Mayors' days of control over police are counted
Published February 4, 2001 - Bohol Chronicle
The days of control by the city and town mayors over policemen are counted. The Commission on Election subtly issued this reminder by sending to the local chief executives copies of Comelec Resolution No. 3301.
Quoting Section 52 (b) of Republic Act 6975, the poll body says: "The city and municipal mayors shall exercise operational supervision and control over the PNP except during the 30 days before and after elections."
During the said period, the Comelec takes supervision and control over the police.
Thus, the mayors' power over the local PNP units ceases from April 14 to June 13, during election year. The polling day falls on May 14.
But some candidates who are not incumbents or members of the administration party doubt if the law against using the cops for partisan end has ever observed.
The Comelec directed the mayors that within the election period, only the President of the Philippines can "outpower" the poll body's decisions, directives, orders and instructions.
Operational supervision and control mean the power to direct, superintend, oversee and inspect the police units.
The authority encompasses the power to employ and deploy units or elements of PNP, through the station chief, to ensure public safety and effective maintenance of peace and order.
The Comelec stressed its point, defining "employ" as the utilization of units of PNP for purposes of protecting lives and properties, enforcement of laws, prevention of crimes and the arrest of criminal offenders.
On same strength, Comelec can order the cops to suppress violence in troubled poll areas.
By "deployment," the Comelec can order the orderly and organized physical movement of the cops within the province, city or municipality to enforce election laws.
Lawyer Ma. J. Angelina Matibag, Comelec central director for education and information department, also transmitted to the Bohol mayors other pertinent issuances relative to the forthcoming polls. (VCA)
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