PNP to create FOI desks to address transparency issues
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Wednesday welcomed the order of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to establish Freedom of Information (FOI) sections or desks in all police stations "to promote the transparency of information."
Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, PNP spokesperson, said the creation of FOI desks will ensure that the public will have easy access to police documents such as spot reports or police blotters.
"The PNP adheres to openness in governance and, as such, it will ensure that all information related to the performance of its mandate shall be disclosed, consistent with the provision of upholding the Freedom of Information," Bulalacao said.
Lawyer Rogelio Casurao, Napolcom ViceChairman and Executive Officer, announced last Tuesday the issuance of Resolution No. 2018-182 dated April 17, 2018 which approved the activation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Section under the Public Information Division (PID) of the PNP Directorate for Police-Community Relations (DPCR).
Casurao said the creation of an additional section under the PID-DPCR "shall be the primary repository of requests for access to information."
President Duterte signed Executive Order No. 02 or EO on Freedom of Information on July 23, 2016 which grants the constitutional right to information to full public disclosure and transparency in the public service.
"Pursuant to EO No.2, the PNP is committed to disclose to the public any and all information involving public interest under its custody, subject to the limitations as provided for under the constitution and other applicable laws, rules, regulations and procedures,' Bulalacao assured.
There have been reports in the past that cops were too strict to give copies of public documents not only to complainants but also to journalists on the ground covering the drug war.
The resolution was also issued amid the Supreme Court (SC)'s order to the PNP to submit the case folders of thousands of drug suspects who were killed in President Duterte's crackdown against illegal drugs.