Mayor Joseph Estrada on Wednesday gave the Manila Police District a total of P286-million additional fund for the allowance and equipment of policemen in a bid to boost efforts aimed at crime control and prevention in the city.
Estrada, who was the guest of honor during the MPD’s 115th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, said the funds came from the city government’s real property tax collection.
“Manila is now moving forward. Our debt has been erased. In 2013, Manila had total unpaid obligations of more than P5 billion. Today, that figure stands at zero,” he said.
Of the P286-million budget, P136 million was allocated for the allowance of policemen and other financial needs of MPD while P150 million was used to purchase new equipment to enhance its capability in monitoring criminal activities and to have quicker response in conducting rescue and other police operations.
Estrada, during his speech, also described officers and members of the “Manila’s Finest” as his valued partner in keeping the city safe, secure and peaceful.
“Because we succeeded in erasing Manila’s debts, we started fulfilling our obligations to those who had waited so long to receive what was due to them. First, our brave policemen. Before, they received nothing. For two and a half years, they didn’t receive allowances,” he said.
“I chose to prioritize the allowances of the Manila Police because everyday, the lives of policemen are in danger. You deserve to be taken care of by the people of this city, through your local government,” Estrada added.
Last year, the city government gave the MPD 110 electric personal transporters and 15 patrol cars using the financial assistance from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Another 14 patrol cars were also provided using the city government fund.
“These vehicles are in addition to the 12 patrol cars previously donated by our friends from the Filipino-Chinese community, represented by four of its biggest business organizations,” said Estrada.
The renovation of the MPD headquarters main building along United Nations Avenue in Ermita has also been completed recently.
Estrada said the city government allocated P20-million budget for the renovation project to give police officers, members and other personnel of MPD a fresh environment that encourage hard work and dedication.
“I especially commend our District Director, Gen. Rolando Nana, for doing an outstanding job in leading the MPD. I call on all of you to continue to support him. To all the dedicated and hardworking men and women of Manila’s Finest: I extend my warmest greetings on your 115th anniversary,” he said.
Last year, the city government increased the budget of 896 barangays to enhance their crime prevention efforts in their community.
Virgilio Eustaquio, head of the Manila Barangay Bureau, said the fund increase from P0.95 billion in 2014 to P1.96 billion in 2015 was mainly used to fight criminality in the community.
The peacekeeping program in the community aimed to involve barangay officials, village watchmen, and other force multipliers in crime prevention, control and suppression in close coordination with the police.
The City Council approved twin ordinances which adjusted the 20-year-old local tax rates and revised the fair market values of real property, which has become outdated and incompatible with increased population, inflation and rapid urbanization.
The Finance Department later recognized the city of Manila as one of only two cities with an updated schedule of values and compliant tax rates of real property.