Solon to Ping: Put obese cops on foot patrol

If fat policemen are having a hard time shedding weight, why not put them on foot patrol?

Former senator and now Rep. Ernesto Herrera (LAMP, Bohol) gave this suggestion yesterday to Philippine National Police chief Panfilo Lacson in the wake of complaints from many obese cops that they are finding it difficult to trim down.

Herrera said he can understand the problem of these policemen whose jobs entails day-long duty that most often go beyond normal working hours.

They do not have the time to work out to shed extra pounds, he said.

Besides, it may not be safe for fat policemen to go on a physical fitness program which is sometimes fatal if it is not calibrated, he said.

"From the looks of some of the cops I saw doing aerobics on TV the other day, they were lucky not to have suffered a heart attack," he added.

The Bohol lawmaker suggested that putting obese policemen on foot patrol would be a good replacement for aerobics or a physical fitness program.

"It's like hitting two birds with one stone, a common solution to two problems: you keep police officers trim and fit, and you increase police visibility to deter crime," he said.

He said six months should be enough time for fat cops to shake off unwanted pounds.

He said patrolling the beat would also be a safe exercise, although it may not burn as much calories as aerobics or running.

Lacson has ordered PNP personnel to trim down to a waistline of 34 inches or less, or face dismissal.

His directive is based on the PNP Reform Act of 1997 which requires that policemen should not weigh five kilos more than the ideal weight, considering their height, sex and age.

Representatives Roilo Golez (LAMP, Parañaque) and Rolando Andaya Jr. (Lakas, Camarines Sur) questioned Lacson's 34-inch waistline requirement, saying it is not what the law provides.

The PNP chief should stick to the law, they said.