BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Reformation in the oversight of law enforcement agencies in the country will led to more efficient implementation of laws.
Attorney Lyndon Rom David of the University of the Philippines College of Public Administration and Governance said there is a need to fix the law enforcement oversight for the effective implementation and enforcement of laws.
This amid issues concerning the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11,2025 by the Philippine National Police and the Interpol based on a warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in his war on drugs campaign.
“Ang atin pong law enforcement, in terms of oversight, kalat po kasi ‘yung authority. Maybe this is something that we have to fix because you know, one of the issues na lumabalas is ito pong kalat na authority when it comes to law enforcement oversight, hindi po siya naging effective … although sometimes effective siya pero on specific cases lang,” David said during the Caucus for Good Governance Beyond Politics held in Baguio City on April 1, 2025.
David recommended defining the jurisdiction of offices and redesigning the oversight for the proper implementation of laws.
“Nagkakaroon ng issues kung sino ba talaga ang magti-take jurisdiction ng enforcement agencies. Minsan, parang naghahabulan sila,” he stated.
He proposed making the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs more independent or to expand its powers, have specific powers, define its jurisdictions and structure.
David added that lawmakers may also consider redesigning the National Police Commission.
“Maybe the Napolcom can also be considered in terms of its design as well, ‘yung membership niya, baka may kulang, baka dapat may mga certain people na nakaupo sa Napolcom. May issues na … hindi sila nakakapag-implement agad kasi kulang sila ng tao,” David said.
Meanwhile, Attorney Marciano Delson, San Beda College of Law dean, said lawmakers may also consider coming up with specific legislation on effecting arrest warrant from an international body.
“Maganda rin na magkaroon ng specific local legislation na ganito ang gagawin kapag may i-implement na arrest warrant from the international body,” Delson said. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)
