DILG to monitor use of PNP subpoena powers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday assured the public it will monitor the Philippine National Police (PNP) to prevent abuses in the implementation of its subpoena powers.

DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said they will monitor the actions of the police in using its subpoena powers under Republic Act 10973 signed by President Duterte.

“The DILG will be on the lookout for any hint of abuse that may be committed by the PNP in carrying out its restored subpoena powers and we will see to it that this will be used only for the intention that it was granted,” Año said in a statement.

In RA 10973, the subpoena powers were restored to the PNP chief and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s director and deputy director for administration in aid of their investigation of cases.

He said the new law will allow the PNP to collect more evidence to fortify cases filed in court.

Defending the PNP from critics, Año said the police should also have subpoena powers granted to other law enforcement agencies.

He added the law will benefit victims of crimes and their families who have been denied justice because of the refusal of witnesses to testify in court.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, meanwhile, said there are legal remedies for people to use  in the event the three police officials granted with the subpoena powers commit abuses.

 “They can always be charged before the Ombudsman for abuse of power,” Bulalacao said in an interview over dzMM.