Cops told: Enforce law even if violator ‘is friend of some gov’t big shot’

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa on Friday directed his subordinates to strictly enforce the law even if the violator “is a friend of some government big shot.”

Gamboa raised concern over some information that young and rank-and-file policemen easily get intimidated when flagged violators drop names or flash calling cards of some government officials.

He warned police officers that they could be charged for negligence of duty should they condone violators’ habit of wriggling their way out of their traffic- or city ordinance-related infractions by bragging about their purported connections in government.

“We will no longer tolerate this. Anyone who will not enforce the law just because somebody tells them that he is a friend of some government big shot will be charged administratively for negligence,” the acting police chief said.

“Bawal na ang mga nagpapasindak sa mga nagpapakita ng mga calling card (Intimidation by those showing off calling cards is no longer allowed),” he added.

Gamboa further instructed his subordinates assigned to man traffic along major thoroughfares, especially in Metro Manila, to apprehend motorists illegally using blinkers and sirens to avoid being stuck in heavy traffic.

This includes even government officials who are not authorized to use blinkers and sirens in their cars, he said.

“Lalo na ngayong Pasko napakaraming pasaway. Kailangan lahat sumunod at kailangan lahat pantay-pantay (Especially during this Christmas season, there are a lot of hard-headed people. Everyone should obey and everyone should be equal),” Gamboa explained.

READ: Brace for massive gridlocks on All Saints’ Day, Christmas

“We cannot eliminate corruption if we cannot even address this palakasan (patronage) system even on simple traffic violations,” he added.

Edited by KGA