Body cam rule to complement creation of PNP legal department

MANILA – A lawmaker on Thursday said the use of body-worn cameras in law enforcement operations would complement President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s plan to create a legal department within the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a statement, Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan said PNP personnel should be required to use body-worn cameras during police operations when applicable to aid in the presentation of evidence against criminal suspects in court.

Yamsuan said the body cam rule would shield police officers from cases of harassment and other similar complaints filed against them.

"This will help protect not only the suspect from harassment and abuse, but also police officers from trumped-up charges," he said.

Yamsuan said the PNP should also invest more in the training and continuing education of its uniformed officers, especially in the handling of evidence and in the proper conduct of law enforcement operations.

Meanwhile, Yamsuan said the proposed PNP legal department would address the longstanding problem of suspects escaping prosecution due to a good legal defense team.

"Isa itong mabisang solusyon sa problema ng PNP kapag nakakaharap sila sa mga high-profile cases kung saan ang mga suspek ay may magagaling na abugado. Sa halip na ang suspek ang masampahan ng kaso ay ang pulis pa ang nakakasuhan dahil kulang sila sa gabay at suporta ng mga legal expert (This is an effective solution to the problem faced by the PNP in high-profile cases involving suspects who have very competent lawyers. Rather than the suspects being charged, the cops are charged instead because they lack guidance and support from legal experts)," he said.

He noted that while the PNP has an existing Legal Service unit, it is often spread thin since it is also tasked to study contracts involving the PNP, render legal opinions on issues arising from the administration and operation of the police organization, and conduct seminars and lectures on legal issues and jurisprudence affecting law enforcement, among other functions.

"In line with the President's plan, an office or unit manned by lawyers with expertise in criminal law can be set up within the PNP to exclusively handle cases and complaints filed against PNP personnel in the performance of their duties," Yamsuan said.

President Marcos has ordered a study for the possible creation of a legal office that will serve as a "defense council" that will protect police officers against harassment and flimsy accusations. (PNA)