DOJ, PNP ink P300 million accord

MANILA, Philippines — The national government has earmarked P300 million for programs to boost the professionalism and capabilities of police officers.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the substantial allotment for the training and education program of police officers was funded under Special Provision No. 11 of the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023.

With the funds in place, Azurin said the PNP could expand its education and training efforts to cover not only the fundamentals and special concerns, but also the latest in digital innovations.

He added that the programs would bring more effective and efficient policing as well as a higher level of professionalism among police officers.

“We are grateful to our lawmakers, the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, who have made this special provision a reality,” the PNP said in a statement.

Azurin and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday signed a memorandum of agreement for the allocation of the amount.

“Training and education are essential to the development and formation of law enforcers, given the multi-faceted role of the police officer as well as the latest technological advances that have reshaped the law enforcement environment,” Azurin said.

Remulla earlier asked the police to stop the practice of arresting people just to show accomplishments.

He said this practice has resulted in the congestion of the country’s detention system with people who were arrested for template crimes such as illegal gambling and illegal drugs.

Code for lawyers

Meanwhile, all 15 Supreme Court (SC) justices on Tuesday approved the amended Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) for lawyers.

This was announced by the SC public information office yesterday, saying the CPRA would be launched today as part of the high court’s push to make the 34-year-old code “modern, relevant and responsive guide for lawyers’ conduct.”

Around 250 justices, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and law professors will be gathered today at the Manila Hotel for the national launch of the CPRA.

Attendees will sign the Commitment to Ethical Responsibility Manifesto during the launch. – Neil Jayson Servallos