Ethics day

Ian Alfredo
Magno

BY definition, ethics is the set of principles and values an individual uses to govern his/her activities and decisions.  In an organizational perspective, ethics is a tool that guides the institution in the design of its policies and the how-to’s in its implementation and likewise in the attainment of specific objectives.

In the long run, the ethical template that an organization utilizes in the conduct of its affairs has a great impact not only on its reputation but internal productivity, and ultimately its bottom line as well.

In an armed government institution such as the Philippine National Police, which wields police authority in the society, it becomes necessary to emphasize and instill both organizational and individual ethical conduct across its chain of command. This is to ensure that the men and women in law enforcement are neither overbearing nor remiss in the adherence of basic ethical requirements – lest they be reduced to unpolished, perfunctory sentinels.

This was exactly what Philippine Regional Office–10 just recently checked.

As part of its opening salvo in 2018, Police Regional Office-10 observed the PNP Ethics Day on Jan. 29, 2018.  Below is the full excerpt from the report of Supt. Lemuel Gona, Camp Alagar’s Public Information Office chief, spokesperson and deputy chief of the Regional Police Strategic Management Unit:

“On January 29, 2018 at about 8 am, PCSupt. Timoteo G. Pacleb, Regional Director spearheaded the 24th PNP Ethics Day Celebration with the theme ‘Serbisyong Tapat at Makatotohanan para sa  Pagbabago ng Bayan’ during the Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremony in Camp 1Lt Vicente G Alagar, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.  It was attended by Atty. Ma. Gemma Teresa L Gavine, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III from the Office of the Ombudsman-Mindanao as the Guest of Honor and Speaker together with the personnel of Police Regional Office 10.

“Atty Gavine expressed her gratitude to the Police Regional Office 10 for its accomplishments and contributions in the maintenance of peace and order in the region. She also encouraged all PNP personnel to be dedicated to their sworn duties and responsibilities as public servants and to take the straight path for a better Philippines.  She also ensured that she will be supportive to all the legal and noble undertakings of the PNP.

“The activity was highlighted by the presentation of Medalya ng Mabuting Asal (PNP Good Conduct Medal) led by PSI Mariano Wenrecto O. dela Pena, PO2 Noel Q. Formoso, PO2 Anthony N. Jamisola, PO2 Perpetuo C. Mendoza, PO1 Mannie John B. Camas and PO1 Eliezer Q. Go for conspicuous devotion to duty while occupying various positions in the police service for the past five years without incurring any records of punishment, conviction and derogatory records. The said PNP personnel have indeed passed the crucial test of a truly professional and dedicated law enforcer worthy of the public’s respect and trust.

“PCSupt. Pacleb, encouraged our PNP and Non-Uniformed Personnel to adhere the PNP Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards and to perform their assigned functions and duties with utmost dedication and efficiency without fear or favor for anyone.”

(Ian Alfredo T. Magno is a lawyer and a legal officer at Philhealth in Cagayan de Oro. E-mal: ianalfredom@gmail.com)