Pres. Aquino to New PNP Chief: ‘Give No Room to ‘Pulis Patola’

(PNA) – President Benigno Aquino on Thursday challenged new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Director Ricardo Marquez to mold a more complete and solid PNP by getting rid of ‘pulis patola’ (unbecoming of a police officer).

”Now it is clear: Under Daang Matuwid (straight path), there should be no room for self-serving, pulis patola image, wangwang (siren) mentality. We know already what type of police who should not be a role model,” President Aquino said in his speech during the turnover ceremony of the PNP leadership at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

”My point to him: We will both retire (next year); he should mold a more complete and solid PNP, at the same time, ensure a clean and peaceful election in 2016,” he added.

The President said he found hard time to appoint a new PNP chief due to too much smear campaign among the possible candidates for the top post.

”Since I do not know them personally, I have no basis to which report I should believe. That’s why I have to make an investigation,” the President said.

”It became clear that mud throwing is a sign of a bigger problem in our police force,” he added.

President Aquino said ‘bata-bata’ system should have no place in the PNP.

”As police, you should be serving only the Filipino nation; you’re the peer of the people,” the President said.

The President also challenged the new PNP chief to remove and punish the crooked but recognize and give award to the honest police for showing good example in public service.

President Aquino said his administration will continue to provide new equipment that would enhance the capability of the PNP to respond to their call of duty.

”You have also your kuya (brothers) in the service led by Sec. Mar (Roxas) who would guide you to the right path,” the President said.

Last Tuesday, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas announced the appointment of Marquez as new PNP chief, replacing Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina who served as acting PNP chief for dismissed Police Director Alan Purisima.

Purisima was suspended and eventually dismissed by the Ombudsman over his alleged involvement in the anomalous Php100-million contract with a private gun courier service.

Marquez was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982 and a PNP directorate for operations chief prior to his appointment. (PNA) CTB/JFM