PNP spox says mañanita remark did not intend to put Sinas in bad light

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac. (Photo from PNP Public Information Office)

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac on Saturday said he did not plan to put Metro Manila police chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas in a “bad light” after admitting that the birthday mañanita affected public view on the nation’s police force.

“I may have been misinterpreted but it was not my intention to put PMGen Debold Sinas in bad light. I clearly emphasized that we respect the opinion of the public and since we have a mandate to perform, we need to go on and appeal to the public for cooperation,” Banac said in a statement.

Banac also said the controversy of Sinas’ mañanita affected public view “because of the reach of social media.”

“However, let us not forget that as law enforcers and public servants, we will ultimately be evaluated and judged according to our OVERALL and LONG TERM PERFORMANCE,” Banac added.

The police spokesman also said the controversial mañanita is a “non-issue” as President Rodrigo Duterte already expressed his trust and confidence for Sinas.

Banac also underscored the importance of law enforcers’ consistency in efforts in the fight against the coronavirus disease.

“Perception is a barometer of the public’s reaction to a particular issue. What is important is consistent and dependable performance. This is exactly what PMGen Debold Sinas brings to the table: a consistent and dependable performance amid the fight against Covid19,” Banac said.

Banac issued the clarification over the report of INQUIRER.net which quoted his remark over a television interview with ANC on Friday. Banac said the birthday celebration of Sinas last May 8, which violated quarantine protocols, affected public perception and even the performance of the police.

“Of course, it affects the perception of the public and police and even our performance. But we have to go beyond this and we have to perform our duty as mandated upon us, so the public expects us to maintain order and discipline so that’s why we are here,” Banac said after he was asked if the birthday celebration affected police credibility.

Banac also said during the rest of the television interview that they respect public opinion and will still perform PNP’s mandate to enforce the law.

On Friday, thousands of members of progressive groups and critics went to University of the Philippines Diliman to launch a “ grand mañanita program” which denounced the passage of the anti-terror bill in Congress. The program’s name was inspired from Sinas’ celebration.