SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1310
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Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
AN ACT
TO STRENGTHEN THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS SERVICE OF THE PHILIPPINE
NATIONAL POLICE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975 AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC
ACT NO. 8551, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 8551, otherwise known as the Philippine National Police
(PNP) Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998 established the Internal Affairs Service
(IAS) as the mandated institutional watchdog agency for the PNP organization.
A study1 on the role of police in democracies starts with a thesis question,
“how can the citizens of a democracy control their police?” Its response runs parallel to
the I unctions of IAS as an oversight office: democratic policing must be accountable
when they violate rules, laws and civil rights. Police must be accountable for both their
behavior and the protection of public safety, and they must be accountable to multiple
mechanisms.
In order for IAS to fulfill said functions, it is crucial that the pertinent
provisions of the law guarantee that the organization is capacitated and empowered in
instilling discipline and enhancing performance of personnel and units of the police force
at all levels of its command.
However, while the performance of IAS in its almost two decades of existence
is commendable, it is without a doubt that much is still to be desired. In light of the drug
war being implemented by the current administration, this is an opportune time to revisit
the structure, powers and functions of the IAS with the end in view of strengthening and
making it more effective and efficient.
One of the highlights of this measure is the provision of a mandatory period by
which an investigation conducted by the IAS must be concluded. Accordingly, internal
C h r is t o p h e r S to n e an d H e a th e r H . W a r d . (7 M a> 2 0 1 0 ) . Democratic Policing: A Framework for Action. 1-3.
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