(Eagle News)–Senator Ralph Recto is proposing the creation of a police force solely for the Senate and the House of Representatives.
In making the proposal through Senate Bill 1051, Recto noted that “in more than one occasion, Congress has had to rely on the military and police officers to perform functions essential to legislation, such as serving subpoenas, contempt orders, and warrants of arrest.”
“Such dependence on the executive agencies, while legally sanctioned, nonetheless impairs the independence of the Legislature and its capacity to establish its own security and operational protocols within its own premises,” he said.
Recto said the Congressional Police shall ensure safety in Congress premises and is empowered to assist members and officials in the performance of their constitutional duties, such as serving subpoenas and warrants, effecting arrests within congressional premises, and facilitating the processing of firearms licenses and permits.
He said the Congressional Police shall initially be comprised of employees under the Office of Sergeant-at-Arms of both the House and the Senate.
It will be headed by a chief and two deputy chiefs to be appointed by both the Senate President and the Speaker.
New applicants must not be less than 21 years old and more than 30 years of age.
“Ultimately, this bill intends to protect a cornerstone of Philippine democracy – a safe, independent, open and functioning legislature,” he said.
