Contrary to allegations the new subpoena powers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are anti-poor, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Director Roel Obusan asserted on Monday that this will target “well-learned” and “wealthy” people.

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Obusan also said the cases they will look into are likely limited to “high-profile” cases, and not small crimes.

“Based from statistics, mas marami ang high-profile cases committed by wealthy or well-learned individuals. Itong crime on the streets kadalasan hindi high-profile cases ito. So this is projected more on well-learned and wealthy people,” Obusan told reporters when asked if the PNP’s new subpoena powers will target only the poor.

“It does not discriminate, rich and poor…justice is for all,” he also said during a press conference at Camp Crame.

President Rodrigo Duterte has recently signed a measure giving subpoena powers to the PNP chief and other police officials to speed up criminal investigations. The new law is known as Republic Act 10973.

A subpoena is an order that requires a person to appear before a court or body. The signed law gives powers to the PNP chief, CIDG chief, and deputy director of CIDG.

In the same press conference, PNP chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa vowed that there will be no abuse in the implementation of the subpoena powers.

“I swear before God, the people, and the media that I will never abuse this power,” he said while raising his right hand.

He noted the Philippine Constabulary (PC) used to have subpoena powers.

“Sabi nila mapupunta tayo sa martial law, but remember, these powers present during the PC before, but because of some negligence nawala itong power na ito,” he said.

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The new subpoena powers will also help solve old cases, according to the PNP chief.

“Sa dami ng kaso na naka-pending for lack of cooperation from supposed witnesses, or other agencies, with this power, mabubuhay ulit ang mga kaso na ito at mabibigyan ng linaw,” he said. /kga

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