P N P News Release |
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE OF THE CHIEF PNP The past year has been quite difficult for us all. Recent events have brought a lot of suffering to our countrymen. But then, the recent calamity has given us the opportunity to demonstrate our concern and compassion for our fellowmen. We have put in great love and sacrifice in our relief and rehabilitation efforts to alleviate the plight of our affected brothers and sisters and we should congratulate ourselves for that. Quite unfortunately, we in the PNP have also recently been victims of another form of turbulence. I am referring to the label placed by Transparency International that the PNP is the most corrupt agency in the country. To my mind, that label is even more destructive than any typhoon that we, the members of the police force, could ever experience. Unlike the recent tragedy whereby Filipinos from all walks of life have come forward to be counted in the rescue and relief of those stricken, we cannot expect the public to commiserate with us for the acts of corruption that our brothers and sisters in the force have committed. Yes it is definitely unfair for the vast majority of the members of our organization to share in this negative assessment by Transparency International. Even if we have the statistics to prove that only a small percentage of the force are guilty of corruption, we should not use this as a reason to deny or refute this label. Instead, we should look at this development as a challenge to every police officer. And it is a challenge that we have to face squarely and collectively. Since my assumption as Chief, PNP, I have often stated that all members of the force should be God-centered, service-oriented, and family-based. This vision I had been espousing has definitely become more relevant with the findings of Transparency International. I am confident that we can never be the corrupt organization they perceive us to be if they start to see that we have God at the center of our lives, our service to the people paramount in our hearts, and the honor of our families always at the back of our minds! Our goal is to stop the incidents of “kotong” and “hulidap” to the barest minimum level for the satisfaction of the businessmen and the community at large. We will implement structural reforms for a graft-free procurement and financial system in cooperation with the Coalition Against Corruption (CAC). We shall also institute transparency in our transactions with the help of our friends from the media. The funds saved will be used legally and equitably for the benefit of our personnel. As Christmas day comes near, I enjoin every member of the PNP to take time out to reflect on their relationship with God, their respective families, their service in the PNP and ponder upon the question – How committed have I been to my God, my family, and my service? If we are to surpass this crisis of confidence, I can only say that each and everyone of us should have commitment. Commitment starts with God in our hearts. Commitment that would make our families proud. And commitment that is tested by our individual actions. And finally, as we have exhibited our unity in the face of all these tragedies, I can only ask that we continue to remain united in the year ahead. We have to continue to stay together as we try to rise above the storm. We have to fly together and lift each other up. We have to fly in one direction and fly at the same speed. We cannot afford to do otherwise! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all, and may the Lord Almighty shower us and our families with abundant blessings of love, peace and joy!
(Signed)
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