Lawmaker backs call for PNP officials’ courtesy resignation

MANILA, Philippines — The call for the courtesy resignation of colonels and generals of the Philippine National Police (PNP) shows that “no one is untouchable,” Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla said on Thursday.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos urged PNP colonels and generals to submit their courtesy resignations amid fears that high-ranking officials are involved in the illegal drug trade.

“This will show that everyone is accountable and no one is untouchable. Even the Chief PNP and chaplains are not spared,” the senator said in a statement.

“Ipinapakita nito na kaisa ang lahat sa pagbabalik ng tiwala ng publiko sa pulisya – especially the highest ranking officers,” he added.

(This shows that everyone is backing the bid to reinstate the public’s trust in the police — especially the highest-ranking officers.)

Revilla stressed that the courtesy resignations would not be an indictment against the police force.

He noted that the move shows that the PNP serves the public’s interest.

“The PNP holds its personnel to the highest standards – lalo na yung mga nasa mabababang ranggo na araw-araw nating nakikita (especially those with lower ranks that we see everyday).  It’s good to show that the organization also holds those in the highest ranks to at least same standards,” Revilla said.

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