PNP chief Marquez vows to reform promotion, appointment system

The new chief of the Philippine National Police has vowed to reform its promotions and appointment system, which for decades has favored graduates of the Philippine Military Academy.

PNP Dir. Gen. Ricardo Marquez has ordered the creation of a study group to work on the mechanics of a “suitable, fair and reliable” competency-based selection, placement and promotion of officials.

The move was in response to the perceived bias against non-PMA graduates seeking appointment to key positions, such as the alumni of the Philippine National Police Academy.

Marquez directed the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management to form a study group, to include a human resources expert, and to formulate the mechanics for a fairer selection process.

“This shall guide higher authorities in making informed decisions when they appoint police commanders,” he said during his inaugural speech at the PNP change of command ceremony last week.

It is an open secret in the PNP that PNPA alumni and officials who are lateral entrants are often sidelined in promotions and assignments, with juicier and plum posts given to PMA graduates.

Since the PNP’s creation in 1991, not a single PNPA graduate or from other schools was appointed as PNP chief. The PNP’s 20 chiefs, including Marquez, graduated from the PMA.

The PNP accepted its last batch of PMA graduates in 1992, as it is now focusing on the PNPA and lateral entrants as sources of its officials.

President Aquino himself noted the disparity in the promotions and appointments between PMA and PNPA graduates in the PNP during his speech at Marquez’s change of command ceremony.

Even though he is a member of the PMA “Sandigan” Class of 1982, Marquez vowed to make the playing field fair for his counterparts from the PNPA, who have long complained of being second class citizens in their own backyard.

Marquez said he considered his rise to the post of PNP chief as “the triumph of meritocracy” and the recognition of his 33 dedicated and passionate years in the PNP.

“It is but fitting that I make meritocracy the hallmark of my administration. We will raise the bar for performance and accountability, so that excellence is rewarded and mediocrity receives its just desserts,” he said.

He pointed out that even though PNP officials came from different schools, they have been sharing one goal as public servants and protectors belonging to one institution, the PNP.

“I want to say this to our brothers and sisters from the PNPA and other schools, under my leadership, you can be assured of a just resolution to this issue,” Marquez said.