Marcos-era presidential decree needs upgrading amid Metrobank robbery case —Lacson

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said there is a need for Congress to revisit a Martial Law-era presidential decree, which penalizes obstruction of apprehension of criminal offenders.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Lacson said it is high time to convert PD 1829 into a republic act to give it "more teeth."

"Dapat i-revisit 'yung batas, dahil PD ito eh. Mas magandang i-convert ito into a republic act na pinagtibay ng Kongreso at bigyan pa ng pangil," said Lacson, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.

Lacson made the proposal following reports that officials of a Metrobank branch in Binondo prevented police investigators from entering the bank after it was robbed last week.

Current PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde has earlier said the bank officials may face complaints for obstruction of justice for their alleged non-cooperation in the investigation.

Lacson said the investigation into the robbery should not have been hindered if only the concerned policemen were aware of their rights as investigators.

"Kasi meron namang kaukulang batas dito, at may na-issue din na field manual dun sa investigation ng mga krimen. Nailabas ito noong 2011," he said.

He said under the field manual, the first 72 hours after a particular crime is committed is considered the "golden hour" of the investigation when the "first responders" should take control of the scene.

"Yung first responders, not necessarily mga imbestigador, kung sino yung law enforcement officers na pinakamalapit dun sa crime scene, dapat agad-agad sila ay magre-responde, sila ay papasok, at hindi sila puwede awatin," Lacson said.

Lacson said those who will prevent the first responders to do their job should be meted out with a penalty. —KBK, GMA News