Saying that height discrimination unnecessarily limits quality choice and promotes social injustice, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri wants to get rid of the height requirement for applicants to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
Because of this, Zubiri filed SBN 312, which provides that height requirement imposed under Section 30 of RA 6975 as amended by Republic Act 8551 will be immediately repealed.
The height requirement for applicants to the PNP, BFP and BJMP under Sections 15 and 16 of RA 8551 and Section 4 (h) of RA 9263 or the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004, as amended by RA 9592, “are hereby amended insofar as these provisions refer to any height requirement, to give effect to the mandated repeal of the height requirement…”
Zubiri noted that prejudice against height is counteractive to the benefit of the nation.
He said those willing to serve should be given the chance to prove whether they indeed possess the necessary physical prowess, intellect, drive and potential for the said positions.
Senate Bill 312 also provides that “heightism,” or discrimination based on height, has been practiced among law enforcement agencies in the country even to those competent to serve in said agencies but do not meet the said qualifications.