President Benigno Aquino on Thursday reminded officers and personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to shun efforts by any politician to bribe them, noting that there will be “temptations” during the election season.
“We know that the election period, for the uniformed personnel, is a time of temptations,” the president said during the 37th graduation rites at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite province.
He challenged the members of the Masundayaw Class of 2016 to resist these temptations and to put the interest of the nation ahead of everything.
The president also reminded the graduates to adhere to the principles of the Daang Matuwid (straight path), adding that as public servants and good soldiers, they should obey the orders of their superiors.
In an apparent reference to former Special Action Force (SAF) director Getulio Napenas, who led the botched Oplan Exodus that led to the death of 44 elite police commandos in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao province last year, Aquino said there is a need to revise the PNP law so that sanctions may be promptly imposed on “disobedient” officers.
In his speech, the president also gave his marching orders to the graduates. “Ensure that there will be peaceful elections and make sure that the outcome mirrors the votes of our bosses. Follow the orders of your officers and leaders,” said Aquino.