Act No. 11549, or the ‘Height Equality Act’ in 2021, among others.

“The fact of the matter is that as legislators and law enforcers, we have to work hand-in-hand. Whatever instruments we wield, whether it be guns or pens, our goal is the same – to protect and uplift our communities and the whole nation,” said Zubiri in a statement on Sunday.

“We know that a good cop is not defined by their height. What counts is their courage, their commitment, and their integrity,” the Senate leader told the alumni.

“And so this law opened the doors for many more Filipinos to enter the police force and dedicate themselves to the service of our people,” the senator added.

He also mentioned the passage of the PNP Organizational Reforms Act on the third and final reading, which aims to update the old structures of the police force, “strengthen and streamline its leadership, organization, and management.”

“We will be institutionalizing offices such as the Directorial Staff and the Area Police Command across the country to fortify their roles and integrate them better into the police force,” Zubiri said.

Aside from the two bills, the senator noted the Jail Integration Act was passed on the Senate’s third and final reading last week.

“Under the expert management of the BJMP, we hope to create a more efficient and standardized system of management for all Persons Deprived of Liberty, no matter where they are serving their time,” Zubiri explained.

He was pertaining to the measure that seeks to transfer provincial and sub-provincial jails from the supervision of LGUs to the jurisdiction of the BJMP.

The Jail Integration Act, according to him, aligns with the Heinous Crimes Facility Act which hurdled the 18th Congress and has obtained funding this year.

Moreover, the senator said the BFP and BJMP Rank Classification Act is out and is ready for plenary debates.

Zubiri also added they are also working on bills amending the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Act.

To enhance the criminal investigation procedures of the organization, Zubiri also said that the PNP Forensic DNA Database Act is also underway.

“As you can see, the Senate is all in with our support for the PNP and its partner agencies. We value deeply your great selflessness and sacrifice, and we recognize your work to be foundational to our country’s growth. We cannot, after all, pursue progress without first securing peace,” Zubiri said.