Nartatez orders cops: No lavish Christmas parties

MANILA, Philippines — Amid austerity measures in preparation for the effects of a “super” El Niño, the Philippine National Police yesterday ordered all PNP regional offices and operating units to forgo lavish Christmas parties.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the directive, reminding police personnel to keep Christmas and year-end gatherings simple as the country continues to deal with the economic fallout of prolonged dry spells and rising cost of living.

Nartatez said practicing fiscal prudence in police units supports directives from President Marcos and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to eliminate unnecessary public spending and prioritize frontline services.

“Amid the effects of El Niño as well as the previous calamities and other economic factors, we acknowledge the need to adopt austerity measures this holiday season to ensure efficiency in public spending,” Nartatez said in a statement.

He said the prolonged El Niño phenomenon has severely impacted agricultural output and rural livelihoods in the provinces, while recent natural calamities and global oil price hikes have further increased transportation costs and basic commodity prices.

Nartatez said Christmas gatherings and holiday activities are not entirely prohibited, but emphasized that celebrations must remain modest, meaningful and community-centered.

“Our police offices are instructed to keep holiday parties simple to redirect resources toward addressing national concerns and strengthening public services,” Nartatez said. “Christmas and year-end gatherings can be held in a simple yet meaningful activity. Let us set a good example to our countrymen.”

Police commanders will be held accountable for non-compliance or unauthorized expenditures during the holiday season, according to Nartatez.