Immediate passage of bill granting benefits to police, kin urged in Senate

Senator Sonny Angara Jr. (right). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of what has been dubbed as “the bloodiest” police operation in recent history, Senator Sonny Angara urged on Friday the passage of a bill that seeks to grant special financial, scholarship and employment assistance to the families and beneficiaries of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are killed in the line of duty.

“Habang tayo’y humihingi ng hustisya, huwag sana nating kalimutan at pabayaan ang mga naiwan nilang pamilya at mahal sa buhay. Nararapat lamang na bigyan sila ng sapat na suporta at pag-aaruga—isang maliit na bagay kumpara sa kabayanihan at sakripisyo na iniaalay ng ating mga kapulisan para sa bayan,” Angara said in a statement, referring to the bloody Maguindanao encounter where at least 44 members of PNP-Special Action Task Force were killed.

(While we are calling for justice, let us not forget and neglect the families left behind (by these killed personnel). It is just right for them to be supported and taken care of—a small compensation for the heroism and sacrifice made by the police for our country.)

The senator then pushed for the immediate passage of his Senate Bill 2594 or the Magna Carta for the PNP Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Personnel, which provides a special financial assistance equivalent to six months’ salary, including allowances and bonuses, tax free to the family or beneficiary of any PNP personnel, who is killed or becomes totally and permanently incapacitated while in the line of duty.

“This proposed Magna Carta seeks to put dignity into the country’s premiere police force. The government should provide support to foster a highly efficient and competent PNP. It’s the least we can do as they put their lives at stake in their commitment to preserve peace and order and protect the lives of Filipino people,” Angara said.

All surviving children of the deceased or permanently incapacitated PNP personnel, under the bill, will also be extended scholarship up to college, while the surviving spouse will be given priority in employment in a government agency or office where his/her qualifications are fitted.

If the spouse is already employed or not employable or if he/she waives the employment privilege, the employable son or daughter will be granted the said privilege.

Meanwhile, uniformed PNP personnel who accepts assignments in remote areas or isolated situations, and is exposed to hardship and combat situation or other hazard unusual to peacekeeping, crime prevention and investigation activities, will be compensated, under the proposed measure, with a remote assignment allowance and special hardship allowance, similar to combat pay of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, equivalent to at least 50 percent of their monthly basic salary, respectively.

If any PNP personnel is injured or wounded in the performance of his/her official duties, the hospitalization expenses will also be shouldered by the government, the bill further said.

Also under the bill, PNP personnel are entitled to cost of living, clothing, quarters and subsistence allowances, and a longevity pay of 10 percent of their basic monthly pay for every five years of continuous, efficient and meritorious service in the government.

The proposed measure likewise provides for other benefits such as reasonable leaves and retirement programs, and a holistic PNP development program which includes provisions on merit promotions, performance evaluation, in-service training, overseas and local scholarships, training grants, incentive award system, among others.

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