Avoid politics, GMA tells PNP

President Arroyo called on members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday to remain a political and not allow themselves to be subverted by political patrons and economic kingpins.

Speaking during the PNP’s 10th anniversary celebration at Camp Crame, the President also appealed to the 133,000-strong police force to lead "a simple and dignified lifestyle that won’t cause people to doubt your integrity."

She also recognized the vital role played by the PNP leadership, particularly by acting chief Deputy Director General Leandro Mendoza, in paving the way for a new government.

The President said Mendoza and other ranking officials took great risks in rallying troops to sever ties with then President Joseph Estrada and defect to the opposition forces during people power II at EDSA.

"I am aware of what transpired at that time," she said. "I thank you for being the protector of the people on the defining day of our history, when, under the leadership of General Mendoza, you swung Camp Crame in support of people power and paved the way for a peaceful transition of government."

The President promised to reveal the names of other police officials responsible for turning the PNP against Estrada in the coming weeks.

She said the police force should remain apolitical since "our people look to you for protection from abuse."

In the Philippines, top police and military officers can be promoted or demoted by the President, so both forces are frequently troubled by divided political loyalties within their ranks. The police organization was a branch of the military until it was transformed into a civilian force in 1991.

In EDSA II, the police leadership backed the uprising despite being led by Estrada’s favorite policeman Panfilo Lacson, who has since resigned.

Mrs. Arroyo’s call for policemen to live simple lifestyles was similar to the one she made to her partial Cabinet when she swore them into office a week ago.

She said the PNP passed a "most crucial test" when it participated in the peaceful uprising.

"The most crucial test for the PNP took place two weeks ago when our people rallied at the EDSA Shrine to seek truth and justice and preserve our democratic gains. You faced up to the challenge and united your voices to the voice of the Filipino nation," Mrs. Arroyo said.

She asked policemen to maintain the organization’s integrity by observing a strict "no-take policy."

"We must earn the people’s trust by being honest, reliable and accountable in all our transactions," the President said.

The police force welcomed the Chief Executive yesterday with a 21-gun salute and parade of colors at Camp Crame at around 10 a.m.

Her meeting with senior national police officials came three days after she warned there were plots to destabilize her government.

Since EDSA II, Mrs. Arroyo has been very vocal in thanking the military and police, but has struggled with rumors of plots to overthrow her government and possibly re-install Estrada.

"We are grateful to you for being guardians of our democracy, for being protectors of the people... I will be good to you as persons and I will be good to you as an institution," the President said in her speech.

Mrs. Arroyo said she would find ways to improve salaries and benefits despite the huge deficits left by her predecessor.

The President said she has directed Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. to look for ways to effectively implement the salary standardization for police personnel.

She also vowed to look into housing and medical needs of the men in uniform as well as scholarship grants for their dependents.

Mendoza expressed gratitude to the President for giving importance to the welfare of policemen.

"It is very inspiring. This is good news for the entire police force," the acting PNP chief said after emerging from a brief cocktails with Mrs. Arroyo and guests at the PNP Multi-Purpose Hall.

Mendoza said "the morale of troops is high and everybody is committed to do a better job under the new president."

The President’s appointment of Mendoza has been questioned by private anti-crime groups amid charges that the police official had coddled criminals.

In an attempt to mollify her critics, Mrs. Arroyo has ordered Lina to look into the complaints before deciding whether or not to retain Mendoza.