The 'correct solution'

After years of living with the mistake and not wanting "to rock the boat," we finally have government officials who are brave enough to point out the mistake and offer "the Correct Solution."

- CITO BELTRAN

Among them are the newly appointed secretary of DILG Jonvic Remulla, Senate President Francis Escudero and DepEd, Secretary Sonny Angara.

While his appointment as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government turned people's heads in disbelief, it may be that DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla could bring a dose of logic and pragmatism to the DILG.

For starters, the DILG secretary called out the fact that the Philippine National Police has far too many "generals," approximately 130 of them, and that the number was far too much than what was needed. Remulla suggested that the number should be reduced to 25 instead.

This is not the first time that a mushroom colony of "generals" in the PNP has become an issue. Several years back, some people or legislators actually questioned the logic and propriety of having the rank of general in the country's police force. If the PNP is a civilian peacekeeping force, then it should not have leaders holding what is traditionally a military rank.

At the very least, it diminishes if not disrespects the title and honor that has always been military in nature. As for the police, there are existing ranks that have served police forces all over the world which are distinctly for the police. The practice also makes the PNP look like wannabe soldiers trying to look like their military counterparts.

Consequently, we now have police and coast guard units dressing up like they operate in an actual combat zone or military field of operations, armed to the teeth with assault rifles and equipment generally utilized for military operations. No wonder people are asking for the "demilitarization" of the PNP.