“In these times of political and social challenges, unity and transparency are paramount”
The relief of 75 Philippine National Police personnel assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte marks a significant and controversial development in Philippine politics.
Understanding the historical precedent of assigning security details to vice presidents and analyzing the implications of this change is crucial.
For decades, vice presidents have been provided substantial security details due to the country’s tumultuous political history.
This protocol aims to ensure the safety of high-ranking officials and has varied across different administrations based on perceived threats and their roles.
During the Duterte administration, Vice President Leni Robredo was assigned 78 military personnel for protection.
This number, though substantial, pales compared to the 433 personnel serving Vice President Sara Duterte’s security detail in 2022.
This increase was justified by her additional roles, including Secretary of Education and co-vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
With her resignation from the Department of Education, maintaining such a large security contingent has come under scrutiny.
On July 22, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered the relief of 75 PNP personnel assigned to Vice President Duterte, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address.
Marbil clarified this move was part of a broader directive to reallocate personnel to areas where they were more needed, particularly in the National Capital Region, which faces a personnel shortage.
Vice President Duterte assured the public this would not affect her work and hoped the reallocation would aid in addressing the country’s drug problems and reduce criminal activities.
The PNP Chief emphasized the primary security for the vice president would remain under the Presidential Security Command, traditionally the military’s domain.
Why removal is necessary
Practical Reasons: The PNP faces a shortage of personnel in critical areas like the NCRn. Reallocating officers from the vice president’s security detail to active duty can help address this imbalance and improve public safety.
Resource Optimization: With 433 personnel initially assigned, such big security detail is excessive, particularly after Duterte’s resignation from her Cabinet position. Streamlining the security detail aligns with more efficient use of government resources.
Historical Precedent: Previous vice presidents have managed with significantly fewer security personnel. The reallocation aligns with historical norms and can be seen as a return to more reasonable standards.
Ethical Considerations: Given the socio-economic challenges in the Philippines, the optics of a large, heavily protected vice president’s office may not sit well with the public. Reducing the security detail demonstrates a commitment to addressing broader societal needs.
Legal Basis: The PNP’s mandate includes the flexibility to reassign personnel based on emerging needs and threats. This decision is within the legal purview of the PNP Chief and aligns with operational priorities.
Challenging the decision
Security Risks: Reducing the security detail could expose the vice president to heightened risks, especially given the volatile political climate in the Philippines.
Continuity and Stability: Sudden changes in security arrangements can disrupt the vice president’s ability to perform her duties effectively, impacting governance and administrative continuity.
Precedent for Future Offices: Setting a precedent of reducing security details could undermine the importance of protecting high-ranking officials in the future, potentially compromising their safety.
Logistical Challenges: The reassignment of 75 officers may not immediately translate to improved security in other areas due to the need for training and integration into new roles.
Political Ramifications: The timing of this move, coinciding with the SONA and other significant events, could be interpreted as politically motivated, potentially destabilizing the administration.
After objectively weighing both sides, the argument for reallocation holds more practical and ethical weight.
The need to optimize resources and address broader security concerns in the National Capital Region is compelling. However, it is crucial to ensure that the vice president’s security remains adequate.
To the PNP, Government officials:
Maintain a robust security detail for the vice president through the Presidential Security Command (PSC) to ensure her safety without compromising public resource allocation.
Provide clear communication to the public about the reasons for reallocation to mitigate misunderstandings and political fallout.
Ensure that any reallocation is gradual and considers the logistical integration of officers into new roles.
To Vice President Duterte, her office:
Work closely with the PNP and PSC to assess and adjust security needs based on current roles and threats.
Publicly support measures that prioritize national security and resource optimization, reinforcing a commitment to public service.
Engage in dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that security changes do not hamper the office’s effectiveness.
In these times of political and social challenges, unity and transparency are paramount.
All parties must work together to ensure the safety of our leaders while addressing the pressing needs of the broader populace.
By prioritizing both security and resource efficiency, the Philippines can navigate these complexities with integrity and resolve.
