Albayalde declares bars, nightclubs off limits to cops

Upon instructions of President Rodrigo R Duterte, thru DILG Secretary Eduardo M Año, PNP Chief, Director General Oscar D Albayalde reiterated anew existing rules and regulations prohibiting police personnel from bars, nightclubs and similar public drinking places and establishments.

Albayalde specifically declared nightclubs, beer gardens, karaoke bars, and pubs, as strictly off limits to all PNP personnel, including establishments of ill-repute, illegal gambling dens and other places devoted to vices.

“This is a specific directive of the Chief Executive, violation of which is tantamount to Grave Misconduct that is punishable by dismissal from the service,” Albayalde said.

He reminded all personnel to conduct themselves properly at all times in keeping with the rules and regulations of the organization in accord with the PNP Ethical Doctrine and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards.

The Chief PNP specifically cited Section 3.1 of the PNP Ethical Doctrine that provide, “PNP members shall adhere to high standards of morality and decency and shall set good examples for others to follow. In no instance during their terms of office, among other things, shall they be involved as owners, operators, managers or investors in any house of ill-repute or illegal gambling den or other places devoted to vices, nor they shall patronize such places unless on official duty, and tolerate operations of such establishments in their respective areas of responsibilities.”

According to PNP Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Benigno B Durana Jr., the penalties for the commission of acts/practices in violation of the PNP Ethical Doctrine shall be in accordance with the Revised Penal Code, RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft Practices Act and other specials laws.

For acts or omissions which merely require administrative sanctions, the applicable punishments as provided for the rules and regulations promulgated by the PNP, NAPOLCOM. Civil Service Commission and DILG shall be applied, Durana said. (PNP-PIO)##

- January 9, 2019