Height never a measure of cops' competence —PNP chief Eleazar

PNP chief Police General Guilermo Eleazar on Friday said cops’ competence is not measured by their height.

Eleazar made this remark as he welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of a new law that lowers the minimum height requirement for aspiring officers of the PNP and other uniformed personnel.

“Kami ay natutuwa [sa batas na ito] ... ang kagalingan ng pulis ay hindi nakikita sa kanyang height, sa kanyang kisig o gandang lalaki o gandang babae” (We are happy about the passage of this law because the competence of the police force doesn't depend on height), Eleazar said Friday.

Competence is seen in their dedication, qualification, and the requirements set by the National Police Commission (Napolcom), he added.

Eleazar also announced that applicants from May 27 onwards will be considered even if the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the new law is still being crafted.

Also, he said that he already instructed Colonel Ma. Leonora Camarao, in coordination with Napolcom, on the adjustments of height requirements --the new base height for men is 5'2'' and 5'0'' for female applicants.

“Nagbigay na ako ng instruction kay Colonel [Ma. Leonora] Camarao in coordination with Napolcom na while waiting for that IRR, simula kahapon i-check natin kung meron pumasok sa adjustment na ‘yun. Sa kalalakihan ay puwede na hanggang 5'2” at sa mga kababaihan naman ay hanggang  5'0.''” 

Camarao is the director of PNP Recruitment and Selection Service.

On Monday, Malacañang confirmed that Duterte has signed RA 11549, which amends the general and standard qualifications for the members of the PNP, the Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Under the new law, the minimum height requirement of 1.57 meters (5'1.5'') for male applicants, and 1.52 meters (roughly 5'0'') for female aspirants.

RA 11549's IRR shall be promulgated within 90 days after the date it took effect. 

Height requirements for PNP, BJMP, BFP, and BuCor prior to the enactment of RA 11549 are 1.62 meters ( 5'3'') for males, and 1.57 meters (roughly 5'1.5'') for females. —LBG, GMA News