PNoy: No discrimination in PNP promotions

MANILA, Philippines — President Aquino believes all is fair in promoting candidates to ranking positions in the Philippine National Police.

Aquino reacted to allegations that Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduates are favored for key positions in the police force over alumni of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

Read: Police Academy grads await end of PMAers’ PNP reign

"Regardless of whether it’s PNPA or the PMA, everything has to be decided on merit. Nagpakita ka ng gilas, ipinakita mo na angkop ang kakayahan mo at iyong serbisyo para deserving ka of a higher position has been reiterated during a change of command, both in the PMA and the PNPA," Aquino told reporters as quoted in a state news report following his speech at the PNPA graduation rites in Silang, Cavite on Monday.

He cited retired two star-ranked Police Director Gen. Danilo Abarsosa of PNPA Class of 1980 as well as Class of 1983's Luis Chavez, Fidel Posadas and Antonio Bernes who became chief superintendents and achieved star ranks.

Aquino also hailed PNPA, which became a regular academy in 1981, for its alumni's achievements despite its relatively short existence. PMA, on the other hand, was established in 1936.

"It’s a relatively young institution but we will look into the matter na there should be no discrimination as to where you graduated from in determining fitness for higher positions," the president said.

In his speech, Aquino urged the graduates to turn their backs from temptations to restore the people's trust in the police force's integrity.

"Anumang pinalusot ninyong katiwalian sa inyong hanay ay pihadong magdadala ng perhuwisyo sa ating kababayan. Kapag pinili ninyong magbulag-bulagan sa pang-aapi sa karapatan ng mamamayan, asahan ninyong bukas-makalawa, karapatan naman ninyo ang mismong yuyurakan," he said.

Police officers and firefighters should also be model citizens and be among the first to uphold justice and service, Aquino said.

"Hindi kayo magiging pulis na magmamaneho nang walang lisensya o magpapasimuno ng tong-pats; hindi ninyo hahayaan ang sariling maging kasangkapan sa pagtakas ng preso, o kaya ay maging bumberong usad-pagong kung sumaklolo pagkatapos ng negosasyon," he added.