00:00Mr. Speaker, we would like to recognize Representative Romeo M. Akov for his manifestation.
00:08The gentleman from the 2nd District of Andepolos City, Representative Romeo Akov, is hereby recognized.
00:15Sir, you have the floor.
00:17Good evening. May I manifest that I am not Representative Romeo Akov, I am Representative Philip Conrad Akov.
00:27Let me correct myself, Congressman Philip Akov.
00:31Sir, you are recognized, and my apologies.
00:35Thank you very much.
00:36Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, I rise today to express my full and unequivocal support of House Bill No. 8702,
00:44entitled, An Act Increasing the Retirement Age for Uniformed Personnel of the Philippine National Police from 56 years old to
00:5357 years old,
00:54amending for the purpose of Section 39 of Republic Act No. 6975,
00:59otherwise known as the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, as amended.
01:06This measure is deeply personal to me.
01:09This bill was among the priority legislative advocacies of my father, the late Honorable Romeo M. Akov,
01:15whose life was defined by decades of dedicated service to the Philippine National Police and to the Filipino people.
01:23Long before he entered Congress, he served with honor in the police service,
01:28and throughout his public life, he remained a steadfast advocate of the welfare, dignity, and professional development of our uniformed
01:37personnel.
01:37He understood the realities faced by our police officers, not merely from policy discussions, but from lived experience.
01:47He knew the sacrifices demanded by the profession, the pressures carried by those in uniform,
01:54and the immense value of experience and leadership within the ranks of the PNP.
01:59It is therefore with profound respect for his legacy and with full conviction in the merits of this measure
02:05that I stand before this chamber today in support of House Bill No. 8702.
02:11Mr. Speaker, this proposed adjustment from 56 to 57 years old is modest, measured, and reasonable.
02:21Yet despite its modesty, its impact will be meaningful and far-reaching.
02:26First, this measure recognizes the continuing capability and value of experienced police officers.
02:33Many officers who reach the age of 56 remain physically fit, mentally sharp, and professionally effective.
02:40Indeed, it is often at this stage in their careers that they possess the greatest institutional knowledge,
02:47operational wisdom, and leadership maturity.
02:50Allowing them to continue serving for an additional year enables the Philippine National Police
02:57to retain invaluable experience and expertise that would otherwise be lost prematurely.
03:03Second, the House Bill No. 8702 promotes institutional stability within the PNP.
03:12Second, continuity in leadership and personnel is critical to effective law enforcement and public safety operations.
03:24By slightly extending the retirement age, we help ensure smoother transitions, preserve inter-institutional memory,
03:33and strengthen organizational capacity.
03:35More importantly, this bill sends a clear message to our men and women in uniform that this institution recognizes their
03:45continuing capacity to serve
03:47and that their dedication is honored not only in rhetoric but through meaningful legislation.
03:53Mr. Speaker, this bill is not simply about extending tenure.
03:57It is about valuing service, strengthening institutions, and recognizing the enduring contributions of those who dedicate their lives to maintaining
04:07peace and order in our country.
04:09In supporting this measure, I also honor the lifelong advocacy of my late father,
04:15an advocacy rooted in service, discipline, and deep respect for the men and women of the Philippine National Police.
04:21For these reasons, I respectfully manifest my strong support for House Bill No. 8702,
04:29and I urge my esteemed colleagues in this August chamber to likewise support this passage.
04:34Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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