DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has committed to addressing issues within the Philippine National Police (PNP) promotion system, emphasizing the need for merit-based advancements.
Speaking on Wednesday, Remulla highlighted discrepancies in the promotion structure, noting that civil service rules allow PNP personnel to be promoted every three years if they meet qualifications, unlike the military’s five-year rule.
“The PNP, being civilian in character, operates under civil service rules. However, this has led to a bloated organization where being promoted to general is seen as a right rather than a privilege,” Remulla said.
He pointed to instances of rank redundancy, such as the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), where both the chief and the deputy hold the same one-star general rank. “Why do you have two generals of the same rank occupying one position higher than the other?” he questioned.
During a Commission on Appointments (CA) hearing, Remulla raised concerns about “floating generals”—officers with no clear command assignments. He argued that their skills are being underutilized. “With proper conversations and deliberations with the PNP and the national government, we should be able to clarify the responsibilities of generals and better delineate command areas,” he said.
Remulla proposed that promotions be based on merit, organizational needs, and specific functions, rather than automatic eligibility after three years.
He also outlined plans to enhance qualification standards for PNP recruits and offer scholarships to graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) for pursuing law degrees.
“These reforms aim to ensure a more efficient and competent police force,” he stressed, adding that a more streamlined structure would benefit both the PNP and the public.
The proposed changes come as part of broader efforts to address systemic issues within the PNP and strengthen its service to the Filipino people.