A veteran lawmaker is calling for a House inquiry that would look into the effectivity of disciplinary measures in the Philippine National Police or PNP.

Valenzuela City Congressman Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian issued the statement as he expressed concern on the series of reported corruption incidents involving police officers.

“There is now a dangerous trend of cops gone bad and who profit from their crimes when they have sworn to uphold the rule of law and to protect citizens from harm. Instead they are the ones who threaten the safety of the public,” Gatchalian said.

This, after eight cops and one dismissed police officer were involved in the recent “hulidap” incident along EDSA, in which they robbed and detained two men.

Last month, a policeman admitted killing race car driver Enzo Pastor back in June for a P100,000-payment. The cop was previously arrested for possession of illegal drugs.

Another cop went on a shooting rampage inside Pangasinan National High School, killing four and wounding three others before he was subdued and arrested.

In his House Resolution No. 1507 filed this week, Gatchalian said there is a “perceived impression that the Internal Affairs Service of the PNP and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) lacks teeth in the discipline and apprehension of unscrupulous and corrupt police officers.”

Gatchalian noted that there is a need to make the PNP’s disciplinary system better “to ensure that public trust is restored on the police.”

“An investigation must be made to find means that will enhance the disciplinary body and process of investigation as well as the reprimand of erring policemen in the PNP in order to enact, review, or amend legislation that will restore and preserve the integrity of the Philippine National Police,” Gatchalian explained. (Monica Cantilero)