PNP: Call cards not license to violate law

Newly appointed Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Avelino Razon said yesterday anyone who has his business or calling cards is not exempted from obeying the law, especially on traffic rules.

Razon admitted that even before his appointment to the PNP top post he has given many business cards, especially when he was the director of the Manila Police District, National Capital Regional Police Office, Central Visayas Regional Police Office among others. “Perhaps, I have given a lot of business cards but let me clarify that this is not a license to commit any infraction of the law, to commit any crime, maka-libre sa sine or mag-park sa no-parking zone,” Razon said.

The PNP chief said giving his business cards is his way of giving the public the means to access him so he could serve them. “The purpose of business cards is to bring the commanders, personnel closer to the citizenry and to let them know where these people could be reached, that’s why you call it a business card because our business is public safety and protection of the community,” said Razon.

Being a strict and disciplinarian officer, Razon directed his regional, provincial and station commanders to also refrain from any whim and caprice.

During inspections, Razon said there should be no excessive welcome reception/party, no honors, breakfast/snacks upon arrival is not necessary, no motorcycle escorts, no lavish meals and preparations, and no gifts, which is apparently becoming the source of corruptions.

Razon issued his guidelines in the commander’s manual, which also includes an order to his commanders not to prepare lavish meals during his visits to provinces and regions. Even during anniversaries, the commander’s manual pointed out that celebrations must remain simple and frugal.

“Solicitations for golf and other fund raising activities shall be discouraged if it cannot be totally stopped. Invariably, donations, contributions to these activities are at times drawn from public funds, which could have been used to further support the PNP operations,” the manual noted.

Razon said commanders should not have motorcycle escorts, who should be tasked to conduct patrols in the metropolis.

The commander’s manual also ordered a stop in the practice of giving gas slips to retired PNP personnel and other unauthorized personnel.

“”We shall save gas. Gasoline and diesel shall be for PNP use only. The alleged practice of giving retired PNP personnel and other authorized personnel shall be stopped. Gasoline previously being given away to those unauthorized persons shall be instead given to our police stations whose gasoline allocation is very inadequate. The use of fleet cards shall be implemented,” the manual stated.

The manual also noted that PNP motorcycles shall be used primarily in patrolling and not merely for escorting VIPs.

“PNP motorcycles shall not be used during weddings, birthdays and funeral as escorts, this smacks of moonlighting. Sometimes we see the rider’s wife or girlfriend backriding in this motorcycles which also does not project a good image,” the manual stated.   – Cecille Suerte Felipe