By Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA
MANILA — The House of Representatives on Monday overwhelmingly approved on final reading a bill seeking the establishment of a Department of Public Safety (DPS) in every province, city and municipality.
With 209 affirmative votes, the chamber passed on third reading House Bill 7878, or the proposed “Public Safety Act”, which shall mandate all local government units (LGUs) to establish and maintain a fully functional and responsive central command and control center, and an emergency response and management system.
The DPS shall implement public order and safety laws and ordinances, help reduce vehicular traffic congestion and address the effects of man-made and natural disaster. It shall be under the direct control and supervision of the provincial governor, city or municipal mayor.
Among the functions of the DPS is to prepare, integrate, coordinate and supervise all plans, programs, projects and activities of the local government relative to the promotion and maintenance of peace and order and the protection of life, liberty and property.
It shall also secure the general public and maintain public order in conjunction with the police and other national law enforcement agencies.
It shall be tasked to organize plans for and undertake evacuation, rescue and relief operations in times of disasters, calamities and civil disturbances.
The amount necessary to implement the proposed law shall be charged against the current appropriations of the LGUs. Thereafter, such sum shall be included in the annual budget of the LGU.
