PNP to officials: Climb 10-story building to get promoted

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said yesterday police officials can only be promoted or appointed to key positions in the police force if they are able to climb the steps of a 10-story building in two minutes and 30 seconds.

Verzosa said the “ascension physical test,” covers police regional directors, heads of directorate for integrated police operations (DIPO), provincial directors, and chiefs of police. At present, promotion is based on seniority, experience and academic qualifications.

“They can try unlimited times. once they pass, it will be effective six months,” said Verzosa. “They (police officials) are leaders, the program will test how strong they are. We should develop qualities of every police officer.”

Verzosa – who has a 32-inch waistline and is 5’11” tall – said he has passed the ascension test. He will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 years old in December.

He said the standard time depends on the post: two minutes and 45 seconds for DIPO, regional and district directors; two minutes and 30 seconds for provincial and city directors; and two minutes and 15 seconds for commanders of public safety management forces and municipal and city chiefs of police.

Aside from the ascension test for officers, all PNP personnel are also required to undergo a semestral physical fitness test (PFT), and failure means an officer would no longer be considered for a new post. Verzosa said physical fitness is not about having a small waistline but a strong body.