Legarda Bats for NBI Modernization

Amid increasing demands upon the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the investigation of high profile and complex cases, Senator Loren Legarda today stressed the need to modernize and reorganize the agency to ensure that it continues to effectively carry out its mandate.

“Human trafficking, cyber pornography, drug cartels, rice smuggling—these are but a few of the complex cases under the NBI. Justice Secretary Leila De Lima admitted that the lack of resources impedes the NBI’s work to effectively implement the law. With the kind of cases that the NBI is investigating, it is a must that the government give its full support to the agency,” she said.

Legarda, who has called on the NBI to lead efforts in totally eliminating trafficking syndicates that prey on innocent and vulnerable Filipinos, noted the need to reorganize the agency and provide the necessary logistical support, modern equipment, additional manpower, and continuous training, among other things that would strengthen the NBI’s competence.

“The NBI must maintain a modern work system, and competent and highly-trained personnel that will be at par with its foreign counterparts, especially in light of the constantly evolving modus of crimes and to ensure its continued effectivity,” Legarda stressed.

It is in this light that the Senator filed Senate Bill 1902, the proposed NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act. The measure aims to strengthen the powers and functions of the NBI through a reorganization of its offices to streamline activities. It likewise seeks to modernize the investigative program through acquisition of state-of-the-art intelligence and forensic equipment.

The measure also seeks to ensure the maintenance of elite and competent personnel through the provision of competitive compensation packages, including training, insurance benefits and scholarship grants for the bureau’s agents and employees.

Know more about the bill:
Senate Bill No. 1902 – National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act of 2013