Roxas vows to end favoritism in the PNP

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said Monday that there will be no “bata-bata” (favoritism) system in the Philippine National Police under his watch, saying that promotion of ranks will solely depend on officers’ overall performance.

In his speech at Camp Crame in Quezon City for the PNP’s 111th anniversary, Roxas said “padrino” (patronage) days are over, and police performance will be measured “objectively” based on their seniority, maturity, judgement, and enthusiasm for the pursuit of his duties,” among others.

“That is the base of my leadership …giving incentives and rewards [will be] based on these measurements. Nothing less nothing more . . . if you perform and deliver, you will have my support,” Roxas said.

He said the police force has been dragged by erring cops into cases such as extortion and other illegal activities, but change, Roxas said, has started. “It would then be up to them to make this change permanent.”

One way of cleaning up the police ranks, Roxas said, is by taking the initiative to report to higher ups the anomalies that have been observed.

“And if you’re afraid, do not hesitate to come to me. I will investigate it myself. If I find them liable, I will file a case against them,” Roxas said.