PNP ETHICAL DOCTRINE

“Wisdom is knowing the right path to take. Integrity

is taking it”
M.H. McKee
INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the Ethical Doctrine of the Philippine National Police. This Ethical Doctrine was culled
from the PNP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards (COPCES) with the inception of additional
and related principles, guidelines and sanctions, all geared towards the internalization of moral values and
service dedication.

This Ethical Doctrine applies to both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the PNP unless specified
otherwise. Furthermore, the Ethical Doctrine is by the PNP Fundamental Doctrine and the Code of
Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards.
OFFICER’S CREED AND STANDS ON CORE VALUES
Police service is a noble profession which specialized knowledge and
skills, as well as and morality. Hence, the members of the the enduring
core values of;

1. Love of God

2. Respect for authority

3. Selfless love and service for people

4. Sanctity of marriage and family life

5. Responsible dominion and stewardship

6.Truthfulness

20XX presentation title 3

The Police Officer’s Creed

I believe in God, The Supreme Being, The Great Provider, and The Creator of all men and everything dear to me.
In return, I can do no less than love Him above all obeying His word, seek His guidance in the performance of my
sworn duties and honor Him at all times.

I believe that respect for authority is a duty. I respect and uphold the Constitution, the laws of the land and the
applicable rules and regulations. I Recognize the legitimacy and authority of the leadership and obey the legal
orders of my superior officers.

I believe in selfless love and service to people. Towards this end, I commit myself to the service of my fellowmen
over and above my interest.

I believe in the sanctity of marriage and family life. I shall set the example of decency and morality, shall have high
regard for family life and the value of marital fidelity.

I believe in the responsible dominion and stewardship over material things. I shall inhibit myself from
extravagance and ostentatious display of material things. I shall help protect the environment and conserve
nature to maintain ecological balance.

I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be trustworthy, and I shall uphold the truth at all times.
PNP STAND ON BASIC ISSUES

The deployment and employment of PNP personnel require the organization and its members to bare their stand
on the following basic issues:

1. PNP Image
- The image of any organization affects the esprit d’ corps, morale, and welfare of the members, and sense of
pride to the organization. Thus, all members of the PNP should act in a manner that would reflect best on the
PNP and live by the PNP’s core values.

2. Career Management, the Key to Professionalism

-The Proper implementation of the PNP's Career Management will significantly enhance the personnel
professionalization process with regards to procurement, training, promotion, assignment, placement, awards and
retirement. The PNP shall formulate a stringent policy and strictly implement the human resources development
system, compatible to the equitable distribution of procurement, fair promotion, rationalized approach in the
assignment, skill development, the immediate grant of reward and award, and decent living upon retirement.

20XX 5
3. Police Management Leadership
-The effectiveness of law enforcement is reflective of the managerial capabilities and competent leadership of
the men and women who run the PNP organization. These attributes must, therefore,beoneoftheprimary bases
for consideration in the selection of personnel for employment and deployment purposes.

4. Equality in the Service

-There shall be judicious and equitable distribution of opportunity to prove one's worth in the police service.
The problem on inequity thru class orientation and factionalism, both real and perceived, premised on favored
assignment, the inequitable opportunity of training, unfair granting of promotion, and untimely awarding of
achievements, will create an atmosphere of demoralization.

5. Delicadeza
- In consonance with the requirements of honor and integrity to sacrifice in the self-interest PNP, all members
in keeping must with have the the moral time-honored courage principle of delicadeza.

6. Police Lifestyle
- members the PNP which shall the a promote public police officer will and find maintain credible and lifestyle
respectable for its life. The public They must expects be free from greed to corruption live a simple and
exploitation dignified.

6
7. Political Patronage
- political training, PNP patronage and members promotion on shall matters inhibit
about themselves the assignment, from soliciting award.

8. Setting Example
-All PNP members shall set a good example to their subordinates and follow a good example
from the superiors.

7
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
Standard of Police Professionalism

PNP members shall perform their duties with integrity, intelligence, and competence in the application of specialized skills
and technical knowledge with excellence and expertise.

1. POLICE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Commitment to Democracy

- Uniformed PNP members shall commit themselves to the democratic way of life and values and maintain the principle of
public accountability. They shall at all times uphold the Constitution and be loyal to the country, people and organization,
above their loyalty to any person.

2. Commitment to Public Interest

- PNP members shall always uphold public interest over and above personal interest. All government properties, resources, and
powers of their respective offices must be employed and used effectively, honestly and efficiently, particularly to avoid
wastage of public funds and revenues.

3. Non-Partisanship
- PNP members shall provide services to everyone without discrimination regardless of party affiliation by existing laws and
regulations.
4. Physical Fitness and Health
- PNP members shall at strive to be physically and end, mentally they fit and in good health all times. Toward
this examination shall undergo in regular any PNP physical Hospital exercises or Medical and facility, annual
and medical actively participate in the Physical Fitness and Sports Development Program of the PNP.

5. Secrecy Discipline
- PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of classified information against unauthorized disclosure,
including confidential aspects of official business, special orders, communications, and other documents roster
or any portion thereof, contents of criminal records, identities of persons who may have given information to
the police in confidence and other classified information or intelligence material.

6. Social Awareness
- PNP members and their immediate family members shall be encouraged to actively get involved in religious,
social and civic activities to enhance the image of the organization without affecting their official duties.

7. Non- Solicitation of Patronage

- PNP members shall seek self-improvement through career development and shall not directly or indirectly
solicit influence or recommendation from politicians, high ranking government officials prominent citizens,
persons affiliated with civic or religious organizations with regards to their assignments, promotions, transfer or
those of other members of the force, nor shall they initiate any petition to be prepared and presented by citizens
in their behalf. Moreover, they shall advise their immediate relatives not to interfere in the activities of the police
service particularly in the assignment and reassignment of personnel.
8.Proper Care and Use of Public Property
- PNP members shall provide and maintain the sense of responsibility in the

9. Respect for Human Rights

- In the performance of duty, PNP members shall respect and protect human dignity and uphold the human rights of all
persons. No member shall inflict instigate or tolerate extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, any act of torture or other
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of punishment and shall not invoke superior orders or exceptional circumstances
such as a state of war, a threat to national security, internal political instability or any public emergency as a justification
for committing such human rights violations.

10. Devotion to Duty

-PNP members shall perform their duties with dedication thoroughness, efficiency enthusiasm, determination, and manifest
concern for public welfare, and shall refrain from engaging in any activity which shall be a conflict with their duties as
public servants.

11. Conservation of Natural Resources

- PNP members shall help in the development and conservation of our natural resources for ecological balance and posterity
as these are the inalienable heritage of our people.
12. Discipline
- PNP members shall conduct themselves properly at all times in keeping with the rules and regulations of the organization.

13. Loyalty
-PNP members shall be loyal to the Constitution and the police service as manifested by their loyalty to their superior's peers
and subordinates as well.

14. Obedience to Superiors

- PNP members obey lawful orders of and be courteous to superior officers and other appropriate authorities within the
chain of command. They shall readily accept whenever they assigned anywhere in the country.

15. Command Responsibility

Under the Doctrine on Command Responsibility, immediate Commanders/ Directors shall be responsible for the effective
supervision, control, and direction of their personnel and shall see to it that all government resources shall be managed,
expended or utilized following laws and regulations and safeguard against losses thru illegal or improper disposition.

20XX presentation title 11

THE ETHICAL STANDARDS

Ethical standards shall refer to establish and generally accepted moral values. Ethical acts to be observed are the
following:

1. Morality
- PNP members shall adhere to high standards of morality and decency and shall set good examples for others to follow
In no instance during their terms of office, among other things shall they be involved as owners, operators, managers or
investors in any house of ill-repute or illegal gambling den or other places devoted to vices, nor they shall patronize
such places unless on official duty, and tolerate operations of such establishments in their respective areas of
responsibilities. They shall be faithful to their lawfully wedded spouses.

2. Judicious Use of Authority

-PNP members shall exercise proper and legitimate use of authority in the Performance of duty.

3. Integrity
- PNP members shall not allow themselves to be victims of corruption and dishonest practices by the provisions of RA
6713 and other applicable laws.
4. Justice
- PNP members shall constantly strive to respect the rights of others so that they can fulfill their duties and exercise their
rights as human beings, parents, children, citizens, workers, leaders, or in other capacities and to see to it that others do
likewise.

5. Humility
-PNP members shall recognize the fact that they are public servants and not the masters of the people and towards this end,
they should perform their duties without attracting attention or expecting the applause of others.

6. Orderliness
- PNP members shall follow original procedures in accomplishing tasks assigned to them to minimize waste in the use of
time, money and effort.

7. Perseverance
- Once a decision is made ,PNP members shall take legitimate means to achieve the goal even in the face of internal or external
difficulties, and despite anything which might weaken their resolve over time.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

The PNP adopts the generally accepted customs and traditions based on the desirable practices of the police
service. These shall serve to inspire PNP members as the organization endeavors to attain its goals and objectives.

Definition of Terms

1. Customs - Established usage or social practices carried on by tradition that has obtained the force of law.

2. Traditions - Bodies of beliefs, stories, customs, and usages handed down from generation to generation with the
effect of an unwritten law.

3. Courtesy -A manifestation of the expression of consideration and respect for others.

4. Ceremony - A formal act or set of formal acts established by customs or authority as proper to a special occasion.

5. Social Decorum - A set of norms and standards practiced by members during social activities and other functions.
POLICE CUSTOMS ON COURTESY

The ff. are customs on courtesy in the PNP:

1. Salute
- Salute is the usual greetings rendered by uniformed members upon meeting and recognizing a person entitled to a salute.
2. Salute to National Color and Standard
- Members stand at attention and salute the national color and standard as these pass by them or when the national color is
raised or lowered during ceremonies.

3. Address/Title
- Junior in rank address senior members who are entitled to salute with the word "Sir" or "Ma'am." All Police Commissioned
Officers shall be addressed sir or ma'am by Police Non-Commissioned Officers and Non-Uniformed Personnel.
4. Courtesy Calls - The following are the customs on courtesy calls:

4.1. Courtesy Call of Newly Assigned/Appointed Member - PNP members who are newly appointed or assigned in a unit or
command, called on the chief of the unit or command and other key personnel as a matter of courtesy, as well as for
accounting, orientation, and other purposes.

15
4.2. Christmas Call - PNP members pay a Christmas Call on their local executives in their respective areas of responsibility.
New Year's Call - PNP members pay a New Year's call on their commanders and key officials in their respective areas of
responsibility.

4.4. Promotion Call - Newly promoted PNP members call on their unit head. On this occasion, they are usually given due
recognition and congratulations by their peers for such deserved accomplishment.

4.5. Exit Call - PNP members pay an Exit Call on their superiors in the unit or command when relieved or reassigned out of the
said unit or command.

5. Courtesy of the Post

- The host unit extend hospitality to visiting personnel who pay respect to the command or unit.

6. Rank Has -Its -Own Privilege (RHIP)

- PNP members recognize the practice that different ranks carry with them corresponding privileges.

20XX presentation title 16

POLICE CUSTOMS ON CEREMONIES

1. Flag Raising Ceremony

- PNP members honor the flag by hoisting and singing the National Anthem before the start of the official day’s work.

2. Flag Lowering Ceremony

- At the end of the official day’s work, the PNP members pause for a moment to salute the lowering of the flag.

3. Half -Mast
- The flag is raised at half-mast in deference to deceased uniformed members of the command.

4. Funeral Service and Honors

- Departed uniformed members, retirees, war veterans or former PC/INPmembers are given vigil, necrological services, and
graveside honors as a gesture of farewell.

5. Ceremony Tendered to Retirees

- In recognition of their long, faithful and honorable service to the PNP, a testimonial activity shall be tendered in their honor.

presentation title 17
6. Honor Ceremony
- Arrival and departure honor ceremonies are rendered to visiting dignitaries, VIPs, PNP Officers with the grade of Chief
Superintendent and above and AFP officers of equivalent grade unless waived.

7. Turnover Ceremony
- The relinquishment and assumption of command or key position are publicly announced in a Turnover Ceremony by the
outgoing and incoming officers in the presence of the immediate superior or his representative. Outgoing
Commander/Director should not leave his post without a proper turnover. Turn-over includes the turnover of properties/
equipment, human and material resources.

8. Wedding Ceremony
- During the marriage of PNP members, a ceremony is conducted with participants in uniform and swords drawn.

9. Anniversary - The birth or institutional establishmentof a command or unitis commemorated in an Anniversary

Ceremony.
10. Proper Attire
-PNP members always wear appropriate and proper attire in conformity with the occasion.

11. Table Manners

-PNP members observe table etiquette at all times.

12. Social Graces

- PNP members conduct themselves properly in dealing with people during social functions.

13. Uniform/Appearance
- The public looks upon a PNP member as distinctively a man among men. It is a welcome sight when PNP members wear
their uniform properly wherever they maybe. Bulging stomach is a taboo in the uniformed service. Since disciplined PNP
members are best exemplified by those who are neat in appearance and wearing the prescribed uniform, they must,
therefore, observe the following:

13.1. Wearing of prescribed uniform.

13.2. Adherence to haircut prescribed by rules & regulations.

14. Manner of Walking

- Every PNP Member is expected to walk with pride and dignity.
OTHER POLICE CUSTOMS

1. Visiting the Sick

- Immediate commanders or other available officers of the unit visit PNP Members who are sick in the hospital, their
residence or any place of confinement so that their needs are attended to.

2. Survivor Assistance of Heir of Deceased Members

- A survivor officer is designated whenever PNP members die, to render the maximum assistance to their bereaved family
until all benefits due shall have been received.

3. Visiting the Religious Leaders

- PNP Officers visit religious leaders in their areas of assignment to establish or maintain rapport and cooperation between the
different religious leaders and the PNP.

4. Athletics
- PNP members indulge in physical fitness activities to ensure that than their the proper size physical appearance and bearing
are smaller than the size of his chest and in conformity with the standard set forth by the organization.

5.Happy Hours
Usually on Friday or any other day suitable for the occasion, PNP members gather to gether at their PNP club for light-hearted
jesting or airing of minor gripes.

20
POLICE TRADITION
The following are police traditions:
1. Spiritual Beliefs- PNP members are traditionally religious and God-loving person. They attend religious services
together with the members of their family.

2. Valor- History attests that the Filipino law enforcers have exemplified the tradition of valor in defending the
country from aggression and oppression and protecting/ preserving the life and property of the people. They
sacrificed their limbs and lives for the sake of their countrymen whom they have pledged to serve.

3. Patriotism- The PNP members are traditionally patriotic by nature. They manifest their love of country with a
pledge of allegiance to the flag and a vow to defend the constitution.

4. Discipline- The discipline of the PNP members is manifested by instinctive obedience to lawful orders and thorough
and spontaneous actions towards attainment of organizational objectives guided by moral, ethical and legal norms.

5. Gentlemanliness- PNP members are upright in character, gentle in manners, dignified in appearance, and sincere in
their concern to fellowmen.

6. Word of Honor- PNP members' word is their bond. They stand by and commit to upholding it.
7. Duty
- PNP members have historically exemplified themselves as dedicated public servants who perform their tasks with a
deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice. They shall readily accept assignment anywhere in the country.

8. Loyalty
- PNP members are traditionally loyal to the organization, country, and people as borne by history and practice.

9. Camaraderie
- The binding spirit that enhances teamwork and cooperation in the police organization, extending to the people they
serve is manifested by the PNP members' deep commitment and concern for one another.

20XX presentation title 22

POLICE OFFICER'S PLEDGE (POP) PRINCIPLES AND CONDUCT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS

The Police Officer's Pledge

1. I will love and serve God, my country and people;

2. I will uphold the Constitution and obey legal orders of the duly constituted authorities;
3. I will oblige myself to maintain a high standard of morality and professionalism;
4. I will respect the customs and traditions of the police service; and
5. I will live a decent and virtuous life to serve as an example to others.

Forum to Recite
The Police Officer's Pledge should be recited during the following occasions:

6. Flag raising and flag retreat ceremonies, jointly with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag (Panunumpa sa Watawat).
7. PNP Training/ course opening and closing ceremonies.
8. Seminars on moral values internalization.
9. Other ceremonies.

20XX presentation title 23

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

The rigid application of fundamental principles in police work necessary to avoid human rights violation and maintain the
respect the profession. Thus, PNP members have the following responsibilities:

1. To prevent and control crime, disorder, and oppression by influential/ political groups, abusive soldiers and policemen,
tyrannical policemen and decadent society.

2. To recognize that the fulfillment of its functions is dependent upon community approval of its existence and on its ability
to obtain and maintain responsive support and participative cooperation.

3. To recognize that to secure and maintain the approval, support and cooperation of the public, it has a collateral
responsibility of securing the willing assistance of the public in the task of securing observance of the law.

4. To recognize that when the community cooperates and assists the police, it diminishes the need for the use of physical
force and compulsion in achieving law enforcement objectives proportionately.

5. To seek and preserve public favor, not by soliciting public opinion, but by constant demonstration of impartiality by ready
offering of individual service and congeniality to all members of the community without regards to their wealth,
friendship, social standing and race; and by ready offering of individual sacrifice and to some extent the sacrifice of
relatives.
6. To use physical force only when the exercise of persuasion, advice, and warning is found to be insufficient in the pursuit of law
observance or to restore order, and shall resort only to the minimum degree of physical force necessary on any particular occasion
in achieving law enforcement objectives.

7. To constantly maintain a wholesome relationship with the community that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police is
the people and the people is the police; police officers are members of the community who are paid to render public safety services
due upon every citizen, endearing the principle that a public office is a public trust.

8. To recognize the need for strict adherence to the law, refrain from usurping the powers and authority of the judiciary in avenging
individuals, judging guilt and punishing the guilty.

9. To recognize that the test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, not the visible evidence of law enforcement
action in dealing crime and disorder; enshrine the principle that crime prevention is better than crime solution; measure is better
than countermeasure.

10. To recognize that the test of law enforcement integrity is the presence of personal moral responsibility exemplified by virtuous
behavior and noncompromising law enforcement officer.
11. To recognize that the achievement of a professional service depends principally upon the constant development of
police education and training, research and planning and exercise.

12. To recognize that the stability of the republic, the continuity of sovereignty and strength of democracy depends upon a
police organization that is constantly aware of the sensitive balance between individual freedom and collective security;
ever-alert to the dangers of extra-legal or immoral procedures; and never compromise principle in favor of evil means to
attain the good ends.

13. To recognize the ever magnificent principle: Love God, honor the government and respect people.

14. To recognize that "the people are the peace maker, the police is the peace keeper, and the local government is the peace
preserver." If he goes beyond and above of his role, he must observe the three (3) C's in internal and external relations-
consult, coordinate and cooperate.

26
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS

This Code of Conduct for Law Officials was adopted by United Nations General Resolution 34/169 0f Dec. 1979.

a. The law enforcement official shall at all times fulfill the duty imposed upon them by law, by serving the community
and by protecting all persons against illegal acts, consistent with the high degree of responsibility required by their
profession.

b. In the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials shall respect and protect human dignity and maintain and
uphold the human rights of all persons.

c. Law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of
their duty.

d. Matters of a confidential nature in possession of law enforcement officials shall be kept confidential unless the
performance of duty or the needs of justice strictly require otherwise.

e. No law enforcement official may inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment, nor may any law enforcement official invoke superior order or exceptional circumstances
such as a state of war, a threat to national security, internal political instability or any other public emergency as a
justification of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
f. Law enforcement officials shall ensure the full protection of the health of persons in their custody and, in particular, shall
take immediate action to secure medical attention whenever required.

g. Law enforcement officials shall not commit any act of corruption. They shall also rigorously oppose and combat all such
acts. h. Law enforcement officials shall respect the law and the present prevent Code. and rigorously They shall oppose
also, to any the violation best of their of them capability.
COMMITMENT

All PNP personnel shall take upon themselves that the intent and spirit of the PNP Ethical Doctrine are honored and
upheld at all times. Hence, Directors, Chiefs, and Heads of Offices/Stations shall set the example and be responsible for the
adherence to the PNP Ethical Doctrine.

Furthermore, Priests/Minister/Imams of the PNP Chaplain Service, while setting the example, shall actively participate
in enhancing the internalization of the PNP Ethical Doctrine. Likewise, all members of the PNP shall take an oath that they shall
commit themselves to the PNP Ethical Doctrine. The oath of commitment shall be done upon entry into the PNP, upon
promotion to the next higher rank and assumption of office/position. It is also required that all PNP members (uniformed or non-
uniformed) shall execute a Pledge of Covenant to adhere to the PNP Ethical Doctrine.

The penalties for the commission of acts/practices in violation ofthe PNP EthicalDoctrine shall be by the Revised
Penal Code, RA 6713, RA 3019 and other specials laws. For acts or omissions which merely require administrative sanctions,
the applicable punishments as provided for the rules and regulations promulgated by the PNP, NAPOLCOM, Civil Service
Commission and DILG shall be applied.
Thank you