PNP CHIEF Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil yesterday urged Congress to amend the law that established the PNP in 1991, citing flaws that he said need to be addressed and global trends in law enforcement.
In a statement, Marbil said there is a need to revisit and restructure the police force to resolve what he called systemic challenges that impede the PNP’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively.
Marbil said he wants the PNP to transition into a “flatter, more streamlined structure,” which he said would lead to quicker decision-making during emergencies, improve accountability, and promote better communication.
“The current hierarchical system often slows down decision-making, particularly in critical situations where prompt responses are vital,” Marbil said, referring to the setup under Republic Act 6975, an act establishing the PNP under a reorganized interior department.
Marbil also said decentralizing the PNP would empower lower-ranking officers to make localized decisions, which he said will reduce delays and enhance operational efficiency.
He said there is a need to strengthen the law to cure organizational deficiencies, adding the law should evolve to meet the demands of modern policing.
He said a streamlined police force would enhance communication throughout the organization, eliminating bottlenecks, and fostering collaboration between PNP leaders and officers in the field.
“This kind of structure encourages leadership and initiative at all levels, inspiring creativity and innovation in tackling the country’s security challenges,” he said.
“The world is changing fast, and so should the PNP,” Marbil also said, adding that continuous reform is needed so that the PNP will remain effective, adaptable and responsible to domestic and international challenges.
