July 13, 2024 - Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa expressed his disappointment over the veto of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Organizational Reform Act by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a statement released on July 11, 2024, Dela Rosa stated that he passionately advocated for the bill, which was endorsed by the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). He emphasized the urgency of the bill, which was acknowledged by partner agencies and his colleagues in Congress.
Dela Rosa lamented that despite the shared vision and the bill's passage, the President ultimately decided not to approve it. He expressed his dismay over the perceived lack of recognition for the urgency of the reforms.
"Malungkot man sabihin pero tila nasayang ang pagod at hirap, hindi lamang ng Kongreso, kundi pati na rin ng DILG, NAPOLCOM, at PNP sa pagbalangkas ng PNP Organizational Reform Bill," Dela Rosa stated.
He urged the PNP, DILG, and NAPOLCOM not to lose motivation and continue working with the Senate, especially in proposing legislation that would improve the welfare of the police force.
"Dalangin ko na hindi sila mawalan ng motibasyon para magpatuloy sa pag-alalay sa Senado, lalo na sa pagpapanukala ng mga batas na makapagpapabuti sa kalagayan ng ating kapulisan. Dahil alam natin na ang patuloy na pagsasaayos ng PNP ay malaking hakbang sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan sa ating bansa. Lalo na dahil itinataguyod at ipinagmamalaki natin ang isang bagong Pilipinas," Dela Rosa said.
He expressed hope that there will be an opportunity for the Senate and Malacañang to align their visions for the PNP. He reiterated his commitment to supporting the police force.
"Umaasa po ako na darating din ang pagkakataon na magtatagpo rin ang mga pangarap natin at ng Malakanyang para sa ating kapulisan. Lagi't lagi, handa po akong tumulong para maisakatuparan ito. Laging-lagi, makakaasa ang PNP na patuloy ang aking suporta sa kanila," Dela Rosa concluded.
About Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa
Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa is a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and a current senator of the Republic of the Philippines. He is known for his tough stance on crime and his advocacy for police reforms.