Senator pushes special assistance to kin of PNP members killed in line of duty

As the country mourns the death of 44 members of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force, Senator Sonny Angara on Friday called for the passage of a bill seeking to grant special financial, scholarship, and employment assistance to the families and beneficiaries of PNP members who were killed in the line of duty.

In Senate Bill 2594 or the "Magna Carta for the PNP Uniformed and Non-Uniformed Personnel" authored by Angara, the family or beneficiary of any PNP personnel killed or becomes totally and permanently incapacitated while in the line of duty, will be entitled to a special financial assistance equivalent to six months salary, including allowances and bonuses – all tax free.

It states that all surviving children of the deceased or permanently incapacitated PNP personnel will also be given scholarship grants of 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.

"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 pulis para sa bayan," Angara said in a press statement.

SB 2594 also states that uniformed PNP personnel who accept assignments in remote areas or isolated situations, and are exposed to hardship and combat situation or other hazard unusual to peacekeeping, crime prevention, and investigation activities, will be compensated with a remote assignment allowance and special hardship allowance – similar to the 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.

It also states that 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 bill also provides for other benefits such as reasonable leaves and retirement programs, and a holistic PNP development program that includes provisions on merit promotions, performance evaluation, in-service training, overseas and local scholarships, training grants, incentive award system, among others.

"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.

He said the SB 2594 seeks to codify all existing rights and benefits of the PNP that are provided in different laws, resolutions, and other circulars.  

The significant provision of the bill is Section 18 on salary scale which states that the PNP shall have a salary scale separate and distinct from the other agencies of the government to attract the best and competent applicants. It states the salary scale of the PNP shall be comparable to the average salary scale of law enforcement agencies in the ASEAN Region. — Amita Legaspi/LBG, GMA News