May 24th, 2021
Bicam committee approves BFP modernization; Salceda proposal creating security group for BFP gets bicam nod
The Bicameral Conference Committee on the disagreeing provisions of the Senate and House versions of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) modernization law has approved its bicameral conference committee report today, for ratification by the Senate and the House later this week.
House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd district), a member of the bicam panel and a principal author of the bill, announced that the bicameral conference has already concluded deliberations on the proposal and will submit the bill for ratification by the Senate and the House today.
“Hopefully, during our plenary session later, both Houses can approve the bicam report for sending to President Duterte,” Salceda said.
The proposed bill broadens the mandate of the BFP to include fire prevention and suppression in economic zones, disaster risk response, and emergency management. The bill also creates the BFP Modernization Trust Fund, which shall include appropriations for BFP modernization, 80% of the share of the BFP from all taxes, fees, and fines collected pursuant to Republic Act No. 9514, proceeds from the disposal of excess and uneconomically repairable equipment and other movable assets of the BFP, supplemental assistance from Congress due to surpluses, loans, grants, or donations, and the fund’s interest income.
Local government units are also authorized and encourage to have local equity in the modernization of BFP units stationed in their respective jurisdictions.
Salceda amendment on security group for BFP carried
Salceda also proposed language on the Security and Protection Unit of the BFP. The amendment was debated in the Senate version, but is a Presidential priority.
“Acts of terror and other disturbances of peace and order often require the efforts of the BFP. Sometimes, the threat to peace still exists when fires also have to be fought. This was the case during the Zamboanga siege, where firefighters were ill-prepared to defend themselves during while containing fires,” Salceda said.
“The provision was fiercely debated in the Senate, so I proposed clearer and more acceptable language that the panel accepted,” Salceda said.
Under Salceda’s amendment, the Security and Protection Unit will be mobilized and provided with equipment “appropriate for self-defense and the defense of others during exceptional emergencies, especially those related to a disturbance of peace and order where the assistance of the BFP is required or sought.”
The Security and Protection Unit will also be provided with appropriate defensive and civilian-oriented training by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Salceda said the amendment allays fears of militarizing the BFP, while also ensuring that the intent of the President and the proponents is captured fully.
“The panel is happy to have delivered this reform, with the requested provision from the President,” Salceda said.
The panel was jointly chaired by Rep. Narciso Bravo and Senator Ronald dela Rosa.