“Public trust is the foundation of effective policing; without it, we cannot serve, we cannot protect.” – Unknown
One cannot deny the fact that trust is one of the most fundamental elements of successful human relationships and effective organizations, ultimately affecting the different aspects of life. If trust is well-established in the police organization, law enforcement becomes effective and police-community relations becomes palpable. Having said that, leaders are in the position to enforce in whatever legitimate way, mandates guided by a code of conduct and ethical behavioral standards for officials and employees in order to positively influence public perception.
The Philippine National Police is entrusted with the duty of protecting citizens, maintaining law and order, and upholding justice. However, when certain law enforcers abuse their authority through their display of ethical misconduct, they undermine the very integrity of the entire police force. Thus, strict measures are crucial to ensure that PNP remains committed to accountability and professionalism to better serve and protect the Filipino people.
Before assuming the role of Chief of the Philippine National Police, Police General Rommel Francisco D Marbil has been exemplifying a remarkable competence and proficiency through exceptional performance more pronounced in his current leadership. Creating a huge impact in upholding ethical standards, he has been firm in enforcing disciplinary actions to PNP personnel that includes removal of officers who engage in ethical misconduct, which erodes in effect, the trust and confidence of the public.
From April 1, 2024 to February 12, 2025, a total number of 753 PNP personnel were dismissed from the service due to various serious violations, including 493 cases of AWOL (Absence Without Official Leave), 38 cases of illegal drug use, 18 cases of robbery/extortion, 15 cases of carnapping and other serious violations such as homicide, murder, rape, and graft/ malversation. From January 1, 2022 to February 12, 2025, a total of 2,598 PNP personnel have been dismissed from the service. According to PGen Marbil, there is no place in the organization for policemen who violate the law.
“Ang ating mandato ay protektahan at pagsilbihan ang mamamayan, hindi sila takutin o abusuhin. Ang sinumang pulis na masasangkot sa iligal na gawain ay hindi natin kukunsintihin,” PGen Marbil said. “Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na magkaroon ng isang kapulisan na maaasahan, tapat, at propesyonal. Ang bawat hakbang natin sa pagpapatibay ng disiplina ay bahagi ng ating pagsisikap na makuha at mapanatili ang tiwala ng publiko. Kung sino man ang lumabag dito ay hindi na dapat pang manatili sa serbisyo,” he added.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) assures that all dismissal cases will go through due process, fair investigation, and administrative review. Although individual cases may not be publicized, internal monitoring and disciplinary enforcement will be strictly implemented to maintain the organization’s credibility.
To maintain public trust, PNP continues to implement regular ethics seminars, internal audits, and performance monitoring so that only qualified and trustworthy police officers remain in the service for the Filipino people.
