MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday cautioned newly promoted Philippine National Police (PNP) officials against being swayed by political noise and factional pressures, stressing that fairness, restraint, and respect for rights must guide police leadership even as the security environment grows more complex.
Marcos issued the reminder during the oath-taking of 50 newly elevated star-ranked police officers at Malacañan Palace, underscoring that higher rank brings not just authority but greater accountability to the public and the rule of law.
“So, I ask you to continue to improve yourselves personally, professionally, institutionally,” Marcos said.
The President stressed that public trust in the PNP hinges on discipline and impartial leadership rather than the power attached to rank, warning that complacency and abuse of authority could erode confidence in law enforcement.
“Do not be complacent. Be firm, be fair, be decisive, while remaining fully respectful to the rights and dignity of every single Filipino,” he said.
Marcos said police leaders must now operate in an increasingly volatile environment where threats extend beyond conventional crime, citing political tensions, social divisions, and technology-driven risks.
“The challenges before us are becoming even more sophisticated and even more complex. We face social divides, political noise, emerging tensions within our communities. At the same time, digital and technological threats now operate across borders and platforms,” he added.
He warned that unchecked political posturing and internal conflicts could escalate into broader instability, including unrest that spreads beyond physical communities and into digital spaces.
Despite the challenges, Marcos assured the newly promoted officers of the administration’s full support, reaffirming the PNP’s central role in safeguarding peace and order nationwide.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to police welfare and institutional reforms, citing the implementation of a three-tranche salary increase and higher daily subsistence allowance set to begin in 2026.
“So, alongside these measures, we remain committed to supporting and ensuring the welfare of your families, recognizing that their well-being is integral to your service as a nation,” Marcos said.
“In this environment, our people rely on the police as their immediate and dependable line of protection. Given the nature of your duties, be assured that this administration stands firmly behind the Philippine National Police.”/PN
