‘UNFAIR, UNCALLED FOR’ | The Philippine National Police has disowned this social media card. (Photo from the VP Leni Robredo Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police warned against improper use of their uniform following a social media post of a political endorsement bearing a photo of an actor dressed as a cop.
The PNP took offense at the now-deleted photo of actor Mark Manicad, who stars in a long-running TV drama series, juxtaposed with Manicad’s expression of support for presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo.
“The PNP has nothing to do with this. The PNP is not in the business of making any political statement nor meddling in campaign-related activities of certain candidates,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
Might confuse public
“We take offense in this unwarranted misrepresentation of the police organization for purposes of political mileage and propaganda. It is certainly most unfair and uncalled for especially that it may lead to confuse the general public,” the PNP said.
On Feb. 19, the official Facebook page of Robredo posted an album of actors and personalities supporting her candidacy. Among them was Manicad’s photo, showing him wearing a Type A uniform used by commissioned officers of the PNP.
The PNP demanded the post to be taken down, and for those involved to issue a public apology “without prejudice to any legal action that the PNP may take.”
“The PNP maintains a nonpartisan stance and will never endorse any political party or candidate vying for any elective position,” it said.
Breakaway support
The controversial social media card was deleted, but a new one bearing the same caption and a different photo — with Manicad now wearing a pink polo shirt — was uploaded in a different album on Feb. 21.
Meanwhile, at least 47 government officials led by former Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, former US Ambassador Albert del Rosario, former Peace Process Adviser Teresita Deles, former Presidential Commission on Good Government Commissioner Ruben Carranza, and former Commission in Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento signed a declaration supporting Robredo’s presidential bid.
Their former boss, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was instrumental in the alliance between Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
In endorsing Robredo, the ex-government officials touted her ability to “do more in less time,” as evidenced by her comprehensive pandemic response programs even with a meager budget.
They also noted Robredo’s “rock-steady” principles for military might, human security, and peace talks — qualities that are often overlooked in Robredo despite being one of the strongest voices in defense of the country’s sovereignty.
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