Press Release - SP Zubiri assures PNP of legislative support from Senate

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri today assured officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) that the Senate is doing everything in its power to support the evolving needs of the police force.

In a speech before police officials attending the 44th Grand Alumni Homecoming of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, Zubiri praised the police force in its contribution to advancing the welfare of the people, even saying that the Senate has benefitted from the wisdom of police officers who became senators: Robert Barbers, Ping Lacson, Fred Lim and currently, Sen. Bato dela Rosa.

"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.

"To this end, the Senate has endeavored to develop legislation in support of the evolving needs of the police force," the Senate chief added.

Zubiri started quantifying this legislative support by mentioning the passage in 2021 of Republic Act No. 11549 or the "Height Equality Act" that reduced the height requirement for not only police recruits but also officers of firefighters and jail and corrections officers.

"We know that a good cop is not defined by their height - what counts is their courage, their commitment, and their integrity. 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 from Bukidnon said.

Zubiri added that just last month, the Senate passed on third and final reading

the PNP Organizational Reforms Act that aims to update the old structures of the PNP and 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.

The Jail Integration Act, which will transfer provincial and sub-provincial jails from the supervision of LGUs to the supervision of the BJMP, was also passed on third and