PNoy: PNP modernization to push through even without DAP

Philippine National Police mass oath-taking. File photo courtesy of PNP on Facebook.

MANILA — The Philippine National Police received an assurance from President Aquino, that the modernization program will continue even without the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

Delivering his speech during the 113th anniversary celebration of the police service at PNP headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City, President Aquino assured the continuity of the modernization program of the government.

“Do not worry about the plan to ‘shoot, scoot and communicate’ not pushing through because of the decision on the DAP.

We are continuously taking steps to ensure modernization without interruption,” Aquino said.

The president said that the modernization is possible given the large chunk of the 2015 budget allocate for more firearms, housing projects and a fixed pension system for the police force.

Curing his speech, Aquino also noted the completion of several housing projects under his term.

“This is equivalent to 30,558 houses already built.

14,040 of these units are allotted for the police force and the final list of awardees for this program is now being submitted to the (National Housing Authority),” Aquino said.

He also added that the government is allotting P100 million for the construction of police stations all over the country.

The president also promised that he will be addressing the P4 trillion needed for the PNP’s pension system.

“They told us we would be needing P4 trillion to fix the pension system – that is the seed capital. Meaning, even if we give all of the proposed P2.6 trillion budget for 2015, the funds are still not enough for just one program – the pension system. That’s how big the problem that is left to us. But we are determined, we will always find means to address this,” Aquino said.