PNP says it is not completely against tattoos among its ranks, but discipline must prevail when it comes to police officers. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) defended its new policy regulating tattoos among law enforcers on Wednesday after a lawmaker expressed concern about its constitutionality.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo noted that the police chief has the power to implement such a policy, which applies to more than 200,000 personnel of the police organization.
“Our chief PNP, pursuant to his rule-making authority, can pass a circular with respect to the internal disciplinary mechanism applicable only to PNP personnel,” Fajardo said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media briefing.
Fajardo noted that this memorandum circular issued last month underwent consultations before it became a policy.
It requires all tattooed personnel to provide a written affidavit declaring their marks and for the visible ones to be removed.
READ: PNP issues memo on personnel, applicants with visible tattoo
Fajardo made this clarification after Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said there is no basis for the PNP’s memorandum under the law.
“The Constitution protects freedom of expression,” Chua said in a statement.
“By all indications, the PNP policy on tattoos is unconstitutional,” he said.
READ: Rep. Chua says PNP policy on removing tattoos discriminatory
Fajardo said the policy does not seek to discriminate against cops who have tattoos, but she noted that the PNP needs to be strict.
“There are certain norms and conduct that we need to implement within the PNP so we can maintain discipline in our ranks,” she maintained.