No weight loss, no promotion at PNP

Want a promotion? Shape up first.

Police officers seeking higher positions should slim down as the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered the inclusion of physical standards for placements and promotions within the service.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said the Directorate for Human Resource Doctrine and Development (DHRDD) is conducting a study on how to incorporate the physical soundness of officers in promotions and transfer deliberations of the PNP Senior Officers Placements and Promotion Board (SOPPB).

Being considered for inclusion in the SOPPB deliberations – other than the regular requirements for promotions in rank or transfer to higher positions – is the body mass index (BMI) of an officer-applicant.

Aside from the officers’ BMI, Verzosa said a standard waistline measurement for officers is also being considered.

“There are ongoing studies being undertaken by DHRDD. There is a study that there should be a definite waistline measurement,” said Verzosa.

He added a study is also being undertaken on the do-ability of the body mass index measurement which will require an applicant to have weight proportionate with his height.

The waistline standard is thought to be easy to impose because it will only require a tape measure, while measurement of the body mass index will need professional medical consultants.

At present, aside from their educational background and training, officers seeking promotion are required to first pass the so-called agility tests, including jogging, pull-ups and push-ups.

Verzosa said the new physical fitness measures are aimed at encouraging personnel to be physically fit.

“What we are now contemplating is how our officers and members would scale a ten-story building. If they are weak, they will get tired upon reaching the second floor. Even if they are bulky, they have to be physically fit,” he said.

Once finalized and implemented, the measure is also expected to discourage the practice of the padrino system because even if candidates are highly recommended by their patrons or backers, they still have to be physically fit.