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CHAPTER I

Nationalism and Patriotism

Nationalism- a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary
emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or
supranational

Patriotism- is support for one's country because you feel pride in it, and a belief in the values of that
country. Patriotism represents attachment to one's country; nationalism refers to the tendency to favor
one's own country over others. National identification can facilitate cooperation and cohesion within
one's country but at the same time engender conflict directed at other national groups.

You may call yourself a patriot if you consider these:

1. Respect the flag and value Filipino identity.

2. Know your nation's history and be able to share it to others.
3. Be a productive citizen.
4. Be aware of the issues in our country.
5. Stand proud for every Filipino achievement.
6. Patronize and support our own products.
7. Respect everyone and value our traditions.
8. Speak out our own language and not hesitant to tell where you really came from.
9. Remember and commemorate our heroes' sacrifices for our country.
10. Love our family, our neighbors, and our compatriots

The Start of Filipino Nationalism

The term "Filipino" originally referred to the Spanish criollos of the Philippines. During their 333- year
rule of the Philippines, the Spanish rulers referred the natives as indios.

Also during the colonial era, the Spaniards born in the Philippines, who were more known as insulares,
criollos, or Creoles, were also called "Filipinos."

Spanish-born Spaniards or mainland Spaniards residing in the Philippines were referred to as

Peninsulares. Those of mixed ancestry were referred to as Mestizos. The Creoles, despite being regarded
by the Peninsulares as inferior to them, had enjoyed various government and church positions, and
composed the majority of the government bureaucracy.

The sense of national consciousness came from the Creoles, who now regard themselves as "Filipino". It
was brought to its advent by three major factors: 1) economy, 2) education and 3) secularization of
parishes. These factors contributed to the birth of the Filipino Nationalism. The opening of the
Philippines to the international or world trade, the rise of the middle class, and the influx of Liberal ideas
from Europe were only a few examples of how the Philippines developed into a stable country.

"The first manifestation of Philippine nationalism followed in the decades of the 1880s and the 1890s,
with a reform or propaganda movement, conducted both in Spain and in the Philippines, for the

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purpose of "propagandizing" Philippine conditions in the hopes that desired changes in the social,
political and economic life of the Filipinos would come about through peaceful means.

Contributory Factors That Gave Birth to Philippine Nationalism

 The influx of Liberal Ideas from abroad

 The Spanish Revolution of 1868
 The Opening of Suez Canal in 1869
 The Martyrdom of Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora in 1872

Filipino Traits that Affect the Development of Nationalism

1. PROPENSITY FOR GAMBLING. Like all people on earth, Filipinos have bad and good character traits.
Most scandalous of their character defects is their propensity for gambling. They would bet for
almost anything. Their favorite forms of gambling are cockfighting, horse races, jueteng, black jack,
poker, mahjong and etc.
2. INVETERATELY EXTRAVAGANT. They love colorful fiestas, expensive clothes and jewelry and gay
parties. No day ever passes in the Philippines without a costly fiesta, for every barangay, town and
city the archipelago has a patron saint, whose annual feast day is celebrated with great
extravaganzas.
3. FATALISTIC IN THEIR OUTLOOK IN LIFE. They tend to believe that whatever happens, good or bad, is
due to fate (tadhana). So they accept with uncomplaining resignation whatever happens to them,
and face the future with the expression: "BAHALA NA," the equivalent of the Spanish "QUE SERA,
SERA" (What will be, will be)
4. LACK OF DISCIPLINE AND PERSEVERANCE. A character trait caused perhaps by their tropical
environment. They seem to have stamina for long difficult task. Normally they begin their work with
great enthusiasm, but like a cogon fire which burns brightly for a brief time and then soon
disappears
5. HOSPITABLE. Most admirable of the character traits of the Filipinos is their proverbial hospitality.
They receive all foreigners, including their former foes in wars, in their country and home with warm
hospitality and friendship.
6. CLOSE FAMILY TIES AND EXTENDED FAMILY STRUCTURES Apart from being loyal to their blood
relatives. Filipinos adapt new kins (kumpadre and kumare) through having male and female
sponsors (ninong and ninang) during baptisms and weddings
7. GRATITUDE (UTANG NA LOOB) is another excellent trait of the Filipino. They are grateful to those
who have given them favors or who are good to them. Their high sense of gratitude is expressed in
the phrase -UTANG NA LOOB | or (debt of honor).
8. COOPERATIVENESS. They value the virtue of helping each other and other people. They cherish
ancestral trait of bayanihan (cooperation), which can mean helping a rural family move their small
hut to another place.
9. BRAVERY Filipino rank among the bravest people on earth. They bravely resisted the Spanish,
American, and Japanese invaders of their native land. To them, courage is a badge of manhood, and
it has been shown on Filipino soldier’s service during battles and wars. Another example is the
courage to stand up for people power revolution

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10. PASSIONATELY ROMANTIC AND ARTISTIC. Owing to the effect of their beautiful country, Filipinos
are passionately romantic and artistic. They are dedicated and in love as they are fierce in battle.
They are also born musicians, singers, artist and poets.
11. INTELLIGENT. According to David P. Barrows an American educator, Filipinos have quick perception,
retentive memory, aptitude and extraordinary docility making them most teachable person.
12. ADAPTABILITY, ENDURANCE AND RESILIENCY. Throughout the ages, they have been lashed by all
kinds of sufferings like: invasions, revolts, was, earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions and
epidemics. Against the winds of adversities which regularly visits their land, they simply bend, but
never break, for they have durability of the narra tree and resiliency of the bamboo.
13. DEEP SPIRITUAL YEARNING AND GIFT OF FAITH. According to Jesuit historian Horacio de la Costa, -
God gave the Filipinos 2 gifts: -THE GIFT OF FAITH, and THE GIFT OF MUSIC|| Filipinos tend to take
their spiritual obligations with utmost devotion and faithfulness-whatever their religion may be.

Characteristics of a Police Officer's Job

1. The Uniform. It sets the officer apart, and it clearly identifies his or her status as a police officer

2. The Power. The uniformed police officer, with the sidearm, baton, citation book, and other trappings
of office, is a walking symbol of government power.

3. The Working Hours. Police officers work daily and "off duty" is not a right but a privileges only, they
also work weekends, holidays, and frequently must put in overtime in emergency situations, and for
court appearances.

4. The Danger. They deal with several issues, situations, and problems.

5. The Dirty Works. The police deal with dead bodies, crimes, crime victims, criminals, automobile
accidents and other aspects of society that most of us would rather not think about.

Strengths of the PNP

1. Spiritual Beliefs. During times of great personal crisis and danger, they bravely forge on, confident
that Divine Providence will grant them protection and safety.

2. Valor. They sacrificed their limbs and lives for the sake of their countrymen whom they have pledged
to serve.

3. Patriotism. They manifest their love of country with a pledge of allegiance to the flag and a vow to
defend the Constitution.

4. Discipline. The discipline of PNP members is manifested by instinctive obedience to lawful orders and
thorough and spontaneous actions towards attainment of organizational objectives guided by moral,
ethical and legal norms.

5. Courteous. PNP members are upright in character, gentle in manners, dignified in appearance, and
sincere in their concern to fellowmen.

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6. Word of Honor. PNP members' word is their bond. They stand by and commit to uphold it.

7. Duty. PNP members perform their tasks with deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice. They shall
readily accept assignment anywhere in the country.

8. Loyalty. PNP members are traditionally loyal to the organization, country and people as borne by
history and practice.

9. Camaraderie. The binding spirit that enhances teamwork and cooperation in the police organization,
extending to the people they serve, is manifested by the PNP members' deep commitment and concern
for one another.

Weaknesses of the PNP

1. Misplaced Loyalty. The loyalty is on the fellow officers not on the government fund the people they
serve.

2. Cynicism. Police view all citizens with suspicion, weak, corrupt, and dangerous.

3. The Use of Force. The police sometimes embrace force for all situations wherein a threat is perceived.

4. "The Police as Victims" Mentality. This concept is based on the idea that the police are victims of
public misunderstanding and scorn, of low wages and self-serving administrators.

5. Preferential Application of the Law. Decisions about whether to enforce the law, in any but the most
serious cases, should be guided by what the law says and who the suspect is.

6. "The Police as Untouchables". A police officer should find a safe way to impose punishment,
including an arrest on fake charges.

7. Rewards. Police do very dangerous work for low wages, so it is proper to take any extra rewards the
public wants to give them. One theory is that it is acceptable to accept any type of reward as long as it
was given wholeheartedly by an individual to a police officer. This rationalization was even given a term:
LAUGHING MONEY.

8. Due Process. It is only a means of protecting criminals at the expense of the law abiding and should
be ignored whenever it is safe to do so.

9. Lying and Deception. It is an essential part of the police job, and even perjury should be used if it is
necessary to protect yourself or get a conviction on a "bad guy".

Most Common Types of corruption in the PNP

1. Case Fixing - the subjective imposition of penalties or downright sabotage of the investigation process
in exchange for money or other things for personal gain.

2. Bribery - it is the receipt of cash or a gift in exchange for present, past or future assistance in
avoidance of prosecution, as by a claim that the officer is unable to make a positive identification of a

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criminal or by being in the wrong place at a time when a crime is to occur, or by any other action that
may be excused as carelessness but not offered as proof of deliberate miscarriage of justice.

3. Extortion or Shakedowns - the common practice of holding "street court," where incidents such as
minor traffic tickets can be avoided with a cash payment to the officer and no receipt given. Using this
process, police have also been known to extort money from nightclub owners and other businesses by
threatening to enforce city health and zoning codes.

4. Protection - the taking of money or other rewards from vice operators or from legitimate companies
operating illegally in return for protecting them from law enforcement activity.

5. Recycling - the use or sale of confiscated items and evidence, usually drugs or narcotics.

6. Selective Enforcement - it occurs when police officers exploit their officer discretion. For example, a
PNP member who releases a suspect due to what is commonly known as "areglo" or "balato" is in clear
abuse of his or her discretion and authority. On the reverse side, a police officer who arrests a person
simply because the latter "annoys" him is likewise guilty of selective enforcement.

7. Internal Pay-offs - sale of work assignments, day-offs, holidays, vacation periods, and even
promotions.

8. Corruption of Authority - this type of corruption is tolerable, but because policeman must act beyond
reproach and with impartiality, it is expected that policeman must be free from possible from
temptation to evil and this includes receiving free meals, services, discounts, gratuities and the like.

9. Kickbacks - this type of police corruption occurs when the police officer receives any consideration
such as money and other valuable materials in return to a police services which a police officer should
be performed.

10. Opportunistic Theft - it is the taking advantage of the situation in the conduct of police operations
by profiting or taking properties with intent to gain and not reporting to authorities.

11. Fixes - it involves an activity in which a police officer acts as a mediator in a certain case and offer to
the other party to settle the case for a particular amount and the police officer receives a certain
amount of the payment made by the other party.

12. Direct Criminal Activity - this is the worst behavior of a police by involvement of police officer in a
criminal activity and profiting on it.

Categories of Corrupt Police Officers

1. White Knights - these are straightforward fellow, honest to a fault, and often take an extreme
position on ethical issues. They are realistic and often render strict decisions in accordance with the law.
Thus, they are considered a loner and deviant to the eyes of the colleagues who are corrupt and killjoy
to the others.

2. Straight Shooters - these are honest policemen who are ready to hide the corrupt practices for their
comrades as part of camaraderie. They observe principle of "omerta" or hiding the secret of fellow
policemen.

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3. Grass Eaters/Vegetarian Cops - these are policeman who just keep on waiting for the opportunities.
They are engage in relatively minor type of corruption opportunities as they present themselves.

4. Meat Eaters/Carnivorous Cops - they are worst because they come out of the headquarters to look
for the opportunities. They actively seek out corruption opportunities and engage in both minor and
major patterns of corruption.

5. Rogues are policemen who are considered having all the deviant behaviors of a corrupt policeman.
They involve in dirty works and dirty money and are considered bad to the bone.

Police Misconduct

1. Malfeasance or Misconduct - is any wrongful, improper or unlawful conduct motivated by

premeditated, obstinate or intentional purpose. It usually refers to transgression of some established
and definite rule of action, where no discretion is left except where necessity may demand; it does not
necessarily imply corruption or criminal intention.

2. Misfeasance or Irregularities in the Performance of Duty - is the improper performance of some act
which might lawfully be done.

3. Nonfeasance or Neglect of Duty - is the omission or refusal, without sufficient excuse, to perform an
act or duty, which it was the peace officer's legal obligation to perform; implies a duty as well as its
breach and the fact can never be found in the absence of duty.

Police Brutality - it refers to unnecessary and unreasonable use of force in effecting arrest or abuse in
the manner of conducting search and seizure, and other police operations.

Police Lying- à deceptive practices are in fact part of working environment. -a

Categories of Police Lying

1. Accepted Lying - considered as part of police working environment especially in surveillance and
intelligence driven operations.

2. Tolerated Lying - recognized as lies but tolerated as necessary to explain inadequacy or inefficiency of
the police organization.

3. Deviant Lying - it involves lies that violate substantive or procedural laws and police officers standards
or protocols.

The Canons of Police Ethics

1. Primordial Police Responsibility - The primary objectives of Police is the prevention of crime,
policeman knew too well that he has committed his Life to defend and protect the rights of the citizen
and uphold the law at all cost.

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2. Limitation of Police Authority - The primary as an upholder of the law must know its limitation upon
him in enforcing the law, thus: He must be aware of the limitations which the people, through law, have
placed him.

3. Knowledge of the Law and other Responsibility - The policeman shall assiduously apply himself to
the principles of the laws, which he is sworn to apply.

4. Use of proper Means to Obtain Paper Ends - The policeman shall be Mindful of his responsibility to
have strict selection of methods in discharging the duty of his office. Violation of law or public safety and
property on the part of the officer are intrinsically wrong. They are self-defeating if they instill in the
public mind and a like disposition.

5. Cooperation with Public Officials - The policeman shall cooperate fully with other public officials in
the performance or authorized duties, regardless of party affiliation or personal prejudices.

6. Proper Conduct and Behavior - The policeman shall be mindful of his special identification by the
public as an upholder of law. Police laxity of conduct or manner in private life, expressing either
disrespect for the law or seeking to gain special prevail, cannot but reflect upon in the policeman and
the police service.

7. Conduct towards the Community - The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility to the
community. He shall deal with individuals of the community in the manner calculated to instill respect
for its law.

8. Conduct in Arresting Law Violator Policeman shall use his powers of arrest in - accordance with the
law and with due regard to the rights of the citizen concerned.

9. Firmness in Refusing Gifts or Favors Policeman representing the government bears heavy
responsibility of maintaining, in his conduct, the honor and integrity of all government institution.

10. Attitude towards Police Profession - Policeman shall regard the best possible of his duties as a
public trust and recognize his responsibilities as a public servant.

11. Impartial Presentation of Evidence Policeman shall be concerned equally in the prosecution of the
accused or for the defense of the innocent.

Professional Police Principles

1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder - The basic mission for which the police exist is to prevent crime
and disorder as an alternative to the repression of crime and disorder by police force and severity of
legal punishment.

2. Cooperation of Crime and Disorder - The police must secure the willing cooperation in the voluntary
observance of the law to be able to secure and maintain the respect and support of the community.

3. Unreasonable Force Reduce Community Cooperation - A police officer will never employ
unnecessary force or violence and will use only such force in the discharge of duty as in reasonable in all
circumstances.

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4. Use of Reasonable Force when Persuasion Is Sufficient - The police should use reasonable force to
the extent necessary to secure observance of the law or to restore order only when the exercise of
persuasion, advice and warning is found to be insufficient to attain police objectives.

5. Impartial Enforcement of Laws - The police seek and preserve community favor, not by catering to
community opinion, but constantly demonstrating absolutely impartial enforcement of laws, without
regard to the justice and injustice of the substance of particular laws.

6. The Community is the Police - The police at all times should maintain relationship with the
community that gives really to the historic tradition that the police are the community are the police.

7. Police Should Not Usurp Judicial Powers - The police should always direct their actions strictly toward
their functions and never appear to usurp the powers of judiciary by averaging individuals of the state of
authoritative judging guilt of punishing the guilt.

8. Reduction of Crime and Disorder - The test of police efficiency is the reduction of crime and disorder
until totally eradicated, not by evidence of police present and action in dealing with the community.

9. Rules of Enforcement Impartially Observed - Policemen engaged in anti-crime operation always

consider the safety and security of who might be caught in the crossfire or arm encounters.

10. Police Discretion - A police officer will use responsibly the discretion vested in the position and
exercise if within the law.

The PNP Core Values

The police service is noble and professional. Hence, it demands from its members a specialized
knowledge, skill and high standard ethics and morality. In this regard, the member of the Philippine
National Police must adhere to and internalize the enduring core values of the PNP.

a. Love of God. (Makadiyos)

b. Respect for authority.
c. Respect for women
d. Respect for sanctity of marriage.
e. Stewardship over material things
f. Responsible dominion
g. Truthfulness

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PNP ETHICAL DOCTRINE

DECLARATION OF POLICY

Section 1. General

1-1 Purpose

This manual prescribes the Ethical Doctrine for the Philippine National Police. Its purpose is to provide
moral and ethical guidance to all PNP members.

1-2 Scope and Limitation

a. This Ethical Doctrine was culled from the PNP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards
(COPCES) with inception of additional and related principles, guidelines and sanctions, all geared
towards the internalization of moral values and service dedication. This Doctrine consists of seven
chapters similar to the provisions of the PNP COPCES. The adoption of the PNP Code of conduct as an
Ethical Doctrine reinforces the former as an effective instrument in the moral values’ internalization in
the PNP.

b. This Ethical Doctrine applies to both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the PNP, unless
specified otherwise.

c. This Ethical Doctrine is in accordance with the PNP Fundamental Doctrine and the Code of
Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards.

1-3 Recommendation for Changes

Any suggested revision or comment should be forwarded to the Chief, Philippine

National Police, Attn: Director, Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy

All members of the Philippine National Police shall abide, adhere to and internalize the provisions of
this Ethical Doctrine. Towards this end, a truly professionalized and dedicated law enforcer shall be
developed in promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety and enhancing community participation
guided by the principle that a public office is a public trust and that all public servants must, at all times,
be accountable to the people. They shall serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, morality, loyalty and
efficiency with due respect to human rights and dignity as hallmark of a democratic society. They shall,
at all times, support and uphold the Constitution, bear faithful allegiance to the Constitution, bear

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faithful allegiance to the legitimate government, respect the duly constituted authority and be loyal to
the police service.

CHAPTER II

POLICE OFFICER’S CREED AND STANDS ON BASIC ISSUES

Section 1. The PNP Core Values

The police service is a noble profession which demands from its member’s specialized knowledge and
skills, as well as high standards of ethics and morality. Hence, the members of the PNP must adhere to
and internalize the enduring core values of love of God, respect for authority, selfless love and service
for people, sanctity of marriage, and family life, responsible dominion and stewardship over material
things, and truthfulness.

Section 2.The Police Officer’s Creed

2.1 I believe in God, The Supreme Being, The Great Provider, and The Creator of all men and everything
dear to me. In return, I can do no less than love Him above all obeying His word, seek His guidance in the
performance of my sworn duties and honor Him at all times.

2.2 I believe that respect for authority is a duty. I respect and uphold the Constitution, the laws of the
land and the applicable rules and regulations. I recognize the legitimacy and authority of the leadership,
and obey legal orders of my superior officers.

2.3 I believe in selfless love and service to people. Towards this end, I commit myself to the service of
my fellowmen over and above my personal interest.

2.4 I believe in the sanctity of marriage and family life. I shall set the example of decency and morality,
shall have high regard for family life and value of marital fidelity.

2.5 I believe in the responsible dominion and stewardship over material things. I shall inhibit myself
from extravagance and ostentatious display of material things. I shall help protect the environment and
conserve nature to maintain ecological balance.

2.6 I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be trustworthy and I shall uphold the truth at all
times.

Section 3. PNP Stand on Basic Issues

The deployment and employment of PNP personnel require the organization and its members to bare
their stand on the following basic issues:

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3.1 PNP Image – The image of any organization affects the esprit d’ corps, morale and welfare of the
members, and sense of pride to the organization. Thus, all members of the PNP should act in a manner
that would reflect best on the PNP and live by the PNP’s core values.

3.2 Career Management, the Key to Professionalism – The Proper implementation of the PNP’s Career
Management will greatly enhance the personnel professionalization process with regards to
procurement, training, promotion, assignment, placement, awards and retirement. The PNP shall
formulate a stringent policy and strictly implement the human resources development system,
compatible to the equitable distribution of procurement, fair promotion, rationalized approach in
assignment, skill development, immediate grant of reward and award, and decent living upon
retirement.

3.3 Police Management Leadership – The effectiveness of law enforcement is reflective of the
managerial capabilities and competent leadership of the men and women who run the PNP
organization. These attributes must therefore be one of the primary bases for consideration in the
selection of personnel for employment and deployment purposes.

3.4 Equality In the Service – There shall be judicious and equitable distribution of opportunity to prove
one’s worth in the police service. The problem on inequity thru class orientation and factionalism, both
real and perceived, premised on favored assignment, inequitable opportunity of training, unfair granting
of promotion, and untimely awarding of achievements, will create an atmosphere of demoralization.
The result is inefficiency and lack of teamwork to the detriment of the organization. It behooves.
Therefore, on the PNP leadership address the situation. The civilian character of the organization
requires adherence to the rule on merit and fitness system and to dissociate the above process from
class orientation and factionalism.

3.5 Delicadeza- In consonance with the requirements of honor and integrity in the PNP, all members
must have the moral courage to sacrifice self-interest in keeping with the time-honored principle of
delicadeza.

3.6 Police Lifestyle- the PNP shall promote and maintain a lifestyle for its members which the public will
find credible and respectable. The public expects a police officer to live a simple and dignified life. They
must be free from greed corruption and exploitation.

3.7 Political Patronage- PNPP members shall inhibit themselves from soliciting political patronage on
matters pertaining to assignment, award, training and promotion.

3.8 Setting Example- All PNP members shall set good example to their subordinates and follow good
example from the superiors.

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CHAPTER III

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

Section 1. Standard of Police Professionalism

PNP members shall perform their duties with integrity, intelligence and competence in the application of
specialized skills and technical knowledge with excellence and expertise.

Section 2. Police Professional Conduct

2.1 Commitment to Democracy- Uniformed PNP members shall commit themselves to the democratic
way of life and values and maintain the principle of public accountability. They shall at all times uphold
the Constitution and be loyal to our country, people and organization, above their loyalty to any person.

2.2 Commitment to Public Interest- PNP members shall always uphold public interest over and above
personal interest. All government properties, resources and powers of their respective offices must be
employed and used effectively, honestly and efficiently, particularly to avoid wastage of public funds and
revenues. PNP members must avoid and prevent the “malversation” of human resources, government
time, property and funds.

2.3 Non-Partisanship- PNP members shall provide services to everyone without discrimination
regardless of party affiliation in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

2.4 Physical Fitness and Health- PNP members shall strive to be physically and mentally fit and in good
health at all times. Toward this end, they shall undergo regular physical exercises and annual medical
examination in any PNP Hospital or Medical facility, and actively participate in the Physical Fitness and
Sports Development Program of the PNP.

2.5 Secrecy Discipline- PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of classified information against
unauthorized disclosure, including confidential aspects of official business, special orders,
communications and other documents roster or any portion thereof, contents of criminal records,
identities of persons who may have given information to the police in confidence and other classified
information or intelligence material.

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2.6 Social Awareness- PNP members and their immediate family members shall be encouraged to
actively get involved in religious, social and civic activities to enhance the image of the organization
without affecting their official duties.

2.7 Non- Solicitation of Patronage- PNP members shall seek self-improvement through career
development and shall not directly or indirectly solicit influence or recommendation from politicians,
high ranking government officials prominent citizens, persons affiliated with civic or religious
organizations with regards to their assignments, promotions, transfer or those of other members of the
force, nor shall they initiate any petition to be prepared and presented by citizens in their behalf.
Moreover, they shall advise their immediate relatives not to interfere in the activities of the police
service particularly in the assignment and reassignment of personnel.

2.8 Proper Care and Use of Public Property- PNP members shall promote and maintain sense of
responsibility in the protection, proper care and judicious disposition and use of public property issued
for their official use or entrusted to their care and custody just like “a good father of their family”. When
the Commander/Director is relieved from his post, all properties/equipment belonging to the
government must be turned-over to the incoming. A committee for the purpose shall be proper. Hence,
it is a taboo for outgoing Commander/Director to detach, remove and bring home or to his new
assignment properties which do not personally belong to him.

2.9 Respect for Human Rights- In the performance of duty, PNP members shall respect and protect
human dignity and uphold the human rights of all persons. No member shall inflict, instigate or tolerate
extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, any act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment and shall not invoke superior orders or exceptional circumstances such as a
state –of-war, a threat to national security, internal political instability or any public emergency as a
justification for committing such human rights violations.

2.10 Devotion to Duty- PNP members shall perform their duties with dedication thoroughness,
efficiency enthusiasm, determination, and manifest concern for public welfare, and shall refrain from
engaging in any activity which shall be conflict with their duties as public servants.

2.11. Conservation of Natural Resources- PNP members shall help in the development and conservation
of our natural resources for ecological balance and posterity as these are the inalienable heritage of our
people.

2.12 Discipline- PNP members shall conduct themselves properly at all times in keeping with the rules
and regulations of the organization.

2.13 Loyalty- PNP members shall be loyal to the Constitution and the police service as manifested by
their loyalty to their superior’s peers and subordinates as well.

2.14 Obedience to Superiors- PNP members shall obey lawful orders of and be courteous to superior
officers and other appropriate authorities within the chain of command. They shall readily accept
whenever they are assigned anywhere in the country. Therefore, it is taboo for any personnel to petition
in court or in any public forum his assignment.

2.15 Command Responsibility- In accordance with the Doctrine on Command Responsibility, immediate
Commanders/ Directors shall be responsible for the effective supervision, control and direction of their

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personnel and shall see to it that all government resources shall be managed, expended or utilized in
accordance with laws and regulations and safeguard against losses thru illegal or improper disposition.

Section 3. The Ethical Standards

Ethical standards shall refer to established and generally accepted moral values. Ethical acts to be
observed are the following:

3.1 Morality- PNP members shall adhere to high standards of morality and decency and shall set good
examples for others to follow. In no instance during their terms of office, among other things, shall they
be involved as owners, operators, managers or investors in any house of ill-repute or illegal gambling
den or other places devoted to vices, nor they shall patronize such places unless on official duty, and
tolerate operations of such establishments in their respective areas of responsibilities. They shall be
faithful to their lawfully wedded spouses.

3.2 Judicious Use of Authority – PNP members shall exercise proper and legitimate use of authority in
the performance of duty.

3.3 Integrity – PNP members shall not allow themselves to be victims of corruption and dishonest
practices in accordance with the provisions of RA 6713 and other applicable laws.

3.4 Justice – PNP members shall strive constantly to respect the rights of others so that they can fulfill
their duties and exercise their rights as human beings, parents, children, citizens, workers, leaders, or in
other capacities and to see to it that others do likewise.

3.5 Humility – PNP members shall recognize the fact that they are public servants and not the masters
of the people and towards this end, they should perform their duties without attracting attention or
expecting the applause of others.

3.6 Orderliness – PNP members shall follow original procedures in accomplishing tasks assigned to them
to minimize waste in the use of time, money and effort.

3.7 Perseverance – Once a decision is made, PNP members shall take legitimate means to achieve the
goal even in the face of internal or external difficulties, and despite anything which might weaken their
resolve in the course of time.

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CHAPTER IV

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Section 1. General Statement

The PNP adopts the generally acceptable customs and traditions based on the desirable practices of the
police service. These shall serve to inspire PNP members as the organization endeavors to attain its goals
and objectives.

Section 2. Definition of Terms:

2.1 Customs - Established usage or social practices carried on by tradition that have obtained the force
of law.

2.2 Traditions – Bodies of beliefs, stories, customs and usages handed down from generation to
generation with the effect of an unwritten law.

2.3 Courtesy – A manifestation of expression of consideration and respect for others.

2.4 Ceremony – A formal act or set of formal acts established by customs or authority as proper to
special occasion.

2.5 Social Decorum – A set of norms and standards practiced by members during social activities and
other functions.

Section 3. Police Customs on Courtesy

The following are customs on courtesy in the PNP:

3.1 Salute – Salute is the usual greetings rendered by uniformed members upon meeting and
recognizing person entitled to a salute.

3.2 Salute to National Color and Standard – Members stand at attention and salute the national color
and standard as these pass by them or when the national color is raised or lowered during ceremonies.

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3.3 Address/Title – Junior in rank address senior members who are entitled to salute with the word “Sir”
or “Ma’am”. All Police Commissioned Officers shall be addressed sir or ma’am by Police Non-
Commissioned Officers and Non-Uniformed Personnel.

3.4 Courtesy Calls – The following are the customs on courtesy calls:

3.4.1. Courtesy Call of Newly Assigned/Appointed Member – PNP members who are newly
appointed or assigned in a unit or command call on the chief of the unit or command and other
key personnel as a matter of courtesy, as well as for accounting, orientation and other purposes.

3.4.2. Christmas Call – PNP members pay a Christmas Call on their local executives in their
respective areas of responsibility.

3.4.3. New Year’s Call – PNP members pay a New Year’s call on their commanders and /or key
officials in their respective areas of responsibility.

3.4.4. Promotion Call – Newly promoted PNP members call on their unit head. On this occasion,
they are usually given due recognition and congratulations by their peers for such deserved
accomplishment.

3.4.5. Exit Call – PNP members pay an Exit Call on their superiors in the unit or command when
relieved or reassigned out of the said unit or command.

3.5 Courtesy of the Post – The host unit extend hospitality to visiting personnel who pay respect to the
command or unit.

3.6 Rank Has –Its –Own Privilege (RHIP) – PNP members recognize the practice that different ranks carry
with them corresponding privileges.

Section 4. Police Customs on Ceremonies

4.1. Flag Raising Ceremony – PNP members honor the flag by hoisting ii and singing the National
Anthem before the start of the official day’s work.

4.2 Flag Lowering Ceremony – At the end of the official days’ work, the PNP members pause for a
moment to salute the lowering of the flag.

4.3 Half-Mast – The flag is raised at half-mast in deference to deceased uniformed members of the
command.

4.4 Funeral Service and Honors – Departed uniformed members, retirees, war veterans or former
PC/INP members are given vigil, necrological services and graveside honors as a gesture of farewell.

4.5 Ceremony Tendered to Retirees – In recognition of their long, faithful and honorable service to the
PNP, a testimonial activity shall be tendered in their honor.

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4.6 Honor Ceremony – Arrival and departure honor ceremonies are rendered to visiting dignitaries,
VIPs, PNP Officers with the grade of Chief Superintendent and above and AFP officers of equivalent
grade, unless waived./

4.7 Turnover Ceremony – The relinquishment and assumption of command or key position is publicly
announced in a Turnover Ceremony by the outgoing and incoming officers in the presence of the
immediate superior or his representative. Outgoing Commander/Director should not leave his post
without proper turnover. Turn-over includes turnover of properties/equipment, human and material
resources.

4.8 Wedding Ceremony -- During marriage of PNP members, a ceremony is conducted with participants
in uniform and swords drawn.

4.9 Anniversary – The birth or institutional establishment of a command or unit is commemorated in an

Anniversary Ceremony.

5.1. Proper Attire – PNP members always wear appropriate and proper attire in conformity with the
occasion.

5.2. Table Manners – PNP members observe table etiquette at all times.

5.3 Social Graces – PNP members conduct themselves properly in dealing with people during social
functions.

5.4 Uniform/Appearance – The public looks upon a PNP member as distinctively a man among men. It is
a welcome sight when PNP members wear their uniform properly wherever they may be. Bulging
stomach is a taboo in the uniformed service. Since disciplined PNP members are best exemplified by
those who are neat in appearance and wearing the prescribed uniform, they must therefore observe the
following:

5.4.1. Wearing of prescribed uniform.

5.4.2 Adherence to haircut prescribed by rules & regulations.

5.5 Manner of Walking- Every PNP Member is expected to walk with pride and dignity.

Section 6. Other Police Customs:

6.1 Visiting the Sick- Immediate commanders or other available officers of the unit visit PNP Members
who are sick in the hospital, their residence or any place of confinement in order that their needs are
attended to.

6.2 Survivor Assistance of Heir of Deceased Members- A survivor officer is designated whenever PNP
members die, to render maximum assistance to their bereaved family until all benefits due shall have
been received.

6.3 Visiting the Religious Leaders- PNP Officers visit religious leaders in their areas of assignment to
establish or maintain rapport and cooperation between the different religious leaders and the PNP.

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6.4 Athletics- PNP members indulge in physical fitness activities to insure that their proper physical
appearance and bearing are smaller than the size of his chest and in conformity with the standard set
forth by the organization.

6.5 Happy Hours- Usually on Friday or any other day suitable for the occasion, PNP members gather
together at their PNP club for a light hearted jesting or airing of minor gripes.

Section 7. Police Tradition

The following are police traditions:

7.1 Spiritual Beliefs- PNP members are traditionally religious and God-loving person. They attend
religious services together with the members of their family.

7.2 Valor- History attests that the Filipino law enforcers have exemplified the tradition of valor in
defending the country from aggression and oppression and protecting/preserving the life and property
of the people. They sacrificed their limbs and lives for the sake of their countrymen whom they have
pledged to serve.

7.3 Patriotism- The PNP members are traditionally patriotic by nature. They manifest their love of
country with a pledge of allegiance to the flag and a vow to defend the constitution.

7.4 Discipline- The discipline of the PNP members is manifested by instinctive obedience to lawful
orders and thorough and spontaneous actions towards attainment of organizational objectives guided
by moral, ethical and legal norms.

7.5 Gentlemanliness-PNP members are upright in character, gentle in manners, dignified in appearance,
and sincere in their concern to fellowmen.

7.6 Word of Honor- PNP members’ word is their bond. They stand by and commit to uphold it.

7.7 Duty- PNP members have historically exemplified themselves as dedicated public servants who
perform their tasks with a deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice. They shall readily accept
assignment anywhere in the country.

7.8 Loyalty- PNP members are traditionally loyal to the organization, country and people as borne by
history and practice.

7.9 Camaraderie- The binding spirit that enhances teamwork and cooperation in the police organization,
extending to the people they serve. In manifested by the PNP members’ deep commitment and concern
for one another.

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CHAPTER V

POLICE OFFICER’S PLEDGE (POP) PRINCIPLES AND

CONDUCT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS

Section 1. The Police Officer’s Pledge

1. I will love and serve God, my country and people;

2. I will uphold the Constitution and obey legal orders of the duly constituted authorities;

3. I will oblige myself to maintain a high standard of morality and professionalism;

4. I will respect the customs and traditions of the police service; and

5. I will live a decent and virtuous life to serve as an example to others.

Section 2. Forum to Recite

The Police Officer’s Pledge should be recited during the following occasions:

1. Flag raising and flag retreat ceremonies, jointly with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag (Panunumpa
sa Watawat).

2. PNP Training/course opening and closing ceremonies.

3. Seminars on moral values internalization.

4. Other ceremonies.

Section 3. Fundamental Principles

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The rigid application of fundamental principles in police work is necessary to avoid human rights
violation and maintain respect of the profession. Thus, PNP members have the following responsibilities:

1. To prevent and control crime, disorder and oppression by influential/political groups, abusive soldiers
and policemen, tyrannical policeman and decadent society.

2. To recognize that the fulfillment of its functions is dependent upon community approval of its
existence, and on its ability to obtain and maintain responsive support and participative cooperation.

3. To recognize that in order to secure and maintain the approval, support and cooperation of the
public, it has a collateral responsibility of securing the willing assistance of the public in the task of
securing observance of law.

4. To recognize that when the community cooperates and assists the police, it diminishes
proportionately the need for the use of physical force and compulsion in achieving law enforcement
objectives.

5. To seek and preserve public favor, not by soliciting public opinion, but by constant demonstration of
impartiality by ready offering of individual service and congeniality to all members of the community
without regards to their wealth, friendship, social standing and race; and by ready offering of individual
sacrifice and to some extent the sacrifice of relatives.

6. To use physical force only when the exercise of persuasion, advice and warning is found to be
insufficient in the pursuit of law observance or to restore order, and shall resort only to the minimum
degree of physical force necessary on any particular occasion in achieving law enforcement objectives.

7. To constantly maintain wholesome relationship with the community that gives reality to the historic
tradition that the police is the people and the people is the police; police officers are members of the
community who are paid to render public safety services due upon every citizen, endearing the principle
that a public office is a public trust.

8. To recognize the need for strict adherence to the law, refrain from usurping the powers and authority
of the judiciary in avenging individuals, judging guilt and punishing the guilty.

9. To recognize that the test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, not the visible
evidence of law enforcement action in dealing crime and disorder; enshrine the principle that crime
prevention is better than crime solution; measure is better than countermeasure.

10. To recognize that the test of law enforcement integrity is the presence of personal moral
responsibility exemplified by virtuous behavior and non-compromising law enforcement officer.

11. To recognize that the achievement of a professional service depends principally upon the constant
development of police education and training, research and planning and exercise.

12. To recognize that the stability of the republic, the continuity of sovereignty and strength of
democracy depend upon a police organization that is constantly aware of the sensitive balance between
individual freedom and collective security; ever alert to the dangers of extra-legal or immoral
procedures; and never compromise principle in favor of evil means to attain the good ends.

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13. To recognize the ever magnificent principle: Love God, honor the government and respect the
people.

14. To recognize that “the people is the peace maker, the police is the peace keeper and the local
government is the peace preserver.” If he goes beyond and above of his role, he must observe the three
(3) C’s in internal and external relations consult, coordinate and cooperate.

References

Philippine National Police Manual. Ethical Doctrine Manual file:///E:/EthicalDoctrine.pdf

Compiled by Camille F. Capalac, Rcrim, MPA