BFP modernization bill gets bicam nod

MANILA – The congressional bicameral conference committee on Monday approved its report on a measure seeking to strengthen and modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

In a virtual meeting, the panel ironed out the disagreeing provisions of House Bill 7406 and Senate Bill 1832, otherwise known as the proposed Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act.

The measure seeks to provide the bureau with modern firefighting tools and life-saving equipment, more employees, and training.

The proposed bill broadens the mandate of the BFP to include fire prevention and suppression in economic zones, disaster risk response, and emergency management.

The bill also creates the BFP Modernization Trust Fund, which shall include appropriations for BFP modernization, as well as 80 percent of the share of the BFP from all taxes, fees, and fines collected pursuant to Republic Act 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Other sources for the modernization fund include proceeds from the disposal of excess and uneconomically repairable equipment and other movable assets of the BFP, supplemental assistance from Congress due to surpluses, loans, grants, or donations, and the fund’s interest income.

Local government units are also authorized and encouraged to have local equity in the modernization of BFP units stationed in their respective jurisdictions.

The bill also provides for a proposed language on the Security and Protection Unit of the BFP, which is a presidential priority.

The Security and Protection Unit will be mobilized and provided with equipment “appropriate for self-defense and the defense of others during exceptional emergencies, especially those related to a disturbance of peace and order where the assistance of the BFP is required or sought”.

The Security and Protection Unit will also be provided with appropriate defensive and civilian-oriented training by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police.