Miriam Seeks New Probe On Puno (6 September 1999)

Miriam Bats For A National Crime Database (4 September 1999)

MIRIAM SEEKS NEW PROBE ON PUNO
6 September 1999

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago yesterday heeded the call of the DILG Employees Union for a review of all existing contracts involving the department as she called for  inquiries into the latest anomalies at the DILG. 

Santiago called for separate Senate investigations into the legality of the creation of the Philippine National Police Special Operation Force, and the P40 million information campaign by DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno.

She pointed out that Puno again usurped legislative power when he created the PNP SOF and appointed Chief Supt. Jose Lalisan as its chief.

She cited R.A. 6975 or the “Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990" that strictly prohibits the creation of a support unit headed by a chief superintendent or an officer of higher rank, unless provided for by Congress.

“There seems to be a pattern here that Puno continuously usurps the power of Congress,” she said.  “The power to create a new PNP force to be headed by a chief superintendent is legislative in nature.”

Puno was earlier accused of usurpation of legislative power when he approved a drug testing program on all licensed gun owners, private security guards, and law enforcement personnel.

Santiago also called for a Senate probe on the P40 million allocated for a tri-media publicity campaign of the DILG.

“It is a waste of taxpayers’ money.  A government agency need not spend so much for an information campaign,” she said. “The best publicity is simply good performance.”

Puno is currently facing two separate Senate inquiries for approving the anomalous P3.6 billion Mahogany drug-test contract, the P307 million pistols contract, and the P16 million handcuffs deal.

The DILG Secretary’s confirmation is also in peril.  Puno has only until September 15 to complete all documentary requirements; otherwise the Commission on Appointments will reject him.

MIRIAM BATS FOR A NATIONAL CRIME DATABASE
4 September 1999

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago yesterday sought to establish a national crime database that will be useful in the elimination of crime in consonance with the priorities of the present administration.

Santiago yesterday filed S. B. No. 1636 or the “National Crime Database Act of 1999” that seeks to create a national council that will develop a plan on how to create a national crime database to which criminal justice agencies will have direct access.

“The country has witnessed the escalation of crimes with syndicates habitually committing crimes to the detriment of peace and order.  The identification of the criminal elements who are often out in the open is essential for crime eradication,” she explained.

Santiago said law enforcement agents could quickly resolve cases if they have immediate access to updated criminal records.

The bill also seeks to integrate the existing database of criminal history records being used for employment or travel clearances with the proposed national crime database.

“This can be done if there is a national crime database, which will therefore not only be used for obtaining the necessary job or police clearances,” she said.

The proposed national crime database council shall also set the rules and procedures to ensure that records are used only by authorized officials for authorized purposes.