SILANG, Cavite, Philippines – President Aquino called on the new police officers yesterday to “save the people from the greedy” and resist all bribes and other temptations that would come their way in fulfilling their duties to protect the people.
In his speech during the 32nd commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Camp Gen. Mariano Castañeda here, the President reiterated his message to the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City that they must be strong as they would face the harsh realities of being public officers once they come out of their institutions.
Aquino said he was aware of the examinations and rigorous trainings that the students had to go through to become police officers but “these theories would be nothing” compared to what they would have to deal with in their actual work.
“Once you begin the battle in society, low grades or demerits will not be the result of your mistakes. No reward or medal can equal to every Filipino that you can defend against crime, or save from fires and guard in jails. Grades cannot compare to every life you can save,“ the President said.
“Aside from the knowledge and intelligence shared by the PNPA, you will also need principles to defeat irregularities and poverty in society. You will be bribed a lot of money for your honor; you will be offered power to reverse your conviction. In these cases of temptation, I am hoping you will not allow yourselves to lose and you will remain dependable,“ Aquino said.
Mamamayang Sasabak sa Lipunang Ganap (Masaligan) is the name of PNPA Class 2011.
“Now that you are in the position to let right prevail, do not forget it or abuse it; do not neglect it. Fulfill your duties with all your heart and honesty. Be the partners of this administration in burying the rotten system,“ Aquino said.
The President said there had been many doubts on the abilities and integrity of the police officers the past decades but he stressed he was also aware of the clean and the good deeds.
He assured them that even if their accomplishments were not reported, they would be the heroes in his eyes and that of their families.
No more helpless ‘cowboys’
Aquino also said it was time for the police officers to bid goodbye to being the pitiful or lowly “cowboys in the battle.“
“Gone are the days of the lowly cowboy with asthmatic horse and guns that will not fire. We will run after the thieves and the corrupt who take away the funds that are supposed to be for the benefit of many of you.”
Some 260 cadets graduated yesterday, with seven women dominating the 11 who made it to the Top 10.
Class valedictorian Aleli Buaquen of Baguio City said they were aware that the biggest challenge they would have to face was the lack of trust in the uniformed services at this time due to many allegations of corruption and irregularities in the police force.
She called on her fellow graduates not to dishonor themselves, their families, the academy and the country.
She added this would be their way of repaying for the taxes spent on their free education in the academy.
Of the 260 graduates, 219 will join the Philippine National Police, 15 the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and 26 the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The President vowed to help the police in getting the necessary training and equipment and better compensation.
He said the government would build not less than 20,000 housing units for the military and police so they could have their own homes at affordable prices.
Aquino said the administration also launched an educational system for the children of policemen and that BJMP and BFP personnel would soon be included.
The target, he said, would be to give one scholarship to at least one member of the family of PNP, BJMP and BFP personnel.
To protect public money from corruption, the President said the government has initiated reforms in the bureaucracy and is now going after the corrupt in various institutions.
He said all of these efforts would help keep police officers from committing irregularities to address the needs of their families.
“We will not have second thoughts in fighting and punishing those who wallowed in wealth and power. We may be passing through the eye of a needle with all the problems left to us, but there is no doubt we will overcome all of these with all of you,“ Aquino said.
The President said he was counting on the graduates to join his crusade and reminded them that they were not raised by their parents and the academy to cheat others but to be of service to them.