Dela Rosa ‘disheartened’ by Marcos’ veto of PNP reform bill

MANILA, Philippines — A “disheartened” Sen. Ronald dela Rosa on Thursday lamented President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to veto the Philippine National Police (PNP) Organizational Reform Bill.

Former top cop Dela Rosa pointed out in a statement that the bill was passed in Congress because he and his colleagues believed the measure would address the legislative gap for the country’s police force.

“The irony is not lost on me, and it is precisely that irony that is so disheartening. It’s sad to say but it seems that the effort and hard work, not only of Congress, but also of the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Police Commission, and PNP in drafting the PNP Organizational Reform Bill was wasted,” said Dela Rosa in a mix of English and Filipino.

READ: Marcos vetoes PNP restructuring bill 

The senator said he hoped that uniformed personnel would not lose motivation because of this, even though he believed the measure could have been beneficial in promoting a proud and new Philippines.

“Umaasa po ako na darating din ang pagkakataon na magtatagpo rin ang mga pangarap natin at ng Malakanyang para sa ating kapulisan. Lagi’t lagi, handa po akong tumulong para maisakatuparan ito,” he said.

(I hope that the opportunity will also meet our and the Palace’s dreams for our police force. I’m always ready to help make this happen.)

In his veto statement dated July 5, Marcos lauded the intentions of the PNP restructuring bill. He, however, emphasized that there is a need to ensure that it would deliver reforms instead of causing confusion among the country’s police force.