Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards
FORMS OF ETHICS AND ITS APPLICATION
Ethics is an area of philosophy considered as a normative
science. It is concerned with norms of human conduct, as distinguished
from the formal sciences, such as mathematics and logic, and the
empirical sciences, such as chemistry and physics.
• The English word “ethics” is derived from an Ancient Greek
word, ethikos, which means “relating to one’s character.” The
Ancient Greek adjective ethikos is itself derived from another
Greek word, the noun ethos meaning “character
disposition.” It comes from the Latin word “ethos” means
customary, behavior, moral. The two words Latin – ethos
and Greek ethikos have the same meaning which is
customary.
• Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that
involves systematizing, defending, and recommending
concepts of right and wrong conduct. The field of ethics,
along with aesthetics concern matters of value, and thus
comprise the branch of philosophy called axiology (study of
value).
• Ethics seeks to resolve questions of human morality by
defining concepts such as good or evil, right and wrong, virtue
and vice, justice and crime.
• The major areas of study within ethics recognized today
are:
• 1) Meta-ethics, concerning the theoretical meaning and
reference of moral propositions, and how their truth values (if
any) can be determined.
• 2) Normative ethics, concerning the practical means of
determining a moral course of action.
• 3) Applied ethics, concerning what a person is obligated
(or permitted) to do in a specific situation or a particular
domain of action.
Ethical Principles
• Beneficence – DO GOOD
• Nonmaleficence – DO NOT HARM
• Autonomy – CONTROL BY INDIVIDUAL
• Justice – FAIRNESS
• Fidelity - LOYALTY
• Ethics is a branch of philosophy which studies the principles of
right or wrong in human conduct.
• Right or wrong are qualities assigned to actions, conduct, and
behavior.
• Other definitions:
• Science of the morality of man
• Study of human motivation, and ultimately of human rationale
behavior.
• Morality
• “The principles of conduct governing an individual or profession
• It answers the question, “What do I do”
• It is the study of right and wrong in human endeavors.
In the history of ethics there are three major standards of
conduct, each of which has been projected as the highest good:
happiness or pleasure; duty, virtue or obligation; and perfection, the
fullest harmonious development of human potential.
Hedonism is that viewpoint in which the highest good is
pleasure. The hedonist decides between the most enduring pleasures
or the most passionate pleasures, whether present pleasures should be
denied for the sake of overall comfort, and whether mental pleasures are
preferable to physical pleasures.
Power seekers may not accept usual ethical rules but may
conform to other rules that can help them become successful. They will
seek to convince others that they are moral in the accepted sense of
the term in order to mask their power motives and to gain the ordinary
rewards of morality.
Greek schools of moral philosophy were derived
from the teachings of Socrates. Four disciplines originated among his
immediate disciples: the Cynics, the Cyrenaics, the Megarians (a
school founded by Euclid of Megara), and the Platonists.
The Cynics, notably the philosopher Antisthenes,
asserted that the essence of virtue, the only good, is self control and that
it is capable of being taught. The Cynics despised pleasure as an evil, if
accepted as a guide to conduct. They measured all pride a vice, including
pride in appearance or cleanliness.
The Cyrenaic, particularly Aristippus of Cyrene,
were hedonists, suggesting pleasure as the primary good (as long as it
does not control one’s life), that no one kind of pleasure is superior to
another, and that it is quantifiable only in degree and duration.
The Megarians, Euclid’s followers, argued that
although good may be called wisdom, God or reason, it is “one”, and
that good is the ultimate secret of the universe, which can be made
known only through logical inquiry.
According to Plato, good is an indispensable
element of reality. Evil thus not subsist in itself but is, rather, an
imperfect reflection of the real, which is good.
The human soul has three element- intellect, will,
and emotion – each of which have a specific virtue in the good person
and performs a definite role. The virtue of intellect is knowledge or
wisdom of the ends of life; that of the will is courage, the capacity to
act; and that of the emotions is self-control or temperance.
The supreme virtue, justice, is the amicable and agreeable
relation to all the others, each part of the soul doing its appropriate task
and keeping its proper place. Plato maintain that the intellect should be
independent, the will second, and the emotions subject to intellect and
will. The righteous person, whose life is ordered in this way, is therefore
the good person.
Aristotle, considered happiness as the aim of life.
He defined happiness as action that accords with the specific nature of
humanity; Happiness results from the distinctive human attribute of
reason, functioning harmoniously with human faculties. Aristotle held are
fundamentally good habits, and that to attain happiness a person must
develop two kinds of habits: those of mental activity, such as
knowledge, which lead to the highest human activity, contemplation; and
those of practical action and emotion, such as courage.
Ethics in Politics and Economics.
Ethics has been applied to political science and
politics lending to several distinct and not related fields of applied ethics,
including Marxism and business ethics. Ethical inquiries into the fraud
committed by corporate senior executive officers are an emerging trend
and the situational ethics of employees, who follow their unreasonable
directives, has also come to the forefront.
Ethics has been applied to family structure,
sexuality; and how society views the roles of individuals; leading to
several distinct and unrelated fields of applied ethics, including feminism.
Environmental Ethics:
Ethics has been utilized to study human use of
Earth’s limited resources. This has lead to the analysis of social ecology
and environmental ethics. An increasing preference has been to combine
the study of both economics and ecology to provide a basis for
sustainable decisions on environmental use.
Ethics in the profession:
There are many sub-branches of applied ethics
determining the ethical problems of different professions, such as
engineering ethics, business ethics, medical ethics, journalism ethics,
police ethics, and legal ethics while environmental assessment and
technologies on society and nature.
Each branch characterizes common problems and
issues that arise in the ethical codes of the professions and defines their
universal responsibility to the public.
Ethics in psychology:
The increased interest in moral reasoning led
psychologists to develop theories which are based on the idea that moral
behavior is made possible by reasoning. Their theories subdivided moral
reasoning into so called stages, which refer to the set of methods or
principles that a person uses for ethical judgment.
The most notable theory of this type was Kohlberg's
theory of moral development wherein it was argued that women tend to
develop through a different set of care which defines particularly against
contract based approaches.
Another set of dominant psychological theories with ethical
implications is the humanistic psychology movement. One notable
humanistic theory is Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Maslow
contended that the highest human need is self-actualization, which may
be described as fulfilling one’s potential and trying to repair and amend
what is wrong in the world.
R.D. Laing developed an extensive range of thought on
interpersonal psychology. This deals interactions between people, which
he considered significant, since an ethical action always occur between
one person and another.
Legal Ethics
 Ethics has been applied to criminology leading to the field of
criminal justice. Choices versus consequences of personal choice may
impact on other people and any associated responsibilities may extend
into wider society. They are major factors in life, as they determine one’s
relationship with him/herself and with others.
Importance of Ethics
• > Indispensable knowledge.
• > Without moral perception, man is only an animal.
• > Without morality, man as rational being is a failure.
• that values do not involve external, outside standards to tell right or
Ethics is a requirement for human life
• It is our means of deciding a course of action.
• Without it, our actions would be random and aimless.
• There would be no way to work towards a goal because there
would be no way to pick between a limitless number of goals.
• To the degree which a rational ethical standard is taken, we are
able to correctly organize our goals and actions to accomplish
our most important values.
The four main branches of philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology,
axiology, and logic.
• 1. Metaphysics - is the branch of philosophy that considers the
physical universe and the nature of
• ultimate reality.
• 2. Epistemology - is the branch of philosophy that considers
how people come to learn what they know.
• 3. Axiology - is the branch of philosophy that considers the
study of principles and values.
• 4. Logic - is the branch of philosophy that seeks to organize
reasoning. One should learn how to think in a structurally
sound manner.
VALUES AND CARDINALS VIRTUES
Values are implicitly related to a degree of behavioral freedom
or autonomy by human beings; values steer or guide the person, on the
basis of internally chosen options. Thus values imply the (conscious)
prioritizing of different behavioral alternatives which are perceived to be
possible for the individual. Values can apply to groups (such as ‘Filipino
values’) or individuals (religious values), and can be both processes or
goals. In example, democracy is both a process, and a goal.
Moral character or character is an evaluation of a person’s
moral and mental qualities. Such an evaluation is subjective – one person
may evaluate someone’s character on the basis of their virtue, another
may consider their fortitude, courage, loyalty, honesty, or piety.
Values may be defined and characterized by the following:
 The quality (positive or negative) that renders something
desirable or valuable.
 An ideal accepted by some individual or group; ‘he has old-
fashioned values’.’’
 Principles, standards or qualities considered worthwhile or
desirable by the person who holds them.
 Abstract ideas about what a society believes to be good, right,
and desirable.
 Those qualities of behavior, thought, and character that society
regards as being intrinsically good, having desirable results,
and worthy of emulation by others.
 Assumption, convictions, or beliefs about the manner in which
people should behave and the principles that should govern
behavior.
 It comes from the Latin word “valere” which means “to be
strong or to be worth”.
Types of Values
• Ethical/moral values - A person who knows the difference
between right and wrong and chooses right is moral.
• Doctrinal/ideological values - A. Doctrine is a codification of
beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles
or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of
knowledge or in a belief system.
• B. Ideological - is an adjective that describes political, cultural,
or religious beliefs.
• Social values - are a set of moral principles defined by society
dynamics, institutions, traditions and cultural beliefs.
• Aesthetic values — Aesthetic value is the value that an
object, event or state of affairs (most paradigmatically an art
work or the natural environment) possesses in virtue of its
capacity to elicit pleasure (positive value) or displeasure
(negative value) when appreciated or experienced
aesthetically.
Values are our subjective reactions to the world around us. They
guide and mold our options and behavior. Values have three important
characteristics. First, values are developed early in life and are very
resistant to change. Values develop out of our direct experiences with
people who are important to us, particularly our parents. Values rise not
out of what people tell us, as a result how they behave toward us and
others. Second, values define what is right and what is wrong. Notice
wrong; rather, wrong, good or bad are intrinsic. Third, values
themselves cannot be proved correct or incorrect, valid or invalid,
right or wrong. If a statement can be proven true or false, then it cannot
be a value. Values tell what we should believe, regardless of any
evidence or lack thereof.
Values are those ideas and concepts within each of us that we
deem significant and essential. People are guided by a set of values,
which help determine their behaviors as they live their lives, interact with
others and aid in their decision making. Values help human beings
resolve and determine right from wrong, and help define their identity and
choose what they advocate and stand for. Values stem from and derives
from one’s family, custom, tradition, religion, elders, and friends. They are
formed early in life, and are reinforced by our life experience. Once
established values are very hard to change.
Kinds of Values
• 1. Biological Values
– Life and health
– Food and shelter
– Work
• 2. Social Values
– Leisure and Sex
– Marriage
– Family and Home
– Parental Authority
– Education
• 3. Rational Values
– Understanding and Control of Nature
– Guide and Control of Oneself
– Solidarity
– Parental Authority with Fellowmen
– Religion
• Moral Values — are those that directly pertain to the function
of intellect and will.
– Characteristics of Moral Values
– Moral Values are goods having intrinsic qualities of
desirability
– Moral Values are universal 3. Moral Values are
obligatory
Categories of Values:
A value system is the ordered and prioritized set of ethical and
doctrinal values that an individual’s culture upholds.
In this context a value is part of the core value system from
which one operates or reacts. These values can be grouped into six
categories:
 Ethics (good – bad, virtue – vice, moral – immoral – amoral,
right – wrong, permissible – impermissible)
 Aesthetics (beautiful, ugly, unbalanced, pleasing)
Doctrinal (political, ideological, religious or social beliefs and
values)
 Innate (inborn values such as reproduction and survival, a
controversial category)
 Non-use/passive – includes the value based on something
never used or seen, or something left for the next generation.
 participant’s cultural values might not entirely agree with some
normative values sanctioned in the larger society.

 Potential/option – the value of something that’s known to be

only potentially valuable, such as a plant that might be found to
have medicinal value in the future. A value system is the
ordered and prioritized set of values that an individual’s culture
upholds.

Group or organizational values may be formal or informal. Since

every organization has values that are influential to the group, values
help the group or the organization endure and carry out its objectives.
An example of an organization that function on a value system could
be a commercial enterprise or business or any service established to
deliver products and/or services, as well as a government body such as
the police.
Organizational values are driven by the people who embody and
epitomize the group, the leaders, the personnel, workers and employees.

A law enforcement organization such as the Philippine National Police

will be an effective organization only if it develops good values.
An ideal value system for a police agency would include:
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Respect for Human Rights
• Professionalism
• Strong sense of justice
• Desire to help and serve others
• Selflessness
What is Virtue?
• Virtue refer to all of the “excellent qualities of men,
including physical strength, valorous conduct, and moral
rectitude.” The French words vertu and virtu came from this
Latin root.
• It is moral excellence.
• It is a trait or quality that is deemed to be morally good and
thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral
being.

CARDINAL VIRTUES:
 Prudence – Refers to the ability to govern and discipline
oneself by means or logical reasoning and sound discretion. It
is a habit which inclines man to act in a way that harmonizes
with nature (virtue), which attracts the intellect to prefer the
most effective means for accomplishing what is morally good
and avoid moral evils.
 Temperance – Refers to the ability to avoid something and act
with moderation, regulating one’s carnal appetite for sensual
pleasures.
 Fortitude – Denotes firmness of mind, the courage to endure
without yielding. It is a combination of patience (calmness and
composure), perseverance ( the ability to continue despite of
obstacle opposition) and endurance (the ability to survive.
 Justice – It refers to a virtue that inclines the will to give every
person his/her accorded rights.

Fundamental laws of Human Society: Justice which is composed of 3

divisions of namely:

 Commutative justice – It regulates actions which involve the

rights that exist among individuals, violation of which calls for
preparation and restitution.
 Distributive justice – Which standardizes those actions that
have to do wit the rights and individual may claim from society.
 Legal justice – It puts into order those actions which society
may justly require of the individual for the common good.

A virtue is a character trait which is evaluated as

being good. Societies have values (norms) that are largely
shared among many of the participants. In this case those
participants share a culture, even when an individual
• The code of ethics is a moral standard that the company
expects employees to follow. At a minimum, the laws and
industry regulations establish ethics guidelines.
• It is referred to as a Value Statement, it behaves like the
Constitution with general principles to guide behavior; outlining
a set of principles that affect decision-making.
• “Code of ethics” as such standards as are reasonably
necessary to promote:
• 1. Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of
actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and
professional relationships
• 2. Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in
the periodic reports required to be filed by the issuer
• 3. Compliance with applicable governmental rules and
regulations
• A Code of Conduct applies the Code of Ethics to a host of
relevant situations.
• Code of Conduct might list several specific laws relevant to
different areas of organizational operations, or industry, that
employees need to obey.
• The Code of Conduct outlines specific behaviors that are
required or prohibited as a condition of ongoing employment.
• Ethical decision-making refers to the process of evaluating
and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent will
ethical principles. In making ethical decisions, it is necessary to
perceive and eliminate unethical options and select the best
ethical alternative.
• 1. Commitment: The desire to do the right thing, regardless of
the cost
• 2. Consciousness: The awareness to act consistent and apply
moral convictions to daily behavior
• 3. Competency: The ability to collect and evaluate information,
develop alternatives, and foresee potently consequences and
risks
• Ethical dilemmas, also known as a moral dilemmas, are
situations in which there is a choice to be made between two
options, neither of which resolves the situation in an ethically
acceptable fashion.
• A moral dilemma is a conflict in which you have to choose
between two or more actions and have moral reasons for
choosing each action.
Steps for Making Ethical Decisions
• 1. Establish the facts in a situation
• Establish exactly what happened (or is happening) and who is
involved in the situation before trying to figure out what to do
about it. Ask yourself the following questions:
• What has happened or what is happening?
• When and where did certain events occur?
• Who is (or might be) involved in or concerned by the
situation?
• What do the parties involved have to say about the
situation?
2. Decide whether the situation involves legal or ethical issues
• The next step consists of determining whether the situation has
legal implications. The following questions can be useful in
determining that:
• Has anyone been harmed by the action or decision of
• another, and if so, in what way?
• Does the action or the situation contravene an existing law?
• Was there a breach of contract?
• Were the actions of the athlete discriminatory or constituted
harassment?
• 3. Identify your options and possible consequences
• Ask yourself: What could I do in this situation? Think about a
variety of options. The first one to consider should be not
making any decision or taking no action. This would be the
least demanding option, and it could be thought of as
representing one end of a continuum of possibilities. As a
second step, consider the other extreme of the continuum, and
think of the most comprehensive or liberal action you might
take in the situation. Then, identify several intermediate
options. Do not rule out any option at this stage, even though at
the outset it may appear an unlikely choice.
• 4. Evaluate your options
• Assess the pros and cons of each of your options outlined in
step 3. This is critical in reaching a decision.
• The notions of outcome sought (i.e. striving to do what is good
for individuals or the team) and means used (striving to do
things right) are central to ethical thinking. A decision should
reflect a fair balance between outcomes sought and the means
used to achieve them.
• 5. Choose the best option
• Making an ethical decision requires a final reflection on what is
the best decision under the circumstances, a just and
reasonable decision that will apply where an ethical dilemma is
involved. An ethical decision is “the right thing to do” with
regard to the duties and responsibilities of the person making
the decision, is made “the right way”, and is consistent with the
values and behaviors outlined in the code of ethics.
• 6. Implement your decision
• Putting your decision or plan of action into effect requires that
you consider a number of things, particularly if it involves
dealing with individuals or groups of people. Consider the
following as you establish an action plan:
• - Choose your path.
• - Think about what may happen.
• - Identify who needs to know.
• - Determine if you can deal on your own with the person(s)
involved.
• -Warn, don’t threaten.
• - Think about what you might do next if the chosen plan of
action doesn’t work.
What is Professorial Conduct?
• Professional conduct is the field of regulation of members of
professional bodies, either acting under statutory or contractual
powers.
• Professional conduct is behavior that meets or exceeds
ethical expectations for a given profession.
Importance of Professional Conduct
• Necessary for the person to maintain his/her ethical behavior
and to have good professional conduct.
• Professional Conduct implies quality of workmanship or
service.
• Allow professionals who act with a conscience to practice in the
knowledge for not be undermined commercially by those who
have fewer ethical qualms.
• Maintains the public’s trust in the profession, encouraging the
public to continue seeking their services.
• Following are ten golden rules to being professional in service
to your organization:
• 1. Always strive for excellence
• 2. Be trustworthy
• 3. Be accountable
• 4. Be courteous and respectful
• 5. Be honest, open and transparent
• 6. Be competent and improve continually
• 7. Always be ethical
• 8. Always be honorable and act with integrity
• 9. Be respectful of confidentiality
• 10. Set good examples

The difference between personal and professional ethics
• Personal ethics refers to the ethics that a person identifies
with in respect to people and situations that they deal with in
everyday life.
• Professional ethics refers to the ethic that a person must
adhere to in respect of their interactions and business dealings
in their professional life.
Ways to uphold your professionalism and workplace
etiquette
• 1. Honor your commitments and get your job done
• 2. Be on time for work and any meetings/events
• 3. Pay attention to cultural norms and follow them
• 4. Check your communication
• 5. Keep personal business during work time to a minimum
• 6. Bring a notepad and pen or pencil to every meeting
• 7. Think before you post, tweet or comment at work or about
work
• 8. Avoid office politics and gossip
What is the Code of Good Governance for the Profession in the
Philippines?
• This Code is adopted by the Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) and the 42 Professional Regulatory Boards
to cover an environment of good governance in which all
Filipino professionals shall perform their tasks. While each
profession may adopt and enforce its own code of good
governance and code of ethics, it is generally recognized that
there is a general commonality among the various codes. This
Code which covers the common principles underlying the
codes of various professions could be used by all professionals
who face critical ethical questions in their work.
General Principle of Professional Conduct
• Professionals are required not only to have an ethical
commitment, a personal resolve to act ethically, but also have
both ethical awareness and ethical competency. Ethical
awareness refers to the ability to discern between right and
wrong, while ethical competency pertains to the ability to
engage in sound moral reasoning and consider carefully the
implications of alternative actions.
Specific Principle of Professional Conduct
1. Service to Others
• Professionals are committed to a life of service to others. They
protect life, property, and public welfare. To serve others, they
shall be prepared for heroic sacrifice and genuine selflessness
in carrying out their professional duties even at the expense of
personal gain.
• 2. Integrity and Objectivity
• To maintain and broaden public confidence, professionals shall
perform their responsibilities with the highest sense of integrity
and imbued with nationalism and spiritual values. In the
performance of any professional service, they shall at all times,
main objectivity, be free of conflicts of interest, and refrain from
engaging in any activity that would prejudice their abilities to
carry out their duties ethically. They shall avoid making any
representation that would likely cause a reasonable person to
misunderstand or to be deceived
• 3. Professional Competence
• In providing professional services, a certain level of
competence is necessary, i.e., knowledge, technical skills,
attitudes, and experience. Professionals shall, therefore,
undertake only those professional services that they can
reasonably deliver with professional competence. Corollary to
this, it is their express obligation to keep up with new
knowledge and techniques in their field, continually improve
their skills and upgrade their level of competence and take part
in a lifelong continuing education program.
• 4. Solidarity and Teamwork
• Each profession shall nurture and support one organization for
all its members. Though a deep spirit of solidarity, each
member should put the broader interest of the profession
above one's personal ambition and preference. Through
teamwork within a cohesive professional organization, each
member shall effectively observe ethical practices and pursue
continuing professional development as well as deepen one's
social and civic responsibility.
• 5. Social and Civic Responsibility
• Professionals shall always carry out their professional duties
with due consideration of the broader interest of the public.
They shall, therefore, serve their clients/employers and the
publics with professional concern and in a manner consistent
with their reponsibilities to society. As responsible Filipino
citizens, they shall actively contribute to the attainment of the
country's national objectives.
• 6. Global Competitiveness
• Every professional shall remain open to challenges of a more
dynamic interconnected world. He or she shall rise up to global
standards and maintain levels of professional practices fully
aligned with global best practices.
• Equality of All Professions
• All professionals shall treat their colleagues with respect and
shall strive to be fair in their dealings with one another. No one
group of professionals is superior or above others. All
professionals perform an equally important, yet distinct, service
to society. In the eyes of the PRC, all professions are equal
and, therefore, every one shall treat one other professionals
with respect and fairness.
Ethical Standards
• Ethical standards shall refer to established and generally
accepted moral values.
• These are principles that when followed, promote values such
as trust, good behavior, fairness, and/or kindness.
• Legal ethical standards are those company policies put in
place that are based on laws, rules and regulations that come
from government or regulatory bodies.
• A morally based ethics standard is a company standard for
doing the right thing. This standard could be regarding laws,
regulations or customer service and human resource
standards. When it comes to the laws falling into morally based
standards, the company has decided to exceed the law.
• Ethical standards are classified at three levels.
• 1. Macro Level
• At a macro level, sometimes called the systemic level, ethics
are defined and influenced by the exists.
• 2. Company Level
• At a company or corporate level, ethical standards are
embedded in the policies and procedures of the organization,
and form an important foundation on which business strategy is
built.
• 3. Individual Level
• Since businesses are run by people, the ethical standards of
individuals in the business are animportant consideration.
Company Behavior Policies
• 1. The importance of integrity
• 2. Professional Accountability
• 3. Being Part of a Team
• 4. Dedication and Commitment
• 5. Meetings
• 6. Communication
• 7. Time Management
• 8. Employee Safety

Human Relation
• Human Relations is defined as the interaction or interrelation of
one person to another person or relationship of persons among
each other, in accordance with mores, habits, customs and
public policy not contrary to laws. It is based on the old adage
or golden rule: "Do not do unto others, what others don't do
unto you".
Sources of Understanding Human Behavior
• 1. Psychological (biological) - study of the behavior of man. It
deals with the overt or observable action and to covert or
unobservable metal process and states such as perception,
thought, reasoning, problem-solving, emotions and feelings.
• 2. Philosophical - man always conventional. He acts in line
with the act of community. Always go with the mentality of the
people.
• 3. Theological state the positive and negative point of the
European, Hindu or Chinese beliefs. It is an intellectual
discipline that aims at setting forth in an orderly manner the
content of a religious faith.
• According to Bermas, the following are the principles
understanding Human Behavior. a. Theological - moral
• b. Philosophical - ethical
• C. Psychological - clinical
Significance of the Existence of Law on Human Relations
• 1. Human beings, in their interaction with one another, come
into certain relations from which system of social control
becomes a necessity.
• 2. In the course of life, the interest on one man may conflict
with those of others. Hence, its primary function is to create
legal protection for these interests. Social philosophy dictates
that, in the ultimate ideal social order, the welfare of every man
defends upon the welfare of all.
• 3. Law on Human Relations contains basic principles which are
to be observed for rightful relationship among persons and for
the stability of social order.
• 4. These guides for human conduct should run as golden
threads through society, to the end that law may approach its
supreme ideal, which is the sway and dominance of justice.
The Scope of Police Community Relations
Ethics which pertains to the “standard of conduct and moral
requirements” necessary to function effectively within an organization or
profession.
The police service has the distinctive responsibility within an
organized society to maintain law and order within the community.
No other organization has this explicit and detailed mission to
maintain law and order and no other organization is entrusted with the
lawful power to arrest persons, investigative suspected criminal activity,
or use force in a legally recognized manner.
Since, the police are entrusted with this important and
fundamental authority, the people who have been given this lawful power
must exercise such power with self-discipline and moderation and
according to ethical standards.
Ethics, in the law enforcement perspective, means sincere
and respectable service to the community instead of working for
personal gain or individual profit.
PRINCIPLES OF POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS
• Public Support must be maintained.
• Public Resentment must be avoided.
• Public Goodwill must be developed.
• Public must be kept informed.
Coverage of Police Community Relations:
A. Public Information Program.
This evolves upon the concept of keeping members of
society informed so that they will appreciate and unerstand the
complexity of police work and the services rendered by our men in
uniform.
It is made possible by personal media, mass media which
includes printed matters and audio-visual communication.
B. Public Relations Program. It is focused on building a good
image for the police organization through actual performance without
inefficiency and corruption. It’s objective is to gain public support and win
citizen’s cooperation to accomplish police task.
C. Civil Action Program. The endeavor attempts to impart to the
members of the community that the police officers are their
friends and the partners as well as their defenders.
Its activities includes rendering public assistance in cases of
emergencies and calamities, police participation in community affairs and
the police efforts to prevent juvenile delinquency by means of actively
engaging and participating in youth activities.
D. Mass Communication Program . It is designed to influence
the opinions, attitudes, behavior and emotions of the public in a
manner that they will behave in accordance with law.
Objectives of Police Community Relations.
• To maintain and develop confidence and goodwill of the
community for the police.
• To obtain public assistance and cooperation.
• To develop public appreciation, understanding and support for
the services of the police.
• To create broader understanding and sympathy with the need
and the problems of compliance.
• To facilitate law enforcement and compliance.
• To build public opinion in favor of the police.
• To achieve the police purpose of preserving of peace,
protecting life and property, and the prevention of crime.
Basic Foundation of Good Community Relations
• Sincerity in serving the public,
• Full knowledge of the gob,
• Deep conviction in the nobility of the work,
• Sounds Police Ethics, and
• High standard of operations.
Categories of Police Officer’s Individual Public Relations
• Domestic relations- Includes dealing with family and relatives.
• Neighborhood relations- Includes decorum with neighbors.
• Community relations- It comsists of dealing with others
members of the locality where a person lives.
• Religious relations- It denotes religious affiliation which is
necessary for stability of moral principles.
• Government relation- It implies recognition of government
authority and adherence to laws and ordinances.
Peace and Order Councils- It replaced the integrated police
advisory councils which involves civil officials and the members of the
community in the preservation of peace and order and promotion of
public safety.
Every local peace and order councils in each city and
municipality shall together with their respective mayors shall amend and
establish an integrated area and community public safety plan embracing
authorities of actions and program thrusts for implementation by the local
PNP stations.
Challenges to Police Ethical Behavior: The primary question to
ethical behavior are due to: individual character trial and organizational
disputes.
1. Individual character challenges- Refer to the difficulties
arising from personal blemish or defects where police
personnel engages in acts of dishonesty, abuse of corruption.
Even though the police service may have published standards
of ethical conduct, such as a Code of Conduct, individual police
members may choose to engage in act of misconduct.
The police personnel who embark on such acts
stains the reputation of the entire police service and they
must be reformed, disciplined, sanctioned or dismissed
from the service. If the members of the police force who
engage in acts of corruption are not dealt with, it can set off a
breakdown in morale among other decent, honest and
principled employees and gives the appearance that the police
service as an organization tolerates and even encourage such
activity.
 One of the most ordinary acts of police corruption is
the acceptance of a bribe or gratuity in exchange for not
undertaking an official function. As an example, a traffic law
officer stops a motorist or truck driver for a traffic violation and
the motorist offers a small amount of cash not to issue a traffic
citation. If the police officer accepts the cash, that is an act of
bribery and police corruption.
Another example is could be a policeman accepting
a bribe or gratuity to consent to an establishment to sell alcohol
without a permit or tax license. The policeman is failing to carry
out his duty by accepting a gift or bribe in exchange for not
enforcing the law.
Some police make an effort to give good reason for
their actions by claiming they are underpaid by the government
and the acceptance of a small amount of cash is not grave.
Nevertheless, even small exploits of police corruption very
often lead to more serious acts of corruption to the point that
said individuals are no longer a legitimate law enforcement
official, but simply a hoodlum or criminal wearing a police
uniform.
2. Organizational challenges- These are more difficult to deal
with, particularly in such instances, where the entire police
organization, or an entire unit, has espoused and embraced
unethical and unprofessional police standards. The
organizational has tolerated or has participated in various
forms of police misconduct, possibly including extortion and/or
solicitation of bribes and pay-offs, systematic use of the police
structure to collect unauthorized payments, and in some cases,
engage in acts of police brutality and even crimes to preserve
and sustain power.
Police agencies that engage in fraudulent and
dishonest practices include such activities as offering
“protection rackets” to allow criminal gangs to continue
business, while demanding a percentage of the criminal gains;
engaging in theft (carnapping, business burglary, and other
thefts) while on official business or protecting the criminal
element that is actually committing the theft acts; offering
protection “insurance” to bars and brothels so the police
agency will not thwart their illegal activities. Police officials are
just a capable of corruption if they had personally committed
the act. The end results of such acts of corruption is that the
public judge the police to be dishonest, corrupt, and without
ethical standards.
UNIVERSAL LAW ENFORCER'S CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials. The
United Nation Code of Conduct constitutes a widely recognized
international standard for police conduct.
Article 1: Law enforcement officials shall at all times fulfill the
duty imposed upon them by law, by serving and by protecting
all persons against illegal acts, consistent with high degree of
responsibility required by their profession.
• "Law enforcement officials" refer to all persons that exercise
police powers, particularly the power of arrest and detention.
• Service to the community is the preliminary goal of the law
enforcement service ; police agencies have the unique
responsibility to "protect and serve" the community.
• Police of all ranks and positions are responsible for the ethical
and uniform enforcement of the law.
Article 2: In the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials
shall respect and protect human dignity and maintain and uphold the
human rights of all persons.
• One of the most important duties and responsibilities of the
police is to enforce, protect and defend the human rights of all
persons.
Article 3: Law enforcement may use force only when strictly
necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty.
• The use of force by law enforcement official must be lawful,
proportionate to the circumstances, and only be used when no
other reasonable alternative exists.
• This article underline that the use of force by the police service
should be the exception rather than the usual practice.
• Law enforcement official are authorized to use force only when
rationally necessary to defend themselves or another person or
to prevent a crime and no other reasonable alternative is
practical; the use or application of force beyond that point is not
authorized.
• The use of firearms is considered an extreme response. Every
effort should be made to use non-lethal force to resolve force
situations. Lethal force situations. Lethal force may be
employed when no other reasonable option exist or is not
practical under the circumstances.
• Article 4: Matters of a confidential nature in the possession of
law enforcement official shall be kept confidential, unless the
performance of their duty or the needs of justice strictly
required otherwise.
• By the nature of their duties, law enforcement officials will get
hold of information which may relate to the private lives of other
persons. The police have the responsibility of safeguarding
such information which may only be revealed when required in
the performance of their duty when required by the courts and
other instruments of the criminal justice system.
• Article 5: No law enforcement official may inflict, instigate or
tolerate and act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment, nor may any law enforcement official
invoke superior orders... as justification of torture or other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
• The bar against torture is derived from the united nation
documents prohibiting all forms of torture and mistreatment.
Torture by law enforcement officials is especially forbidden
because its violates the basic principle of the duty of the police
service to "protect and serve" the community.
• It also violates the requirement of the fundamental legal maxim
ruling out the imposition of cruel and inhumane punishments
and premise that all persons are presumed innocent before trial
and entitled to basic legal protections from mistreatment.
• Article 6: Law enforcement official shall ensure the full
protection and health of persons in their custody and in
particular, shall take immediate action to secure medical
attention whenever required.
• Law enforcement personnel are responsible for the protection
and safe-keeping of persons and their custody. As such, the
police have a duty to provide reasonable medical attention, to
include life saving measures and prevent health care.
•
• Article 7: Law enforcement officials shall not commit any act of
corruption. They shall rigorously oppose and combat all such
acts.
• Any act of corruption is an abuse of authority and is unsuited
with the law enforcement profession.
• The laws must be enforce equally to all persons. Any law
enforcement official who perpetrates acts of corruption cannot
be expected to fairly enforce the law among citizens.
• Acts of corruption with the acceptance or demand of a gift,
gratuity or money in exchange for doing or not doing some
official act; any criminal act undertaken by the police; or
assistance given to another person undertaking a criminal act.
• Act of corruption also include any attempt to perform an act of
corruption.
• Article 8: Law enforcement officials shall respect the law and
the present Code. They shall also, to the best of their
capability, prevent and rigorously oppose any violation of them.
• All police officials have positive duty to respect and enforce the
Code of Conduct. These standards represent the collective will
of the international community of the United Nation that law
enforcement official must revere, promote, and defend the
standards set forth in the code of conduct.
• The Revised Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
• As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve
the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the
innocent against deception, the weak against oppression and
intimidation and the peaceful against violence and disorder;
and respect the constitutional rights of all the liberty, equality
and justice.
• I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will
behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my
agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger,
 scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint and be constantly
mindful of the welfare of others.
• Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official
life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations
of my department. What ever I see or hear of a confidential
nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be
kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the
performance of my duty.
• I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudice,
political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to
influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with
relentless prosecution of criminals, i will enforce the law
courteously and appropriate without fear or favor, malice or ill
will, never accepting gratuities.
• I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith,
and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true
to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of
corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other
police officers. I will cooperate with all legal authority agencies
and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
• I know that I alone for my own standard of personal
performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to
enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.
• I will constantly strive to achieve this objectives and ideas,
dedicating myself before god to my chosen profession... law
enforcement.
• A. Performance of the Duties of a Police Officer:
• 1. Impartiality - A police officer shall perform all duties
impartially, without favor and affection or ill will, and without
regard rhe status, sex, race, religion, political belief or
aspiration. All citizens will be treated equally with courtesy,
consideration and dignity.
• 2. Professionalism - Officers will never allow personal
feelings, animosities, or friendships to influence official
conduct. Law will be enforced appropriately and courteously
and in carrying out their responsibilities, officers will strive to
obtain maximum cooperation from the public. They will conduct
themselves in appearance and deportment in such a manner
as to inspire confidence and respect for the position of public
trust they hold.
• B. Discretion
• 1. Reasonableness - A police officer will reasonably use the
discretion vested in the position and exercise it with in the law.
The principle or reasonableness will guide the officer's
decision. The officer will consider all surrounding
circumstances in determining whether any legal action shall be
taken.
• 2. Maintenance of public confidence - consistent and wise
use of discretion, based on professional policing competence,
will do much to preserve good relationships and retain the
confidence of the public. There will be difficulty in choosing
between conflicting courses of action. It is important to
remember that a timely word of advice rather than arrest (which
may be correct in the appropriate circumstances) can be a
more affective means of achieving a desired end.
• C. Use of Force
A police officer will never employ unnecessary force
or violence and will use only such force in the discharge of duty
as is reasonable under the circumstances.
• Force should be used only with the greatest restraint
and only after discussion, negotiation, and persuasion have
been found to be inappropriate or in effective. While the use of
force is occasionally unavoidable, every police officer will
refrain from applying the unnecessary infliction of pain or
suffering and will never engage in cruel, degrading, or
inhumane treatment of any person.
• D. Confidentiality
• What ever a police officer sees, hears or learns of,
which is of confidential nature, will bw kept secret unless the
performance of duty or legal provision requires otherwise.
Members of public have a right to security and privacy, and
information obtained about them must not be improperly
divulged.
• E. Integrity
• A police officer will not engage in acts of corruption or
bribery, nor will an officer condone such acts by other police
officers. The public demands that the integrity of police officers
be above approach.
• Police officers must, therefore, avoid any conduct that
might compromise integrity and thus undercut public
confidence in a law enforcement agency. Officers will refuse to
accept any gifts, present, subscriptions, favors, gratuities, or
promises that could be interpreted as seeking to the cause the
officer to refrain performing official responsibilities honestly and
with in the law.
• Police officers must not receive private or special
advantage from their official status. Respect from public cannot
be bought; it can only be earned and cultivated.
• F. Cooperation with Other Officers and Agencies
• Police officers cooperate with all legally authorized agencies
and their representative in the pursuit of justice. An officer or
agency may be one among any organization that may provide
law enforcement services to a jurisdiction.
• It is imperative that a police officer assist colleagues
fully and completely with respect and consideration at all times.
• G. Personal and Professional Capabilities
• Police officers will be responsible for their own standard of
professional performance and will take every reasonable
opportunity to enhance and improve their level of knowledge
and competence.
• Through training and experience, a police officer can
acquire the breadth of knowledge and competence that is
essential for the efficient and effective performance duty. The
acquisition of knowledge is a never-ending process of personal
and professional development.
• H. Private Life
• Police officers will behave in a manner that does not bring
discredit to their agencies or themselves. Officer’s character
and conduct one off-duty must always be exemplary, thus
maintaining a position of respect in the community in which he
or she lives and serves. The officer’s personal behavior must
be beyond reproach.
• CODE OF ETHICS FOR CRIMINOLOGISTS
• Code of Ethics is an important agency for social control. They
have been promulgated for professions which gives
prescriptions of the duty of a professional towards his fellow
professionals and to society in general.
• ARTICLE I - PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF A
REGISTERED CRIMINOLOGISTS
• a. The primary responsibility of every person admitted to the
practice of Criminology as a Registered Criminologists is to
bear faithful allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and
be loyal to his profession. They shall accept as a sacred
obligation and responsibility as citizens to support the
Constitution of the Philippines and as a Registered
Criminologists to defend the principles of liberty as defined in
the Constitution and Laws.
• b. As a Registered Criminologist, they shall strive to improve
their effectiveness by diligent study and sincere attention to
improvement and welcome the opportunity to disseminate
practical and useful information relating to matters accruing to
the benefit of public safety and welfare.
• ARTICLE II - LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY
• A. The first duty of a criminologist as upholder of the law is to
know its bound upon him, be aware of limitations and
prescriptions and recognize the system of government that
gives to no man group or institution absolute power. He must
ensure that he is prime defender of that system and as such
must never pervert its character.
• They shall in the performance of their duty be just, impartial
and reasonable never according anyone more preferential
treatment than another. They shall recognize the limitation of
their authority and at no time use the power of their profession
for personal advantage.
• ARTICLE III - PRIVATE CONDUCT
• A. The registered criminologist must be mindful of his special
identification by the public as an upholder of the law. He must
never be lax in conduct or manner in private life, express
disrespect for the law nor seek to gain special privilege that
would be reflective upon the profession. He must so conduct
his private life that the public will regard him as an example of
stability fidelity and morality.
• B. He must strive to elevate the standing of the profession in
public mind, strengthen public confidence in law enforcement,
develop and maintain complete support and cooperation of the
public and ensure the effectiveness by encouraging complete
cooperation of members for their mutual benefit.
• ARTICLE IV - CONDUCTS TOWARDS THE
PUBLIC
• A. The criminologists remind at all times dignity, fairness and a
genuine willingness to help are essential to their public image
and their ability to do a good job.
• B. The criminologists mindful to their responsibility to the whole
community deal with the individuals of the community in a
manner calculated to instill respect for its laws and their
profession.
• C. They shall be habitually courteous and accept their
responsibility by being punctual and expeditious to their
engagements and duties. They shall regard their profession as
a public trust and in the discharge of their duties; bear
constantly in mind their obligation to serve the public efficiently
and effectively.
• ARTICLE V - ATTITUDE TOWARDS PROFESSION
• A. The criminologists shall strive to make the application of
science to the solution of crime by diligent study and sincere
attention to self improvement, and in fields of human
relationships, strive for effective leadership and public influence
in matters affecting public safety.
• B. He shall appreciate the importance and responsibility of his
profession as an honorable one rendering valuable service to
his community and country. They shall strive to attain certain of
the most withering cross examination particularly from fellow
criminologists and associates.
• C. He shall avoid outside influence from overzealous and
overanxious clients and his findings shall be based solely and
entirely on logical and scientific deduction derived from a fair
and impartial examination personally performed by him.
• D. He must never lose sight of the important fact that he should
not only work for the identification, apprehension and
conviction of criminals, but must strive with greater if not equal
vigor to clear the innocent.
• ARTICLE VI - ATTITUDE TOWARDS FELLOW
CRIMINOLOGISTS
• A. Criminologists shall strive constantly to improve professional
standing of Criminology through association with others in the
profession and keeping abreast with the fast moving world of
science and technology through constant research and
development.
• B. He shall cooperate fully with fellow criminologists regardless
of personal prejudice. He should, however, be assured that
such action is proper and in accordance with law and guard
against the sue of this office or person, knowingly or
unknowingly in any proper or illegal action. He always bear in
mind at all times that it is not sufficient to be proficient in one’s
work; he must also have a high sense of justice, a belief in the
dignity and worth of all men and a proper motivation and
attitude. He must possess a sense of dedication to his
profession and a sense of duty and obligation to his fellowmen.
• C. He shall cooperate will fellow criminologists and public
officials to the end that the safety and general welfare of the
public will be assured, never permitting jealousies or personal
differences to influence their professional duties and
obligations.
• ARTICLE VII– CODE OF ETHICS
• The universally accepted Code of Ethics for law enforcement
shall be temporarily adopted pending formulation of a more
specific code that embraces all aspect of criminology.
• LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
• As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve
mankind; safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent
against oppression or intimidation; and the peaceful against the
violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of
all men to liberty, equality and justice. I will keep my private life
unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the
face of danger, scorn and ridicule; develop self-restraint; and
be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.
• Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official
life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the
regulation of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a
confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official
capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary
in the performance of my duty. I will never act officiously or
permit personal feelings, prejudices animosities or friendships
to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and
with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law
courteously and appropriately without fear or favor malice or ill
will, never accepting gratuities.
• I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith,
and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true
to the office of the police service. I will constantly strive to
achieve these objectives, and ideas, dedicating myself before
God to my chosen profession... law enforcement.
• CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL
STANDARDS FOR PNP OFFICERS
ARTICLE I – PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
 Section 1. Title – This code shall be known as the Philippine
National Police Code of Professional Conduct and ethical
standards (PNP Code of Conduct)
ARTICLE II – POLICE OFFICER’S CREED AND STAND ON
BASIC ISSUES
 Section 1. The PNP Core Values – The police service is a
noble profession and demands from its members specialized
knowledge and skills and high standard of ethics and morality.
In this regard, the members of the Philippine National Police
must adhere to and internalize the enduring core values of love
of God, respect for authority, selfless love and service for
people, respect for women and the sanctity of marriage,
responsible dominion and stewardship over material things,
and truthfulness.
Sec. 2. The Police Officer’s Creed:
2.1. I believe in God, The Supreme Being, a 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, 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 follow 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 convenience.
2.4. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and the respect for
women. I shall set the example of decency and morality and
shall have high regard for family life and chastity.
2.5. I believe in the responsible dominion and stewardship
over material things. I shall inhibit myself from ostentatious
display of my property. I shall protect the environment and
conserve nature to maintain ecological balance. I shall respect
private and public properties and prevent others from
destroying it.
2.6. I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be
trustworthy and I shall speak the truth at all times as required
by my profession.
Sec. 3. PNP Stand on Basic Issues – The deployment and
employment of the PNP personnel require the organization and
its members to bare their stand on the following basic issues:

3.1. PNP Image – The image of any organization affects the esprit de’
corps, morale and welfare of members and sense of pride to the
organization. In view thereof, all members of the PNP should conduct
themselves in a manner that would not place the PNP in bad light.
Instead, they should live in accordance with the PNP core values and
possess the following virtues: honor, integrity, valor, justice, honesty,
humility, charity and loyalty to the service.
3.2. Career Management, the key to professionalism – Its improper
implementation will greatly prejudice the personnel professionalization
process as regards procurement, promotion, assignment, placement,
training, awards, and retirement. To address these flaws, the PNP shall
formulate a stringent policy and strictly implement the human resources
development system, compatible to the equitable distribution of
procurement, fair promotion, and 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. It is
therefore a “must” that these attributes be the primary basis 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 team work to the detriment of the organization. It
behooves therefore on the PNP leadership to 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 endeavor to promote a lifestyle for
every member of the organization that is acceptable and respectable in
the eyes of the public. Further, its members should set good example to
the subordinates and follow good example from the superiors. They must
be free from greed, corruption and exploitation. The public expects a
police officer to live a simple yet credible and dignified life.
3.7. Political Patronage – All PNP members must inhibit himself from
soliciting political patronage in matters pertaining to assignment, awards,
training and promotion.
3.8. Human Rights – All PNP members must respect and protect human
dignity and man’s inalienable rights to life, liberty and property.
ARTICLE III – PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL
STANDARDS
 Sec. 1. Standards of Police Professionalism – All PNP members shall
perform their duties with excellence, competence, integrity, intelligence
and expertise in the application of specialized skill and technical
knowledge.
 Sec. 2. Police Professional Conduct – All members of the PNP shall
observe the following professional conduct:
2.1. Commitment to Democracy – Uniformed PNP members commits
themselves to the democratic way of life and values and maintains the
principle of public accountability. They shall at all times uphold the
Constitution and be loyal to our country, people and organization above
loyalty to any person or organization.
2.2. Commitment to Public Interest – Members shall always uphold
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.
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 – All PNP members shall strive to be
physically and mentally fit and in good health at all times. Towards this
end, they shall undergo regular physical exercises and annual medical
examination in any PNP Hospital or Medical facility.
2.5. Secrecy Discipline – All 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 of the
PNP, content of criminal records, identities of persons who may have
given information to the police in confidence and other classified
information on intelligence material. 2.6. Social Awareness – All PNP
members and their immediate family members shall be encouraged to
actively get involved in the religious, social and civic activities to enhance
the image of the organization but without affecting their official duties.
2.7. Non-Solicitation of Patronage – All 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 regard 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 be responsible for the security,
proper care and use of public property issued to them and/or deposited
under their care and custody. Unauthorized use of public property for
personal convenience or gain and that of their families, friends, or
relatives is strictly prohibited.
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 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 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 of Duty – All 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 in conflict with their duties as public servants.
2.11. Conservation of Natural Resources – All members of the PNP
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 – They shall conduct themselves at all times in keeping
with the rules and regulations of the organization. 2.13. Loyalty –
Above all, PNP members must be loyal to the Constitution and the police
service as manifested by their loyalty to their superiors, peers and
subordinates as well.
2.14. Obedience to Superiors – All PNP members shall obey lawful
orders and be courteous to superior officers and other appropriate
authorities within the chain of command.
2.15. Command Responsibility – In accordance with the Doctrine on
Command Responsibility, immediate commanders shall be responsible
for the effective supervision, control and direction of their personnel and
shall see to it that all government resources shall be managed, expended
or utilized in accordance with the laws and regulations and safeguard
against losses thru illegal or improper disposition.
Sec. 3. Ethical Standards shall refer to established and generally
accepted moral values. Ethical acts to be observed are the following:
3.1. Morality – All PNP members shall adhere to high standard of
morality and decency and shall set good examples for others to follow.
Hence, among others, and in no instance during their terms of office 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 shall they patronize such places unless o 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.
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 pays an Exit Call on their superiors
in the unit or command when relieved or reassigned out of the said
unit or command.

3.4. Justice – PNP members shall strive constantly to respect the rights
of others so that they can fulfill their duties an 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. Courtesy of the Post – The host unit extends 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 their
corresponding privileges.

Sec. 4. Police Customs on Ceremonies – The following are police

3.5. Humility – All PNP members shall recognize the fact that they are
customs on ceremonies:
public servants and not the masters of the people and toward this end;
4.1. Flag Raising Ceremony – The PNP members honor the
they should perform their duties without arrogance. They should also
flag by raising it and singing the national Anthem before the start of
recognize their own inadequacies, inabilities and limitations as individuals
the official day’s work.
and perform their duties without attracting attention or expecting the
applause of others.
4.2. Flag Retreat Ceremony – At the end of the official days’ work,
3.6. Orderliness – All PNP members shall follow logical procedures in
the PNP members pause for a moment to salute the lowering of the
accomplishing tasks assigned to them to minimize waste in the use of
flag.
time, money, and effort.
4.3. Half-Mast – The flag is raised at half-mast in deference to
3.7. Perseverance – Once a decision is made, all PNP members shall
deceased uniformed members of the command.
take legitimate means to achieve the goal even in the face of internal or
external difficulties, and despite anything which might weaken their
4.4. Funeral Service and Honors – Departed uniformed members,
resolve in the course of time.
retirees, war veterans or former PC/INP services and graveside
honors as a gesture of farewell.
ARTICLE IV – CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
 
4.5. Ceremony Tendered to Retirees – In recognition of their long
Section 1. General Statement – The PNP adopts the generally
faithful and honorable service to the PNP, a testimonial activity is
acceptable customs and traditions based on the desirable practices of the
tendered in their honor.
police service. These shall serve as inspiration as the PNP endeavors to
4.6. Honor Ceremony – Arrival and departure honor ceremonies
are rendered to visiting dignitaries, VIPs, PNP Officers with the
attain its goals and objectives. Sec. 2. Definition of Terms: grade of Chief Superintendent and above and AFP officers of
2.1. Customs – Established usage or social practices carried equivalent grade, unless waived.
on by tradition that has obtained the force of law.
2.2. Traditions – Bodies of beliefs, stories, customs and 4.7. Turn-Over Ceremony – The relinquishment and assumption of
usages handed down from generation to generation with the effect of an command or key position is publicly announced in a Turn-Over
unwritten law. Ceremony by the out-going and in-coming officers in the presence of
2.3. Courtesy – A manifestation or expression of consideration the immediate superior or his representative.
and respect for others.
2.4. Ceremony – A formal act or set of formal acts established 4.8. Wedding Ceremony – During marriage of PNP members, a
by customs or authority as proper to special occasion. ceremony is conducted with participants in uniform and swords
2.5. Social Decorum – A set of norms and standards practiced by drawn.
members during social and other functions.
4.9. Anniversary – The birth or institutional establishment of a
Sec. 3. Police Customs on Courtesy – The following are customs command or unit is commemorated in an Anniversary Ceremony.
on courtesy in the PNP: Sec. 5. Police Customs on Social Decorum – The following are
3.1 Salute – Salute is the usual greeting rendered by uniformed police customs on social decorum:
members upon meeting and recognizing person entitled to a salute. 5.1. Proper Attire – PNP members always wear appropriate
3.2. Salute to National Color or Standards – Members stand at and proper attire in conformity with the occasion.
attention and salute the national color and standard as it pass by 5.2. Table Manners – PNP members observe table etiquette at
them or when the national color is raised or lowered during all times.
5.3. Social Graces – PNP members conduct themselves
properly in dealing with people during social functions.
ceremonies. 3.3. Address/Title – Junior in rank address senior
5.4. Uniform/Appearance – The public looks upon a PNP member
members who are entitled to salute with the word “Sir”. as distinctively a man among men. It is a welcome sight when PNP
members wear their uniform properly wherever they may be. Since
3.4. Courtesy Calls – The following are the customs on courtesy disciplined PNP members are the best exemplified by those who are
calls: neat in appearance and wearing the prescribed uniform, they must
3.4.1. Courtesy Call of Newly Assigned/Appointed Member therefore observe the following:
– PNP members who are newly appointed or assigned in a unit or
command and to other key personnel for accounting, orientation and 5.4.1. Wearing of prescribed uniform.
other purposes. 5.4.2. Wearing as part of the uniform, awards and decorations
3.4.2. Christmas Call – PNP members pay a Christmas Call earned in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.
on their local executives in their respective area of responsibility. 5.4.3. Adherence to haircut prescribed by rules and
regulations.
3.4.3. New Year’s Call – PNP members pay a New Year’s call on 5.5. Manner of Walking – Every PNP member is expected to
their commanders and/or key officials in their respective area of walk with pride and dignity.
Sec. 6. Other Police Customs:
6.1. Visiting the Sick – PNP members who are sick in the
hospital, their residence or any place of confinement are visited by
their immediate commanders or other available officers of the unit in
order that their needs are attended to.
6.2. Survivor Assistance to Heirs of Deceased Members –
When PNP members die, a survivor officer is designated to render
maximum assistance to their legitimate bereaved family until all
benefits due shall have been received.
6.3. Visiting the Religious Leaders – PNP Officers visit
religious leaders in their area of assignment to establish or maintain
rapport and cooperation between the different religious leaders and
the PNP.
6.4. Athletics – All PNP members indulge that their proper physical
appearance and bearing are maintained with the waist line
measurement always smaller than 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.
Sec. 7. Tradition – The following are police traditions:
7.1. Spiritual Beliefs – The 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. They sacrificed their limbs and lives for
the sake of their countrymen whom they have pledge to serve.
7.3. Patriotism – The PNP members are traditionally patriotic
by nature. They manifest their love off country with pledge of
allegiance to the flag and a vow to defend the constitution.
7.4. Discipline – The discipline of PNP members are manifested by
instinctive obedience to lawful orders and through and spontaneous
actions towards attainment of organizational objectives guided by
moral, ethical and legal norms.
7.5. Gentlemanliness – The PNP members are upright in
character, polite in manners, dignified in appearance, and sincere in
their concern to their fellowmen.
7.6. Word of Honor – The PNP members’ word is their bond. They
stand by the commit to uphold it.
7.7. Duty – The PNP members have historically exemplified
themselves as dedicated public servants who perform their tasks
with a deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice.
7.8. Loyalty – The policemen 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, is manifested by the PNP members’ deep commitment and
concern to one another.
ARTICLE V – POLICE OFFICERS’ PLEDGE (POP)
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.
ARTICLE VI – GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Foundation – All PNP members in the performance of
their duties shall fully abide by this Code. This Code is anchored on
the divine and moral precepts, existing Constitution of the Republic
of the Philippines and relevant provisions of the Revised Penal
Code, RA 6713 (Ethical Standards of Public officials and
employees), RA 3019 (Anti-Graft Practices Act), RA 6975
(DILG/PNP Law of 1991) and other related special laws.
Sec. 2. Commitment – In order to insure commitment to this Code
by the members of the PNP, the following shall be observed:
2.1. All PNP members shall take upon themselves that the
intent and spirit of this Code are honored and upheld at all times.
2.2. Directors, Chiefs and Heads of Offices/Stations shall set
the example and be responsible in the observance of this Code.
2.3. The Priests/Ministers/Imams of the PNP Chaplain Service, while
setting the example, shall actively participate in the internalization of
this Code.
2.4. All members of the PNP shall take an oath that they shall
commit themselves to this Code. The oath of commitment shall be
done upon entry into the PNP, upon promotion to the next higher
rank and upon assumption of office/position.
Sec. 3. Propagation and Development – Propagation and
Development of this Code is a command policy and its
implementation thereof is a command responsibility of PNP
Commanders at all levels.
3.1. All PNP members shall be issued upon entry into the
police service a copy of this Code which shall be considered an
accountable property.
3.2. The Code shall internalized by all members and
institutionalized in the PNP. It will be part of the curricula of all PNP
academic courses and will be interpreted in moral value programs
conducted thru regular police information and education activities.
3.3 There shall be a continuous appraisal and study on the
effectiveness of this Code consistent with the growth and dynamics
of performance standards and professionalization of the PNP.
3.4. This Code shall be subject to review initially three (3) years after
its effectivity and every five (5) years thereafter, or sooner if the
need arises, for possible revision and/or modification of its
implementation strategy.
3.5. The PNP Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability
(PNPOESPA) shall oversee the internalization and
institutionalization of this Code.
Sec. 4. Appropriations – The fund allocation necessary for the
effective propagation and development of this Code shall be
provided.
 
Sec. 5. Miscellaneous – There shall be a sustained effort to
improve the Code in the following functional areas:
5.1. Strengthen and reinvigorate activities on historical
recording and interpretations of contemporary events.
5.2. The PNP organization shall be so structured to reinforce
values and standards of this Code.
5.3. In case of conflict in the practice of customs and traditions on
one hand and in the performance of duties on the other, the latter
shall prevail.
5.4. PNP members shall morally and duty bound to advise fellow
members to refrain from violating this Code.
5.5. In cases where erring PNP members are found to be
incorrigibles, proper report shall be made to the appropriate
authority.
Sec. 6. Penalties and Administrative Sanctions – The penalties
of the commission of acts/practices in violation of this Code shall be
in accordance with the Revised Penal Code, RA 6713, RA 3019 and
other special laws. For acts or omissions which merely require
administrative sanctions, the applicable punishments as provided for
by the rules and regulations promulgated by the PNP, NAPOLCOM,
Civil Service Commission and DILG shall be applied.
What are the purposes of the COPCES?
• 1. Foster individual efficiency, behavioral discipline and
organizational effectiveness, as well as respect for
constitutional and human rights of citizens, democratic
principles and ideals and the supremacy of civilian authority
over the military;
• 2. Set the moral tone and norms of professional conduct in the
police service;
Guiding Policies and Principles towards Professionalized and
Dedicated Law Enforcers.
• 1. Public office is a public trust
• 2. All public servants must at all times be accountable to the
people
• 3. Serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, morality, loyalty
and efficiency
• 4. Respect to human rights and dignity as a hallmark of a
democratic society
• 5. Bear faithful allegiance to the legitimate government
• 6. Support and uphold the Constitution
• 7. Respect the duly constituted authority and be loyal to the
police service
Canons of Police Ethics
• 1. Primordial Police Responsibility - to serve and protect the
citizenry
• 2. Limitation of Police Authority - police authority is subject to
limitations and regulations of the Constitution and other
pertinent laws
• 3. Knowledge of the Law and other Responsibilities - being a
law enforcers, police officers are expected to be
knowledgeable about the law that they need to be enforce.
• 4. Use of Proper Means to Obtain Proper Ends - only those
legally allowed action should be taken by the police officers in
the delivery of justice.
• 5. Cooperation with Public Officials - they are likewise expected
to be cooperated to other public officials and other agency in
the performance of their duties especially if that cooperation is
necessary in their operation.
• 6. Proper Conduct and Behavior - police officers are expected
to conduct themselves in manner that will never replace the
organization in bad light.
• 7. Conduct Towards the Community - members of the
community should be considered as partner in crime
prevention and peace and order.
• 8. Conduct in Arresting Law violators no unnecessary force nor
violence is needed. Observance of the rights of the person to
be arrested must be always considered.
• 9. Firmness in Refusing Gifts
• 10. Impartial presentation of Evidence - only pieces of evidence
which are obtained lawfully should be utilized. Bias or ill motive
should be avoided.
• 11. Attitude Towards Police Profession - they must consider
their profession as noble calling. Hence, they must love, care
and protect the image of the profession through good deeds.
CORRUPTION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MISCONDUCT
Police officers may be held liable for criminal, civil and
administrative charges.
• Malfeasance generally refers to acts of wrongdoing or
misconduct.
• Misconduct refers to the improper performance of lawful act.
• Nonfeasance means the failure to take prompt action.
• Negligence refers to acts where the state of mind or intent is
not essential.
• Gratuities are material favors or gifts in return for service; the
universal code of ethics for law enforcers disapproves of
gratuities. The lingo “pasasalamat” “padulas” and “pabagsak”
are commonly used term for gratuities.
• A gratuity is something given voluntarily in return for or in
anticipation of a favor or service. By the mere definition of the
• word, it is unethical for police officers to take gratuities. Based
on this definition, few officers would oppose that it is wrong to
take a gift knowing that the giver expects a “professional favor”.
• “Pasasalamat” refers to the acceptance of gifts, money or
favor as a result of an act performed by a police officer or
public servant.
• “Pabagsak” is used to denote the giving of money or favor and
acceptance of any public to perform his/her functions.
• “Padulas” refers to the taking of money, gifts or favors from
other by a public servant to expedite the performance of official
functions.
• Techniques to avoid gratuities:
• Police officers necessitate to be taught ways that they can
tactfully and with dignity avoid accepting gratuities and the
accompanying embarrassment. Below are some simple ways
on how police officers can deal with offers of gratuities.
• a. Change your habits- Avoid routines and take breaks, eat
meals, and fill out reports at different times and places. If you
are frequently seen in uniform at the same coffee shop by the
same people, even if your presence is completely justified, the
perception may build that this is how you spend most of your
working time.
• b. Develop set replies for circumventing the offer of items such
as free coffee- Be familiar with the price of coffee and, on your
way out, leave that amount at the cash register, with or without
a bill. No matter what the cashier might articulate, simply lay
down the money, add a smile and a “thank you,” and leave.
• c. Cultivate set responses for declining free or half-priced
food. – For example, a police officer might reply, “No, I feel
much better paying the same as everyone else, but thanks for
being thoughtful.” If the cashier gives you an line of reasoning,
even a well-meant one, place themoney on the counter and
leave, with a simple “thank you.”
• “ Police Brutality” denotes the unreasonable and unnecessary
use of force, commonly done in affecting arrest of criminal
offenders, fugitives from justice and suspects or abuse in the
manner of executing a warrant of arrest, search and seizure.
• Corruption is a corrosive element which spreads like rust if it is
not contained and eliminated. “ Rotten Apple Theory” The
culture of honest policing refers to the barrel while corrupt
behavior is a bad apple.
• Corruption and Misconduct
• Police supervisors must make every effort not only for the
absence of corruption and other forms of misconduct but, more
importantly for integrity. In law enforcement, integrity refers to
personal commitment by each member of the department to do
his or her best to further the department’s goal of honorably
and lawfully serving and protecting the public.
• A police supervisor’s goal is to inhibit corruption and
misconduct in ways that simultaneously improve , or at least do
not impair, the organization’s capacity to control crime and
meet community needs. Corruption is an officer’s misuse of
police authority for personal gain. While, misconduct is
nonconformity with police obligation. It encompasses
corruption and a host of other misdeeds.
• How corruption is viewed :
• Police view- Most police officials behave toward corruption as
a subject to be avoided. The prevailing standpoint is often the
less said, the better. Despite the fact that most pol9ce 9fficials
recognize corruption to be a recurring and persistent problem,
not all concede that it is a serioud one. This is the prevalent
notion so even in departments with an acknoledge history of
police wrongdoing.
• Public view- Police wrongdoing often provokes a public a
feeling betrayal. Citizens except officers to be upright,
honorable and dependable – they do not except officers to
work together with crim8nals any more than they expect
doctors to spread disease.
• The bond of brotherhood - From the moment a new police
recruit is sworn in, the bond of brotherhood begins. Initially,
 rookies see all senior officers as role models and they look to
them for approval, advice and guidance. Enforcement than in
most other occupations.
• 2. The development of trust – The “street” has a technique of
demanding camaraderie. The phrase “taking care of your own”
take on a special meaning. Watching out for one another is
something officers do on the street. They have to be able to
trust their fellow police officera. Anyone who has been on the
street comprehends that loyalty to one onother is fundamental.
It would be difficult to survive without it.
• The tolerance of corruption – Even police officers who are
honest sometimes tolerate corruption. They keep silent about
it and act as if not to know what other officers are doing
because they have to work with and depend on them for
backup. If cross-examined by an investigator from the internal
affairs unit, they may go far to avoid telling the truth. The
premise of not snitching, or informing, on fellow officers is well-
known. Once, caught, the corrupt officer has much the same
attitude, refusing to incriminate other officers, not only from fear
but also from loyalty. To some officers, the most serious
accusation that can be cast upon another officer is that he or
she violated the code of silence and provided information to
internal affairs investigation.
• Supervisors & Police Corruption
• Occasionally police corruption is ignored by supervisors
and internal affairs investigation is ignored – not so much to
avoid punishing wrongdoers, but because it makes the
department “look bad”. Do you think police corruption should
be ignored for the sake of avoiding shame to the agency;
perhaps personal embarrassment to honest officers, who will
suffer being associated with corrupt police in the minds of the
public, their colleagues, and families?
• “Bad cops” – Loyalty is an important component of a unified
police agency, but it does not include the “bad cop” who thinks
other officers will not speak Up about his or her corruption.
Corrupt and depraved police officers do not care about law
enforcement, the people they are sworn to protect, or fellow
officers. They only care about themselves. It is imperative to
think about what and who would be protected if one were to
keep silent as another officer stole or committed perjury. In a
profession sworn, intimidate, deceive, steal, or otherwise
take advantage of others, should be separated from
service and filed with the corresponding appropriate charges.
If one is going to be a police officer and be good at the job, he
or she must have the audacity and courage to stand up for
what is right in all situation.
• Forms of Police Corruption
• The term police corruption is often used in allusion to all
kinds wrong police conduct, including brutality or excessive use
of force, racial discrimination, and perjury. Corruption includes
a wide range of misconduct. It can be the acceptance of large
payoffs from gamblers and drug dealers in return from granting
them exemption from arrest. It can also be receiving of
common, small “gifts” such as bottles of liquor or small sums of
money in return for performing some minor favor, such as
permitting illegal parking.
• The following defines and details the characteristics of the
major categories of corruption engaged in by police.
• Negotiable graft- refers to mutual bargaining behavior
engaged in between officers and criminals. The police officers
who arrest a drug dealer may bargain a payoff or extort money
from him or her. Police may be susceptible to proposals from
vice and drug dealers l, not only because of the money to be
made, but also as a consequences of public apathy towards
enfacement.
• 2. Extortion- refers to the practice of solicitation of money or
favors from officers in return for ignoring violation of laws.
Increase on negotiable graft becomes direct extortion, a
practice engaged in by a small percentage of police.
“Victimless crimes” such as gambling and prostitution are often
preferred targets of the extortionist. Those involve will often pay
money of offer business services to officer in return for
information pertaining to pending raid or open arrest warrants.
The officer who engaged in such activities are “entrepreneurs”
who are determined to make as much money as possible and
are determined to make as much money as possible and are
unlikely to be dissuaded by any sanction shorts of arrests.
• 3. Acceptance of petty bribes- In addition to vice and
narcotics, many activities provide occasion for graft. A familiar
situation is that of the motorist who is stopped for a traffic
violation, such as speeding or ignoring a red light. Desiring to
avoid spending a day in court, paying a fine and higher
insurance premiums, or losing driving privileges, the motorist
offers the officers a small bribe. In some cities, such petty
bribery is so customary that drivers fold money, along with their
driver’s license, in a plastic container before passing it to the
officer. The officer can remove the money without alerting
passers-by that he or she is taking a bribe . In the same way,
the professional crim8nal, when arrested, may seek to avoid
prosecution by making a payoff to the arresting officer.
• 4. Taking kickbacks and similar rewards- An officer who is
used to accepting small rewards may become greedier over
time. Setting-up “ relationship” with businesses can provide
additional opportunities for income. Officers who refer
customers to these businesses can collect a “kickback”. A
kickback refers to money or something of value given to the
officer by a “business” in exchange for consideration. Working”
relationship” are often created between police officers and
those who provided services in times of crisis (undertakers,
bondsmen, criminal lawyers, tow truck drivers, and doctors).
With an inexperienced person, the officer may approach him or
her as a helpful friend.
5. Opportunistic theft- Another form of corruption may be
characterized as a opportunistic theft. This is a theft that arises
naturally out of the performance of an officer's routine duties.
An officer is called upon to assist a drunk or injured citizens
and holds onto the individual’s personal items during the
incident. The officer may remove cash or other valuables,
thinking that the person will not remember what happened.
Another example would be an officer who is investigating the
scene of a burglary and finds money in a drawer. The officer
lists the money as stolen and pockets it.
• 6. Taking bribes from other officers- Another significant form
of corruption is that which occurs among officers. Some
examples are street officers who pay inside officers to fabricate
attendance records, influences vacations and day off, and
report them as being on duty when they are not. Internal
payoffs provide a way in which police on the street carve up
illegal gains with those working inside, who have fewer
opportunities for corruption. It is safe to take a broad view that
wherevwr there is widespread corruption between police and
citizens, there are likely to be payoffs among police officers as
well.
The Damage Done by Corruption
• Facilitation of crime- When police protect gamblers or during
dealers, they are allowing gambling and drug dealing to
continue unchecked, which damages the quality of lives of the
citizens. They also make possible the violence and criminality
that characteristically attend the gambling rackets and drug
trade. Officers use their working hours seeking the next payoffs
and reduce the overall effectiveness of the department.
• 2. Erosion of public confidence- Police corruption weakens
public confidence in the police . It promotes an restlessness
and agitation in the community. Police officers are most
successful when the public believes they are on the job and
can be depended upon. When dishonesty is exposed or is
believed to exist, the public feels both betrayed and vulnerable
and support for the police erodes.
• 3. Interference with departmental efficiency and
effectiveness- Some police officials do not think that
corruption get in the way with sound management of the
department, especially when the corruption is confined to vice
control and enforcement. They bicker that patterns of
corruption will not prevent the chief from implementing
whatever organizational changes or experiments he or she
 feels are necessary. Still, research suggest that this is wishful
or self-serving thinking. Corrupt police organizations are also
organizationally unyielding and inflexible. This rigidly limits
improvement and prevents the promotion of officials who are
not bound to the status quo. Corrupt police officers attempt to
undermine organizations or changes of assignment that
threaten to restrain their profit-making enterprises.
• 2. Erosion of public confidence- Police corruption weakens
public confidence in the police . It promotes an restlessness
and agitation in the community. Police officers are most
successful when the public believes they are on the job and
can be depended upon. When dishonesty is exposed or is
believed to exist, the public feels both betrayed and vulnerable
and support for the police erodes.
• 3. Interference with departmental efficiency and
effectiveness- Some police officials do not think that
corruption get in the way with sound management of the
department, especially when the corruption is confined to vice
control and enforcement. They bicker that patterns of
corruption will not prevent the chief from implementing
whatever organizational changes or experiments he or she
feels are necessary. Still, research suggest that this is wishful
or self-serving thinking. Corrupt police organizations are also
organizationally unyielding and inflexible. This rigidly limits
improvement and prevents the promotion of officials who are
not bound to the status quo. Corrupt police officers attempt to
undermine organizations or changes of assignment that
threaten to restrain their profit-making enterprises.
• 4. No control of misconduct of subordinates by
supervisors- Problems are complicated when supervisory
personnel are crooked and dishonest. A supervisor who ask for
or accepts bribes cannot or will not control misconduct by
• commissioned officers and senior non-commissioned officers
get the bulk of the graft, patrol officers learn thatas long as they
do not question matters, they need not worry about discipline
and can take their proper duties lightly. Without effective
supervision, officers are likely to react more slowly to calls for
assistance, avoid assigned duties, sleep on the job, look for
ways to earn extra money, and perform poorly in situation
requiring discipline and organization.
Impairment of departmental morale
1. Psychological price for officers- When the public believes
that corruption is presented and prevalent within the police
department, the honest officers pay a heavy psychological
price. Individual officers may have To go about their business
knowing that many citizens consider them hoodlums in uniform.
2. Demotivation- Because corruption is a first cousin to
favoritism and nepotism, many officers in departments where
corruption has long existed will probably be persuaded that the
department is not fairly run. Honest administrators may find it
complicated to motivate or supervise officers who lack such
pride.
3. 3. Imposition of new rules and regulations- In addition,
when a scandal is uncovered, the police department may
respond by imposing new rules and regulations, as if the
absence of prohibitions were what caused officers to become
corrupt in the first place. These new rules will justifiably arouse
disbelief and doubt among the rank and file. If corruption
continues, and anti-corruption rules build up in an effort to
cover every imaginable situation. Importance upon negative
guidance creates an atmosphere of distrust that is
uncomforting to honest and well-intentioned officers.
Condition That Breed Corruption
1. Lenient Community Standards
a. Corruption is a product of the community as a whole. It is
true that police corruption arises in a framework of shared
values and expectations. To a considerable degree, police
behavior simply reflects the ethics of the larger community in
which the police carry out their duties. No police department
can continue an island of integrity in a sea of corruption.
Governmental and societal corruption can spill over into law
enforcement.
b. Development of distrust by police officers- Operating in this
larger environment, it is not surprising that police can become
skeptical and cynical about their work. When they encounter
citizens who are willing to pay them to overlook the law, ( the
citizen who wants to avoid a traffic ticket, the entrepreneur who
wants to get the jump on competitors, the
criminal who wants to be free to carry on an iplegal operation)
some officers come to see themselves as operating in a world
of corruption.
c. Hesitation of the police chief- Some police chiefs are
reluctant to deal with corruption. If, not honest police chief have
gone to unusual lengths in efforts to shield the crooks and
incompetents within the ranks from exposure. One reason for
this attitude is the fear that once corruption is exposed, the
public will overstate its scope, thereby damaging the chief’s
and the police department’s reputation. The police chief who
accepts the view that corruption is here to stay is improbable to
give much thought to how to combat it internally.
d. Lack of support from prosecutors and courts.- Another
obstruction- or perceived barrier- to integrity is the operation of
the criminal justice system as a whole. The administration of
criminal justice is divided among several pillars and the police
represent only one component of the system. This division of
labor is a source of misunderstanding and mutual resentment.
The police see their good faith efforts to enforce the law
dismiss cases or reduce charges without perceptible reason or
adequate jurisdiction. Likewise, judges sometimes dismiss
cases for reasons that the police consider “technicalities” and a
fixation With petty details. When police officers infer that
prosecutors and judges are corrupt, the feeling may grow into a
self-serving justification for an officer’s own misconduct.
• The key elements for a corrupt behavior are:
>Conduct prohibited by law and regulations;
>Involving misuse of position or duty; and
>Resulting in reward or personal gain on the part of the
public servant.
• The “slippery slope” is a part of the corruption continuum,
wherein an honest police officers turns bad due to repeatedly
accepting free meals, free fare and similar insignificant acts of
small indiscretion which leads to serious misbehavior and
finally corruption.
• “White Knights” or “Eagles” refers to policemen with integrity
and honest straightforward. Mostly idealistic they rise above
corruption and confront it.
• Corrupt police officers are classified as:
>Meat eaters- “Carnivorous cops” who actively and
aggressively seek personal gain through position or power.
>Grass eaters- “Vegetarian Cops” refers to police officers
who passively accept gifts and bribes as they come along.
 Straight Shooters refer to honest policemen who
are ready to cover and conceal corrupt practices of
the police department as part of camaraderie and the
unwritten code of silence.
 Rogues commonly called “hoodlums in uniforms”
or “ scalawags” are policemen who possess all the
deviant behavior of a corrupt cop.
 Organization breakdown that may result to individual and
collect acts of police corruption:
>Double standards within the police organization which
decreases moral accountability as 0rofessional responsibility
increases.
>Ineffective or little discipline of erring police officers.
>Ignorance of the nature and effects of the goal of the police
service which is crime prevention, detection of crimes,
apprehension of criminal offenders, maintenance of peace and
order and enforcement of laws.
• To maintain police integrity, police organization must hire
selectively, create an anti-corruption environment and ensure
that all members understand the importance of integrity in
policing.
The Supervisor’s ethical responsibilities in fighting
corruption:
1. Role Model- With leadership comes supplementary ethical
responsibilities. Supervisors must be leaders and role model
who improve and form their employees' sense of ethics. The
law enforcement agency must support the police supervisor in
these endeavor and provide procedures which helps the
identified, sanctioned and rooted out of the police organization.
2. 2. Encouragement of loyalty- Supervisors are in charge of
encouraging teamwork, loyalty and comradeship within his/her
jurisdiction
3. They must also take timely and fitting measures to work
against unethical conduct or bad attitudes. The best approach
for supervisors to develop dedication and loyalty is to be worthy
of respect. When a senior/police officer has a positive attitude,
his or her subordinates tend to think the same way. On the
other hand, a negative and skeptical police supervisor will
almost always have unenthusiastic and pessimistic
subordinates.
Combating Corruption and Fostering Integrity
Responsibility for combating police corruption ultimately
falls on the police chief and his or her supervisors. Measures
by which corruption can be combated are as follows:
1. Speaking Out- Every police supervisor and manager, from the
police chief to the first-line supervisors, must make it clear to all
police personnel in his/her jurisdiction and direct command that
corruption will not be tolerated and that the only “honest
money” is the paycheck. In formulating this idea, supervisor
must take care not to attack all personnel. An anti- corruption
program should not cause offense those who have maintained
ethical standards. Statements condemning corrupt officers
should offer reassurance and solace to the honest and
dedicated ones, as well as admonition and counsel to
dishonest officers who are still redeemable. Most important,
officers will not respond positively unless the police chief and
his/her managers mean what they say.
2. Internal Audience-. To be convincing, the chief and his or her
managers and supervisors must st an example to the officers in
the department. They should not receive gifts, accept
discounts, or dine at fancy restaurants free of charge. They
should not fix tickets for friends or family or accept free
admission to sporting or entertainment events. Over time, the
chief’s and supervisor’s examples will have some bearing on
his/her subordinates.
3. External Audience- A second audience for the chief and
supervisors is the public. Here the message is that those who
put forward bribes as well as those who accept them are guilty
of a crime and subject to arrest. This point, if made repetitively
and continually in talks to businesses, civic organizations, and
news conferences or other media appearances, and if backed
up by disciplinary measures, will have a positive effect.
4. Internal Action- Fixing the problem- Corruption is a failure of
management, leadership, command, organization and policy.
The focus should be on fixing it, not on who is to blame. To be
effective, a wide-ranging segment of areas that are breeding
grounds for corruption need to be fixed. In some cases,
revamping of the entire agency is needed. Well- articulated
values and expected behaviors, coupled with realistic
circumstances to deacribe this behavior in detail, are the key,
but these must be articulated by the chief and reinforcement by
all of his or her managers.
Accountability-. Holding people answerable for their
actions is necessary. Only when the chief makes every
manager and supervisor responsible for the misconduct of his
or her subordinates, can a department with serious corruption
be reformed.
Accountability in investigative units-. Accountability
has been found to be found to be particularly lacking in
investigative units, while at the same time, detective work is
particularly rich
in opportunities for corruption. Supervision is light and
most supervisors have a propensity to work alongside
subordinates
as opposed to over them. The occupation, which is ripe for
corruptive influences.
• Action of the leader-. Some wrongdoing will elud3 even the
most competent supervisor. Answerability can be strengthened
through adjustments to minimize the span of control of
supervisors. This span of control should allow for close
evaluations and monitoring of every subordinate by his/her
supervisor.
5. Improving the use of discretion-. Increased accountability
should lead to the improved use of discretion or use or
personal judgement by the officer, especially in the decision to
arrest. The arrest resolution can be a difficult one. Following
the formal rules may be neither just, customary, nor
appropriate.
• Clear explanation of discretion-. When departmental policy
and guidelines covering the use of discretion are unclear or
nonexistent, supervisors cannot hold their subordinates
accountable. Discretion must be clear in orders and in policy,
as well as taught in scenario-based, decision-making training at
both the entry and in-service levels.
• Study of evaluative procedures-. Agencies need to regularly
review their evaluative standards for performance indicators in
the vice and narcotics arena, and should move away from the
quantity of arrests towards the quality of arrests and
subsequent reductions in the incidence of the crime. This is
beacaus3, in filling quotas, police officers find numerous
opportunities to obtain under duress payoffs from criminals.
• Promoting integrity through training
• Public Safety Basic Recruit training programs-. Over the
years, nearly every major police department has devotee a
significant chunk of instruction in the recruit training program to
ethics training. Recruits are educated on the temptations that
exist in the real world and provided with ways of avoiding these
pitfalls. Trough a combination of lecture and discussion the
recruits gain knowledge of the string attached to accepting
“free” meals, discounts, and other “job benefits” from the
citizens they serve.
• Results of poor training, or inadequate training-. Recruits
without proper training can be drawn into the prevailing web of
corruption so quickly and unassumingly that they are involved
before they know it. For this reason, training must give
emphasis to more that legal obligations and department values.
This training should provide the recruit with genuine contact to
what he/sheay encounter in the field and techniques to ward off
such hazards, as well as enumerating the punishments meted
out to the officer who chooses to violate standards.
• In-service training programs-. In-service training classes are
customarily conducted by police departments in order to help
strengthen and underline initial entry-level ethics training
received by the officers. Here, round table discussions often
smooth the progress of the training and the officers share
stories about personal temptations and field experiences. By
addressing these concerns on a frequent and open basis,
departments demonstrate that they are pro-active in efforts to
combat unethical behavior. By ignoring this important topic,
officers could wrongly draw the conclusion that the department
condones criminality, or simply doesn’t care.
• Agency policy manuals-. The police agency’s policy manual
must clearly contain policy and associated guidelines that
uphold ethical behavior among all department members. Strict
 but reasonable rules of conduct must be established in the
policy manual, along with penalties for any violations. These
sanctions should include some of the severe penalties, such as
reprimand, confinement to limits, suspension, relieve from
assignment, demotion up to dismissal from the police service.
Provisions of the revised penal code applicable to law
enforcement personnel:
Who are public officers? Under Art. 203 public officers refers
to any person who, by direct provision of the law, popular
election or appointment by contempt authority, shall take part in
the performance of public functions in the Government of the
Philippine Islands, of shall perform in said Government or in
any of its branches public duties as an employee, agent or
subordinate official, of any rank or class, shall be deemed to be
a public officer.
Are police officers considered as persons in authority?
Under Art. 152 of the revised penal code a persons in authority
is any person directly vested with jurisdiction, whether as an
individual or as a member of some court or governmental
corporation, board, or commission. A barrio captain and a
barangay chairman shall also be deemed a person in authority.
• Under this provision police officers are merely agents of
person in authority who, by directly provision of law or by
election or by appointment by competent authority, is charged
with the maintenance of public order and the protection and
security of life and property, such as a barrio councilman,
barrio policeman and barangay leader and any person who
comes to the aid of persons in authority.
In relation to their multi-various duties and responsibilities
to society the following offenses may be committed by our
law enforcement personnel in relation to the performance
of their duties:
CRIMES AGAINS THE FUNDAMENTAL LAWS OF THE
STATE
Article 124. Arbitrary Detention
Article 125. Delay in the Delivery of Detained Persons to the
Proper Judicial Authorities
Article 126. Delaying Release
Article 127. Expulsion
Article 128. Violation of Domicile
Article 129. Search Warrants Maliciously Obtained, and Abuse
in the Service of Those Legally Obtained
Article 130. Searching Domicile without Witnesses
Article 131. Prohibition, Interruption, and Dissolution of
Peaceful Meetings
Article 132. Interruption of Religious Worship
Article 210. Direct Bribery
Article 211. Indirect Bribery
Article 223. Conniving with or Consenting to Evasion
Article 224. Evasion through Negligence
Article 226. Removal, Concealment, or Destruction of
Documents Elements
Article 227. Officer Breaking Seal
Article 228. Opening of Closed Documents
Article 229. Revelation of Secrets by An Officer
Article 230. Public Officer Revealing Secrets of Private
individual
Article 231. Open Disobedience
Article 232. Disobedience to Order of Superior Officer When
Said Order Was Suspended by Inferior Officer
Article 233. Refusal of Assistance
Article 235. Maltreatment of Prisoners
Article 237. Prolonging Performance of Duties and Powers
Article 238. Abandonment of Office or Position
Article 245. Abuses against Chastity
• Administrative offenses for which a PNP member may be
charged are as follows:
>Neglect of duty-. Also known as non-feasance refers to the
omission or refusal, without sufficient excuse, to perform an
act or duty, which it was the peace officer’s legal obligation to
perform; it implies a duty as well as it’s breach and the fact can
never be found in the absence of a duty.
>Irregularity in the Performance of duty-. The improper
performance of some act, which might be lawfully done. Also
termed as misfeasance.
> Misconduct or Malfeasance-. The doing, either though
ignorance, in attention or malice, of what which the officer had
no legal right to do at all, as where he acts without any
authority whatsoever or exceeds, ignores or abuse his power.
Misconduct generally means wrongful improper, or lawful
conduct, motivated by premeditated, obstinate, or intentional
purpose. It usually refers to transgression or se established
and definite rule of action, where no discretion is left except
what necessity may demand: it does not necessarily imply
corruption or criminal intention but implies wrongful intention
and not mere error or judgement.
 Incompetency-. Refers to the manifest lack of adequate
ability and fitness for the satisfactory performance, of police
duties. This has reference to any physical, moral or intellectual
quality the lack of which substantially incapacitates one to
perform the duties of a peace officer. When the offense is
committed by reason of manifest lack of adequate ability and
fitness, the erring member shall be guilty of Gross
Incompetency.
 Oppression-. Refers to the act of importing an act of cruelty,
severity, unlawful extraction, domination or excessive use
of authority. The exercise of the unlawful powers or other
means, in depriving an individual of his liberty to property
against his will is generally an act of oppression.
 Dishonesty-. The concealment or distortion of the truth in a
matter or act relevant to one’s office or connected with the
performance of duties.
 Disloyalty-. The government consists of abandonment or
renunciation of one’s loyalty to the government of the
Philippines or advocating the overthrow of the government.
Maximum penalty of dismissal from the service is imposed.
 Violation of law-. Pre supposes conviction in court of any
crime or offense penalized under the Revised Penal Code or
any special law or ordinances which are criminal in nature.
>Simple Neglect of duty-. A light offense and incurred by any
PNP member who shall:
• Fail to supervise, inspect and control subordinates directly
under his command to their punctuality, attendance, prescribed
attire proper use and maintenance of equipment, preparation
and submission of reports, efficient performances filthier duties
and responsibilities, and the observance of good order,
conduct, behavior and discipline;
• Fail to take corrective action by way or warning, advise,
admonition or suggestion to a subordinate is committing or has
already committed a dereliction, irregularity or violation of
department rules and regulations;
• Fail to disseminate any order, directive or instruction;
• Fail to coordinate or cooperate with other law enforcement
agencies and their personnel;
• Fail to order or cause the investigation of a subordinate
reported to him as absent without leave;
• Absent himself from office without having filed the necessary
application for leave, either prior to the enjoyment of the leave
or immediately thereafter
• Fail to refuse or give his name and badge number when
properly requested;
• Fail to report for duty in prescribed uniform with badge
identification card, servise firearm and other required
equipment, except those not required to wear the prescribed
uniform by reason of exigency of the service;
• Fail to keep an official appointment with a complainant,
imformer or crime witnesses without lawful justification;
• Fail to submit a written report to his commanding officer
immediately or within a reasonable time after accidental firing
of his firearm, as time and circumstances would permit;
• Fail to take custody of government issued property from a
member of his command who is suspended, separated, retired
or dead;
• Fail to respond to or expedite action without sufficient
justification on a complaint brought to the attention of the
department in person, by telephone or letter;
• Fail to conduct within a reasonable period, proper, thorough
and complete investigation conducted by him;
• Fail to thoroughly search for, collects, preserves and identify
evidence in any arrest or investigation conducted by him;
• Fail to take proper custody, record, tag and identify property
entrusted to him as evidence;
• Be delayed unnecessarily in attending to or in performing a
duty;
• Appear and testify in court, prosecutor’s office, PLEB, RAB,
NAB or any other quasi-judicial body while not in proper
uniform, except those duly exempted therefrom;
• Fail to report to his commanding or superior officer his inability
or incapacity to report for duty, attend a conference, general
imspection or participate in an operation;
• Fail to inform his superior as to the result of action taken on a
call or dispatch;
• Fail to report to his commanding or superior officer a
hazardous condition or dangerous situation;
• Fail to prepare and submit properly written reports within the
prescribed period of time, if required by standing regulations;
and
• Fail to perform any other act analogous to the foregoing.
 Simple Irregularity-. In the performance of duty is incurred by
any member of the PNP who shall:
• Be found or have the odor or smell of alcohol on his breath
while on duty or possess alcoholic beverages on hi person,
police vehicle, post or office;
• Drive a mark police vehicle while not in prescribed uniform
except those who are not required to do so by reason of the
exigency of the service;
• Use siren or red blinker light while not responding to an
emergency or not in hot pursuit of a fleeing criminal or law
violator;
• Malingering, loaf or consort with others while on duty or
arrange with another member to take his place during his tour
of duty, without prior approval of his superior;
• Allow unauthorized members of the police force to drive
marked or unmarked police vehicle;
• Interferes or abstract the work of other members or change the
assignment or tour of duty of subordinates not belonging to his
command, and
• Commit any other act analogous to the foregoing.
>Slight or simple misconduct is a light offenses incurred by
any member of the PNP who shall:
• Fail to salute officials, dignitaries, superior officers and other
officials entitled thereto or the national colors during the playing
of the national anthem;
• Fight, threaten or quarrel with any member of the police force
that when the member being challenged or threatened is one
higher, the charge shall be that of Grave Misconduct;
• Read newspapers, books or periodicals while in uniform and on
street duty;
• Be untidy or uncouth in his personal appearance and behave in
an ungentlemanly or undignified manner;
• Fail to recognize and justify any just debt;
• Engage in any remunerative or gainful occupation or activity
during off duty hours without approval of property authority;
• Solicit attorneys, bondsmen or guarantors for arrested or
confined persons;
• Fail to be at home or to be at the place of confinement without
legitimate reason after having been reported sick or suffering
injuries;
• Use rude or insulting language or exhibit similar rudeness in
conduct to the public;
• Fail to report the record with the Complaint or Desk Officer a
case prior to its investigation;
• Allow or tolerate idlers, fixers and persons of questionable
character to stay or loiter in his office, post or place of
assignment without legitimate reason or purpose;
• Fail to maintain cleanliness and orderliness in his office,
premises, post, or surrounding;
• Use official forms, letterheads, seal and stamps privately or in
violation of protocol; Provided, that when they used for
committing fraud, the charge shall be Grave Misconduct; and
• Commit any other acts analogous to the foregoing.
>Less Grave Neglect of Duty-. Is incurred by any member of
the PNP who shall:
• Fail to execute lawful orders from higher authority or tolerate
any subordinate to ignore or ridicule any order, rule or
regulation;
• Fail to make immediate correction to take appropriate action
when a dereliction, irregularity or violation of law or duty is
being committed or has been committed in his presence by a
subordinate under his command, or fail to report the same to
his commanding officer within twenty four (24) hours;
• Fail to prepare disciplinary or administrative complaint or take
such other disciplinary action as may be necessary against
subordinates under his command who has committed a serious
dereliction, violation or irregularities;
• Fail to comply with any lawful order or instruction of a
commanding officer or the Chief of Police;
• Fail without justifiable reason, to appear and testify in court or
in the prosecutor’s office or before the PLEB, RAB, NAB which
duly modified or subpoena;
• Fail to communicate to the COP, through channels
any valuable information that will lead to the apprehension of
wanted person or furnish clues for the solution of a case, or for
the recovery of stolen property;
• Fail to report immediately to his commanding or superior officer
or to the COP the injury, illness, death or escape of a prisoner
who is under his custody;
• Fail to issue a Traffic Citation Ticket or Temporary Operation
Permit to an offending driver whose license is already
confiscated;
• Fail to return in the used TCT or TOP together with confiscated
driver’s license at the end of his tour of duty with in 24 hrs or
fail to account for the TCT’s or TOP’s issued by him;
• Fait to report as a peace officer to any incident, condition or
occurrences witnessed by or reported to him which calls for
immediate police action;
• Fail to property patrol his beat, sector, post or to leave or
abandon the same without being properly relieve fail to take
appropriate action concerning vice conditions in his beat and
give written report of the same to his supervisor.
• Fail report to his commanding officer with in a reasonable
period, injury inflicted by him to a person or animal, damage or
losses of government property while on or off duty.
POLICE ETHICS AND DECISION MAKING
• The Critical Thinking Test asks a series of “yes” or “no”
questions to determine whether or not an
• officer should proceed with an action.
• These questions ask:
– Is my action legal?
– Will the end result be good?
– Will it work?
– Is there a better, less harmful way to achieve the
same goal?
– Will my decision undermine or contradict another
equally important principle?
– Even if the end result is good, do the means violate
an ethical principle?
– Can my decision be justified if it is made public?
• The Media Test
• A similar but simpler tool, the media test requires an officer to
answer one simple question:
• “How would I feel if my decision made the front page
tomorrow?” This reminds officers that all too often, perception
becomes a reality and that, it may not be enough just to be
able to justify our actions if they cause the public to question
police practices and tactics seriously.
• The Gut Test
• Perhaps the simplest test of all is the gut test. The gut test
essentially relies on instinct and the belief that, deep down all
officers can intuit the right decision. Essentially, the gut test
relies on the principle that if it feels wrong, it probably is wrong.
This is not to be confused with the difference between feeling
good and bad, but between right and wrong.
Ethics in Government Service
• High Standard of Ethics in Public Service is a State Policy
• "It is the policy of the state to promote a high standard of ethics
in public service. Public officials and employees shall at all
times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their
duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence and
loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and
uphold public interest over personal interest."
• Section 2, RA 6713
• High standard of ethics in public service is a state policy.
• Government people are not accountable solely to their
superiors but to the public in general.
• All government people in the performance of their duties must
at all times be:
• a) Responsible;
• b) Competent;
• c) Loyal;
• d) Patriot;
• f) Live modestly;
• e) Just;
• g) Putting his personal interest behind public interest
• Public office is a Public Trust (1987 Constitution)
• Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable
• to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity,
loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead
modest life.
• It is no less than the fundamental law of the land that
enunciated the concept of "public office is a public trust".
• As expressed by Justice Malcolm when he penned a decision,
the basic idea of government in the Philippines "is that a
representative government, the officers being mere agents and
not rulers of the people, one where no one man or set of men
has a proprietary or contractual right to an office, but where
every officer accepts office pursuant to the provisions of law
and holds the office as a trust for the people whom he
represents.
Allegiance to State and to the Constitution
• Public officers and employees owe the State and Constitution
allegiance at all times, and any public officer or employee who
seeks to change his citizenship or acquire the status of an
immigrant of another country during his tenure shall be dealt
with by law.
Who are those persons covered by RA 6713?
• The law covers all officials and employees in the government,
elective and appointive, permanent or temporary, whether in
the career or non career service, including military and police
personnel, whether or not they receive compensation,
regardless of amount.
• RA 6713
• AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND
ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND
EMPLOYEES, TO UPHOLD THE TIME-HONORED
PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC OFFICE BEING A PUBLIC TRUST,
GRANTING INCENTIVES AND REWARDS FOR
EXEMPLARY SERVICE, ENUMERATING PROHIBITED
ACTS AND TRANSACTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES
FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
• Section 3 RA 6713 (a) "Government" includes the National
Government, the local governments, and all other
instrumentalities, agencies or branches of the Republic of the
Philippines including government-owned or controlled
corporations, and their subsidiaries.lawphi1.net
• (b) "Public Officials" includes elective and appointive officials
and employees, permanent or temporary, whether in the career
or non-career service, including military and police personnel,
whether or not they receive compensation, regardless of
amount.
• (c) "Gift" refers to a thing or a right to dispose of gratuitously, or
any act or liberality, in favor of another who accepts it, and
shall include a simulated sale or an ostensibly onerous
disposition thereof. It shall not include an unsolicited gift of
nominal or insignificant value not given in anticipation of, or in
exchange for, a favor from a public official or employee. d)
"Receiving any gift" includes the act of accepting directly or
indirectly, a gift from a person other than a member of his
family or relative as defined in this Act, even on the occasion of
a family celebration or national festivity like Christmas, if the
value of the gift is neither nominal nor insignificant, or the gift is
given in anticipation of, or in exchange for, a favor.
• (e) "Loan" covers both simple loan and commodatum as well
as guarantees, financing arrangements or accommodations
intended to ensure its approval.
• (f) "Substantial stockholder" means any person who owns,
directly or indirectly, shares of stock sufficient to elect a director
of a corporation. This term shall also apply to the parties to a
voting trust.
• (g) "Family of public officials or employees" means their
spouses and unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of
age.
• (h) "Person" includes natural and juridical persons unless the
context indicates otherwise.
• (i) "Conflict of interest" arises when a public official or employee
is a member of a board, an officer, or a substantial stockholder
of a private corporation or owner or has a substantial interest in
a business, and the interest of such corporation or business, or
his rights or duties therein, may be opposed to or affected by
the faithful performance of official duty.
• (j) "Divestment" is the transfer of title or disposal of interest in
property by voluntarily, completely and actually depriving or
dispossessing oneself of his right or title to it in favor of a
person or persons other than his spouse and relatives as
defined in this Act.
• (k) "Relatives" refers to any and all persons related to a public
official or employee within the fourth civil degree of
consanguinity or affinity, including bilas, inso and balae.
• Section 4 RA 6713 Norms of Conduct of Public Officials
and Employees.
• (a) Commitment to public interest. - Public officials and
employees shall always uphold the public interest over and
above personal interest. All government resources and powers
of their respective offices must be employed and used
efficiently, effectively, honestly and economically, particularly to
avoid wastage in public funds and revenues.
• (b) Professionalism. - Public officials and employees shall
perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of
excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall
enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication to
duty. They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of
their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage.
• (c) Justness and sincerity. - Public officials and employees
shall remain true to the people at all times. They must act with
justness and sincerity and shall not discriminate against
anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged. They shall
at all times respect the rights of others, and shall refrain from
doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public
policy, public order, public safety and public interest. They shall
not dispense or extend undue favors on account of their office
to their relatives whether by consanguinity or affinity except
with respect to appointments of such relatives to positions
considered strictly confidential or as members of their personal
staff whose terms are coterminous with theirs.
• (d) Political neutrality. - Public officials and employees shall
provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination and
regardless of party affiliation or preference.
• (e) Responsiveness to the public. - Public officials and
employees shall extend prompt, courteous, and adequate
service to the public. Unless otherwise provided by law or when
required by the public interest, public officials and employees
shall provide information of their policies and procedures in
clear and understandable language, ensure openness of
information, public consultations and hearings whenever
appropriate, encourage suggestions, simplify and systematize
 policy, rules and procedures, avoid red tape and develop an
understanding and appreciation of the socio-economic
conditions prevailing in the country, especially in the depressed
rural and urban areas.
• (f) Nationalism and patriotism. - Public officials and employees
shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino
people, promote the use of locally produced goods, resources
and technology and encourage appreciation and pride of
country and people. They shall endeavor to maintain and
defend Philippine sovereignty against foreign intrusion.
• (g) Commitment to democracy. - Public officials and employees
shall commit themselves to the democratic way of life and
values, maintain the principle of public accountability, and
manifest by deeds the supremacy of civilian authority over the
military. They shall at all times uphold the Constitution and put
loyalty to country above loyalty to persons or party.
• (h) Simple living. - Public officials and employees and their
families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions
and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or
ostentatious display of wealth in any form.
• Section 5 RA 6713
Duties of Public Officials and Employees
• (a) Act promptly on letters and requests. - All public officials
and employees shall, within fifteen (15) working days from
receipt thereof, respond to letters, telegrams or other means of
communications sent by the public. The reply must contain the
action taken on the request.
(b) Submit annual performance reports. - All heads or other
responsible officers of offices and agencies of the government
and of government-owned or controlled corporations shall,
within forty-five (45) working days from the end of the year,
render a performance report of the agency or office or
corporation concerned. Such report shall be open and available
to the public within regular office hours.
• (c) Process documents and papers expeditiously. - All official
papers and documents must be processed and completed
within a reasonable time from the preparation thereof and must
contain, as far as practicable, not more than three (3)
signatories therein. In the absence of duly authorized
signatories, the official next-in-rank or officer in charge shall
sign for and in their behalf.
• (d) Act immediately on the public's personal transactions. - All
public officials and employees must attend to anyone who
wants to avail himself of the services of their offices and must,
at all times, act promptly and expeditiously.
• (e) Make documents accessible to the public. - All public
documents must be made accessible to, and readily available
for inspection by, the public within reasonable working hours.
Section 7 RA 6713
• Prohibited Acts and Transactions
• (a) Financial and material interest. - Public officials and
employees shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or
material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of
their office.
• (b) Outside employment and other activities related thereto. -
Public officials and employees during their incumbency shall
not:
– (1) Own, control, manage or accept employment as
officer, employee, consultant, counsel, broker, agent,
trustee or nominee in any private enterprise
regulated, supervised or licensed by their office
unless expressly allowed by law;
– (2) Engage in the private practice of their profession
unless authorized by the Constitution or law,
provided, that such practice will not conflict or tend to
conflict with their official functions; or
– (3) Recommend any person to any position in a
private enterprise which has a regular or pending
official transaction with their office.
• Prohibited Acts and Transactions
• These prohibitions shall continue to apply for a period of one
(1) year after resignation, retirement, or separation from public
office, except in the case of subparagraph (b) (2) above, but
the professional concerned cannot practice his profession in
connection with any matter before the office he used to be with,
in which case the one-year prohibition shall likewise apply.
• (c) Disclosure and/or misuse of confidential information. -
Public officials and employees shall not use or divulge,
confidential or classified information officially known to them by
reason of their office and not made available to the public,
either:
• (1) To further their private interests, or give undue advantage to
anyone; or
• (2) To prejudice the public interest.
• (d) Solicitation or acceptance of gifts. - Public officials and
employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any
gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary
value from any person in the course of their official duties or in
connection with any operation being regulated by, or any
transaction which may be affected by the functions of their
office
• As to gifts or grants from foreign governments, the Congress
consents to:
• (i) The acceptance and retention by a public official or
employee of a gift of nominal value tendered and received as a
souvenir or mark of courtesy;
• (ii) The acceptance by a public official or employee of a gift in
the nature of a scholarship or fellowship grant or medical
treatment; or
• (iii) The acceptance by a public official or employee of travel
grants or expenses for travel taking place entirely outside the
Philippine (such as allowances, transportation, food, and
lodging) of more than nominal value if such acceptance is
appropriate or consistent with the interests of the Philippines,
and permitted by the head of office, branch or agency to which
he belongs.
– The Ombudsman shall prescribe such regulations as
may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this
subsection, including pertinent reporting and
disclosure requirements.
• Section 8 RA 6713 Statements and Disclosure - Public
officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and
submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right
to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and
business interests including those of their spouses and of
unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of age living in
their households.
• Statements and Disclosure –
• A) Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Financial
Disclosure. - All public officials and employees, except those
who serve in an honorary capacity, laborers and casual or
temporary workers, shall file under oath their Statement of
Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and a Disclosure of Business
Interests and Financial Connections and those of their spouses
and unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of age living
in their households.
• Statements and Disclosure –
• The two documents shall contain information on the following:
• (a) real property, its improvements, acquisition costs, assessed
value and current fair market value;
• (b) personal property and acquisition cost;
• (c) all other assets such as investments, cash on hand or in
banks, stocks, bonds, and the like;
• (d) liabilities, and;
• (e) all business interests and financial connections.
• The documents must be filed:
• (a) within thirty (30) days after assumption of office;
• (b) on or before April 30, of every year thereafter; and
• (c) within thirty (30) days after separation from the service.
• Statements and Disclosure –
• All public officials and employees required under this section to
file the aforestated documents shall also execute, within thirty
(30) days from the date of their assumption of office, the
necessary authority in favor of the Ombudsman to obtain from
all appropriate government agencies, including the Bureau of
Internal Revenue, such documents as may show their assets,
liabilities, net worth, and also their business interests and
financial connections in previous years, including, if possible,
the year when they first assumed any office in the Government.
• Husband and wife who are both public officials or employees
may file the required statements jointly or separately.
• Statements and Disclosure –
• The Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and the
Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections
shall be filed by:
• (1) Constitutional and national elective officials, with the
national office of the Ombudsman;
• (2) Senators and Congressmen, with the Secretaries of the
Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively;
Justices, with the Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court; Judges,
with the Court Administrator; and all national executive officials
with the Office of the President.
• (3) Regional and local officials and employees, with the Deputy
Ombudsman in their respective regions;
• (4) Officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or
naval captain, with the Office of the President, and those below
said ranks, with the Deputy Ombudsman in their respective
regions; and
• (5) All other public officials and employees, defined in Republic
Act No. 3019, as amended, with the Civil Service Commission.
• Statements and Disclosure –
• (B) Identification and disclosure of relatives. - It shall be the
duty of every public official or employee to identify and
disclose, to the best of his knowledge and information, his
relatives in the Government in the form, manner and frequency
prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.
• (C) Accessibility of documents. - (1) Any and all statements
filed under this Act, shall be made available for inspection at
reasonable hours.
• (2) Such statements shall be made available for copying or
reproduction after ten (10) working days from the time they are
filed as required by law.
• (3) Any person requesting a copy of a statement shall be
required to pay a reasonable fee to cover the cost of
reproduction and mailing of such statement, as well as the cost
of certification.
• (4) Any statement filed under this Act shall be available to the
public for a period of ten (10) years after receipt of the
statement. After such period, the statement may be destroyed
unless needed in an ongoing investigation.
• Statements and Disclosure –
• (D) Prohibited acts. - It shall be unlawful for any person to
obtain or use any statement filed under this Act for:
• (a) any purpose contrary to morals or public policy; or
• (b) any commercial purpose other than by news and
communications media for dissemination to the general public.
Section 9 RA 6713
• Divestment.
• A public official or employee shall avoid conflicts of interest at
all times. When a conflict of interest arises, he shall resign from
his position in any private business enterprise within thirty (30)
days from his assumption of office and/or divest himself of his
shareholdings or interest within sixty (60) days from such
assumption.
• The same rule shall apply where the public official or employee
is a partner in a partnership.
• The requirement of divestment shall not apply to those who
serve the Government in an honorary capacity nor to laborers
and casual or temporary workers.
Section 11 RA 6713
• Penalties.
• (a) Any public official or employee, regardless of whether or not
he holds office or employment in a casual, temporary,
holdover, permanent or regular capacity, committing any
violation of this Act shall be punished with a fine not exceeding
the equivalent of six (6) months' salary or suspension not
exceeding one (1) year, or removal depending on the gravity of
the offense after due notice and hearing by the appropriate
body or agency. If the violation is punishable by a heavier
penalty under another law, he shall be prosecuted under the
latter statute. Violations of Sections 7, 8 or 9 of this Act shall be
punishable with imprisonment not exceeding five (5) years, or a
fine not exceeding five thousand pesos (P5,000), or both, and,
in the discretion of the court of competent jurisdiction,
disqualification to hold public office.
• (b) Any violation hereof proven in a proper administrative
proceeding shall be sufficient cause for removal or dismissal of
a public official or employee, even if no criminal prosecution is
instituted against him.
• (c) Private individuals who participate in conspiracy as co-
principals, accomplices or accessories, with public officials or
employees, in violation of this Act, shall be subject to the same
penal liabilities as the public officials or employees and shall be
tried jointly with them.
• (d) The official or employee concerned may bring an action
against any person who obtains or uses a report for any
purpose prohibited by Section 8 (D) of this Act. The Court in
which such action is brought may assess against such person
a penalty in any amount not to exceed twenty-five thousand
pesos (P25,000). If another sanction hereunder or under any
other law is heavier, the latter shall apply.
• THE PEOPLES LAW ENFORCEMENT BOARD (PLEB)
• The PLEB shall “ hear and decide citizens” complaint or cases
filed before it against erring officers and menbers of the
PNP…” “Where the offenses is punishable by withholding of
privileges, restriction to specified limits, suspention or forfeiture
of salary, or any combination thereof foe a period exceeding
thirty days; or by dismissal.”
• The people’s law enforcement board is the central
receiving body for any citizen’s complaint against any
uniformed member of the Philippine National Police.
 Regardless of the imposable penalty for the alleged offense
shall be filed with the PLEB of the City or Municipality where
the offense was purportedly committed. Upon acceptance and
docketing of the citizen’s complaint, it is the duty of the PLEB to
determine immediately whether such accusation against any
PNP member is grave, less grave of minor based on the
allegation contained in the complaint.
• After determining whether the citizen’s complaint charged
against any PNP member is grave, less grave offense, the
PLEB shall assume jurisdiction to hear the respondent within
three(3) days from receipt of the complaint.
• For alleged light offenses, the matter will have to be
referred to the Mayor or the Chief of Police, as the case may
be, of the Municipality or City where the PNP member is
assigned within three(3) days upon fing of the complaint.
• The Sangguniang Panlungsod/ bayan in every city and
municipality shall create such number of People’s Law
Enforcement Boards (PLEB’s) as may be necessary.
• Provided, that there shall be at least one (1) PLEB foe
every five hundred (500) city or municipal police personnel and
for each of the legislativ3 districts in a city.
• Functions, Powers and Duties-. The PLEB has the power hear
and decide citizen’s complaints within its jurisdiction filed
against any member of the municipal police station or city
police station/ office.
• Composition-. The PLEB shall be composed of the following:
• a). A member of the Sangunian panglungsod/bayan chosen by
his / her respective sangunian;
• b). A punong barangay of the city or municipality concerened
chosen by the Liga ng mga Barangay; and
• c). Three (3) other members, who can be removed only for
cause, chosen by the city/ municipal peace and order council
from among the respected members of the community known
for their probity and integrity, one(1) of whom must be a woman
and another, a member of the Bar, or in the absence thereof, a
colleg2 graduate, or, the principal of the central elementary
school in the locality.
• The chair person of the PLEB shall be elected from among
its members.
• Except as provided in this Section or as may be provided
by law, a public official or employee is disqualified for
appointment or designation as member of the PLEB.
• Applying the provisions of Article 152 Chapter IV, Title
III,Book II of the Revised Penal Code, the members of the
PLEB are considered persons in authority.
• Resolution and Executive Order Constituting the PLEB-. The
Sanguniang panlungsod/bayan shall pass a resolution formally
organizing the members of the PLEB, a copy thereof shall
immediately be submitted to the City/Municipal Mayor who
shall, within five (5) days from receipt of the same, issue the
appropriate executive order adopting the resolution of the
sanggunian concerend. A copy of said executive order shall be
furnished the NAPOLCOM Regional Office within ten(10) days
from issuance.
• Term of Office-. The term of office of the members of the PLEB
shall be for a period of three (3) years from assumption of
office unless sooner removed for cause or some other valid
grounds. Such member shall hold office until his/her successor
shall have been chosen and qualified.
• The tenure of office of a PLEB member who has beed
designated as such by virtue of his election to the Sangguniang
panlungsod/bayan or his membership with the Association of
Barangay Captains ends upon the expiration of his term of
office as Sangguniang panlungsod/bayan member or as
Barangay Chairman. If reelected, and subsequently re-
designated to the PLEB, he must take a new oath of office.
• Budget Allocation-. The annual budget of the city or
municipality shall include an item and the corresponding
appropriation for the maintenance and operation of their local
PLEB(s).
• Quorum-. The presence of three (3) members of the PLEB
shall constitutea quorum: Provided, howeve, that a vote of at
least three(3) members shall be required in rendering a
decision.
• If for any reason, the chairperson is absent or is
disqualified from participating in the hearing, the members,
there being a quorum, shall elect from among themselves a
temporary chairperson to perform the duties of a chairperson.
• When a PLEB member, after sufficient notice, fails or
refuses to attend the hearing and/or deliberations of the Board
without any valid and justifiable reason and it could not proceed
for lack of quorum, the Chairperson or the designated presiding
officer may request the Sangguniang Panlungsod/bayan or the
Liga ng mga Barangay orbthe City/Municipal Peace and Order
Council,as the case may be, to designate a temporary
representative to enable the body to constitute a
quorum:Provided, that such temporary representative shall act
as such only for the specific case.
• Disqualification by Reason of Affinity or Consanguinity-. The
Chariperson or any member of the PLEB who is related to the
complainant or respondent by affinity or consanguinity within
fourth civil dehree shall be disqualified from participating in the
proceeding and the case shall be tried by the remaining mbers:
• Provided, that there is a quorum. In the event that the PLEB
could not proceed with the hearing for lack of quorum, the
Peace and Order Council, the Sangguniang
Panlungsod/bayan, or the Liga ng mga barangay of the city/
municipality concerened shall appoint a temporary member for
that specific case only.
PROVISION OF LEGAL ADVICES AND CONSULTANCY
SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE’S LAW ENFORCEMENT
BOARDS (PLEBs)
The assistance provided by the Legal Affairs Service to the
People’s Law Enforcement Boards (PLEBs) which is created
under RA.6975(PNP LAW) to hear and decide citizens
complaints or cases filed before them against erring officers
and members of the Philippine National Police, includes the
regular conduct of PLEBs, training workshops with the end-in-
view of enhancing their capability in the discharge statutory
mandate in the investigation of administrative disciplinary
cases against erring PNP members, specifically in enhancing
their skills in the art of administrative investigation and decision
making to the optimum, as well as improve their knowledge
and appreciation of relevant laws, rules and regulations,
policies and issuances, as well as pertinent decision, opinions
and rulings.
Compensation: Membership in the PLEB is a civic duty.
However, PLEB members may be paid per diem as may
determined by the city or municipal council from city or
municipal funds.
Request for preventive suspension-. The PLEB may ask any
authorized superior to impose preventive suspension for a
period not exceeding ninety(90) days against a police officer
who is the subject of the complaint. The superior officer in the
following cases shall not deny a request for preventive
suspension;
1. When the respondent refuses to heed the PLEB’s summons or
subpoena.
2. When the respondent has been charged with offenses
involving bodily harm or grave threats.
3. When the respondent is in a position to tamper with the
evidence;and
4. When the respondent is a position to unduly influence
witnesses.
 Any superior who fails to act on any request for preventive
suspension without valid reasons shall be held administratively liable
for serious neglect of duty.

Procedure:

(1) The PLEB, by a majority vote of all its members and its Chairman
shall determine wheter or not the respondent office or member of the
PNP is guilty of the charge upon which the complaint is based.

(2) Each case shall be decided within sixty (60) days from the time the
case has been filed with the PLEB.

(3) The procedures in the PLEB shall be summary in nature, conducted in

accordance with due process, but without strict regard to technical rules
of evidence.

(4) The Commission shall issue the necessary implementing guidelines

and procedures to be adopted by the PLEB, including graduated
penalties which may be imposed by the PLEB.

5. (5) The Commission may assign the present NAPOLCOM

hearing officers to act as legal consultants of the PLEBs and
provide, whenever necessary, legal services, assistance and
advice to the PLEBs in hearing and deciding cases against
officers and members of the PNP, especially those involving
difficult questions of law: Provided, That these lawyers may
also be assigned to investigate claims for death and disability
benefits of PNP members or thei heirs.

Decisions : The decisions of the PLEB shall become final and

executory: Provided, That a decision involving demotion or dismissal
from the service may be appealed by either party with the regional
appellate board within then (10) days from receipt of the copy of the
decision.

Finality of Disciplinary Action: The disciplinary action imposed upon

a member of the PNP shall be final and executory: Provided, That a
disciplinary action imposed by the regional director or by the PLEB
involving demotion or dismissal from the service may be appealed to the
regional appellate board within ten (10) days from receipt of the copy of
the notice of decision: Provided, further, That the disciplinary action
imposed by the Chief of the PNP involving demotion or dismissal may be
appealed to the National Appellate Board within ten (10) days from
receipt thereof: Provided, furthermore, That the regional or National
Appellate Board, as the case may be, shall decide the appeal within sixty
(60) days from receipt of the notice of appeal: Provided, finally, That the
failure of the regional appellate board to act on the appeal within said
period shall render the decision final and executory without prejudice,
however, to the filing of an appeal by either party with Secretary.