Solon seeks to remove height req’t for police, fire, jail officers

MANILA, Philippines – A lawmaker proposes to scrap the height requirement for those aspiring to be police, fire, and jail officers.

Cebu representative Pablo John Garcia filed House Bill 6203, or the Police, Fire and Jail Height Equality Act of 2012, which will remove this requirement for members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penelogy (BJMP).

According to Republic Acts 6975 and 9263, male PNP, fire and jail officers must be at least 1.62 meters or 5’3″ tall, while female officers must be at least 1.57 meters or 5’1″ tall.

“Height should not be a restriction for people who want to serve the country as police, fire and jail officers, provided they possess other qualifications required in the effective performance of their duties,” said in the bill.

The bill states that the PNP, BFP and BJMP need more competent members to meet the growing demands of the public. “However, this noble intent is impeded by the height requirement that prevents potential candidates from entering the service,” the bill said.

HB6203 was referred to the House Committee on Public Order and Security. – Rappler.com