Legarda Hails Enactment of NBI Modernization, Batanes Responsible Tourism

Senator Loren Legarda today hailed the enactment of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Reorganization and Modernization Act (RA 10867) and the Batanes Responsible Tourism Act (RA 10866).

Legarda is a co-author of RA 10867, which mandates the modernization of the NBI through acquisition of state-of-the-art intelligence and forensic equipment, and maintaining an elite and competent personnel through the provision of competitive compensation packages, including training, insurance benefits and scholarship grants for NBI agents and employees.

“Amid increasing demands upon the NBI in the investigation of high profile and complex cases such as human trafficking, cyber pornography, drug cartels and rice smuggling, among many others, we really need to modernize and reorganize the agency,” she explained.

“The NBI must maintain a modern work system, as well as competent and highly-trained personnel who will be at par with their foreign counterparts, especially in light of the constantly evolving modus of crimes and to ensure that it can effectively carry out its mandate,” Legarda said.

Meanwhile, the Senator also hailed the enactment of RA 10866, a measure she sponsored in the Senate, which seeks to promote and protect Batanes’ natural and cultural heritage.

“The natural beauty of Batanes has been attracting both local and foreign tourists. In fact, the province has seen a dramatic increase in the number of visitors since 2014. We are aware of the negative impacts of unplanned tourism development and we do not want this pristine island group to be subjected to abuse and exploitation of tourists. Sustaining the natural and cultural heritage of Batanes is key priority in the development of the province,” Legarda stressed.

RA 10866 declares the Province of Batanes as a responsible, community-based, ecotourism zone and shall be accorded priority development by the national government in promoting and protecting the integrity of its ecology and environment, the richness of its natural and cultural heritage, and the resilience of its indigenous social institutions and its people.