LESSON 1 : ETHICS to any system or theory of moral values or

principles
ETYMOLOGY - Generally, Philosophy can be divided into
- The word ethics was derived from the Late four disciplines:
Latin word “Ethnicus” and from Greek word a. Descriptive or speculative
“Ethnikos” which means “National”, “Nation”, b. Normative
or “People” c. Practical
✓ derived from the Greek word, ethos, which d. Critical
means characteristic way of acting and - Ethics is more concerned of Normative
ethikos, which means customary Philosophy since it is more concerned on
- Akin to Greek word “Ethos” which means what is good or bad, or what is right
“Custom”. action and wrong action.
B. It is a Practical Science
DEFINITION - Ethics is also a science for it is the result
of series of studies.
is the capacity to determine right conduct - A systematized body of data reflected
and the knowledge of what is right from upon truth in relation to action.
wrong; specific moral choices to be made - Towards this discovery of truth, sets of
by the individual in his relationship with implied rules or directions for thought or
others; the moral quality of a course of action are established this makes the
action, fitness and propriety. ethics more of a practical science.
C. It focuses on Human Acts
A philosophical science that deals with
the morality of human conduct or human - Human acts are the material object of
acts. the study of ethics.
- It shall mean only those acts which are
Is the practical science of the morality of determined by the free will.
human conduct - It is characterized as acts done
The science of the morality of human deliberately, freely or voluntarily.
acts D. It is the science of the morality of human
acts
The study of the human motivation, and - Ethics does not end with the study of human
ultimately of human rational behavior acts, if human act is the material object
As a field of study, Ethics is a branch of of the study of ethics its formal object is
philosophy which studies the principles the rectitude (right morality) of human
of right or wrong in human conduct. acts.
Right or wrong are qualities assigned to
actions, conduct and behavior. DIVISION OF ETHICS
- Ethics has two major divisions namely:
Other definitions include: the science of
the morality of man; study of human (a) General ethics- Presents the general
motivation and ultimately of human principles of morality of human acts.
rational behavior. (b) Special ethics- Provides for the
application of the principles of general
Ethics which involves conscience is “the ethics to particular department of human
ability to recognize right from wrong and activity, individual or social.
to follow one’s own sense of what is
HUMAN ACT
right.
- acts that are done knowingly,
NATURE/CONCEPT OF ETHICS deliberately and freely
A. It is a division of Philosophy under the - Is an act which proceeds from the
Normative Philosophy deliberate sort of activity, internal or
According to www.britannica.com, Ethics, external, physical or spiritual, performed
also called moral philosophy, the discipline by human being.
concerned with what is morally good and bad and - It is an act done by man with the use of
morally right and wrong. The term is also applied his mental faculty and his free choice.
 - Acts which are done by man but without • Fear – disturbance of the mind of a person
the use of the power of free choice are who is confronted by impending danger or
called act of human and not human act. harm to himself or love ones.
• Violence – refers to any physical force
ELEMENTS OF HUMAN ACTS exerted on a person by another free agent
1) KNOWINGLY – when the person fully for the purpose of compelling said person
understands what he is doing and has the to act against his will.
ability to appreciate the consequences of
his actions • Habits – is a lasting readiness and facility,
2) DELIBERATELY – when the person born of frequently repeated acts, for acting
did his actions intentionally in a certain manner.
3) FREELY – when the person performed
his actions voluntarily MORALITY
- from the Latin moralis or moris literally
KINDS OF HUMAN ACTS means “customs or manners”.
1. Elicited Act – it is performed by the will - The quality which makes an act good or
and are not bodily externalized. It evil, right or wrong.
includes:
• Wish – is the tendency of the will MORAL DISTINCTIONS
toward something whether this will be
1) MORAL - good, right; actions which are
realizable or not.
inconformity with the norm of morality.
• Intention – is the tendency of the will 2) IMMORAL - bad, wrong; actions which
towards something attainable but are not inconformity with the norm of
without necessarily committing oneself morality.
to attain it. 3) AMORAL – neither good nor bad; actions
which stands neutral in relation to the
• Consent – is the acceptance of the will
norm of morality.
of those effective to carry out the
intention.
BASIS OF MORALITY
• Election – is the selection of the will of A. Social Norms
those effective enough to carry out the – Unwritten standard of acceptable
intention. behavior in society that is being
• Use – is the command of the will to followed through generation.
make use of those means elected to • Customs
carry out the intention. • Tradition
• Culture
• Fruition – is the enjoyment of the will
derived from the attainment of the thing B. Laws of Society
he had desired earlier. – Written rules of behavior.
– Laws created by men to maintain harmony
2. Commanded Acts – are those done and order within the community.
either by man’s mental of bodily powers
– An act of a legislative branch of the
under the command of the will. These
government in order to prevent criminality
acts are:
and chaos.
• Internal actions (e.g., conscious
C. Religion
reasoning etc.)
– A system of beliefs and practices based on
• External actions (e.g., walking etc.) faith and truths revealed to man by God.
• Combinations of internal and external D. Conscience
actions (e.g., driving etc.) – The practical judgment of reason telling
us what should be done and what should
MODIFIERS OF HUMAN ACTS
be avoided; reflection of one’s
• Ignorance – absence of knowledge which
a person ought to possess. character.
– The part of mind that makes you aware
• Passions – tendencies towards desirable of your actions as being either morally
objects, or tendencies away from
undesirable or harmful things.
 right or wrong: a feeling that something -Something to which a person has a
you have done is morally wrong. just and lawful claim.
– Conscience is an innate moral sense; -Anything that a person can lawfully
people are either born with it or not. demand.
Others say that conscience is a power • Human Rights
acquired by experienced--- that is, can -Rights pertaining to the rights of man; rights
be taught or consciously ignored. (Hess inherent to human by virtue of being a human
and Wrobleski) being.
E. Intuition -Are the supreme, inherent and inalienable
– A natural ability or power that rights to life, dignity and to self-development.
makes it possible to know
something without any proof or BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS
evidence: a feeling that guides a
1) RIGHT TO LIFE Exceptions: self-defense
person to act a certain way without
fully understanding why. death under exceptional circumstances death
penalty
– Intuition refers to the natural ability
of man to perceive and understand 2) RIGHTTOLIBERTY Exceptions:
things around him. for reasons of public health and public safety
– Something that is known or penalty for commission of a crime
understood without proof or circumstances of warrant less arrest
evidence 3) 3) RIGHT TO PROPERTY Exceptions:
circumstances of warrant less search by
virtue of court order
LESSON 2 : THREE DIVISIONS OF
JUSTICE BILL OF RIGHTS
-a list of individual liberties, freedom and
•Commutative Justice rights which are guaranteed and protected
- Regulates those actions that involve the under Article III of the 1987 Philippine
rights that exist between individuals. Constitution - protection of individuals
- Calls for fundamental fairness in all against abuses of the state
agreement and exchanges between individuals or -protection of the rights of an accused
private social groups. DUTY
-Demands respect for the equal human dignity -anything we are obliged to door to omit
of all persons in economic transaction contract or -amoral obligation incumbent upon a
promises. person of doing, omitting or avoiding - for
• Distributive Justice every right, there is a corresponding duty
-Regulates those actions that involve the rights
that an individual may claim from society. LESSON 3 : POLICE ETHICS
-Concerned with the fair allocation of
resources among diverse members of a
community. -A practical science that treats the principles of
-Implies that society has a duty to the human morality and duty as applied to law
individuals in serious need and all individuals enforcement.
have duties to others in need.
• Legal Justice Brief Historical Background on the PNP Code
of Professional Conduct and Ethical
-Regulates those actions which society may
Standards
justly require of the individual for the
According to Section 37 of RA 6975.
common good.
“There shall be established a performance
-According to legal justice, the State may
evaluation system which shall be administered in
institute just laws and perform such acts to
accordance with the rules, regulations and
further the welfare of the community.
standards, and a CODE OF CONDUCT
-Thus, laws are created to protect the promulgated by the Commission for members of
citizens. the PNP…”
A. Right
-Anything that is owed or due.
NAPOLCOM Resolution No. 92-4 relevant to one’s office or connected with
- The resolution issued by the the performance of his duties.
NAPOLCOM approving the draft of the
3. DISLOYALTY TO THE
PNP Code of Professional Conduct and
GOVERNMENT – Consist of
Ethical standards by the PNP. -
abandonment or renunciation of one’s
Approved on 12 March 1992.
loyalty to the government of the
Philippines, or advocating the overthrow
Purpose of the Code
of the government.
1. To foster individual efficiency, behavioral
discipline and organizational 4. ETHICAL STANDARD – refers to the
effectiveness, as well as respect for conduct and behavior governing a group,
constitutional and human rights of a class, or organization.
citizens, democratic principles and ideals
5. GIFT – Refers to the thing or right
and the supremacy of civilian authority disposed gratuitously, or any act of liberty
over the military; in favor of another who accepts it, and
1) To set the moral tone and norms shall include a simulated sale or ostensibly
of professional conduct in the police onerous disposition thereof. It shall not
service] include an unsolicited gift of nominal or
2) To provide moral and ethical insignificant value not given in
guidance to all PNP members; and anticipation of, or exchange for a favor.
3) To enlighten members of the 6. INCOMPETENCY – It is the manifested
police service of what behavior is really lack of adequate ability and fitness for the
acceptable – to define “what is permitted satisfactory performance of police duties.
and what is prohibited.” This refers to any physical and intellectual
quality, the lack of which substantially
Laws Related to the PNP Code of Professional incapacitates one to perform the duties of
Conduct and Ethical Standards peace officers.
7. MALFEASANCE – It is the performance
• RA 3019 of some act which ought not to be done.
-The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. It is the doing either through ignorance,
• RA 6713 inattention or malice, of that which the
-Code of Conduct and Ethical Standard for officer had no legal right to do at all, as
Public Officials and Employees. To uphold the when he acts without any authority
time-honored principle of public service being a whatsoever, or exceeds, ignores or abuse
public trust, granting awards and incentives for his powers. Or the performance of some
exemplary service, enumerating prohibited acts act which is unlawful or wrongful or
and transactions and providing penalties for which one has specially contracted not to
violations thereof and for other purposes. perform or it is sometimes called official
-Approved: February 20, 1989. misconduct.
• RA 7080
-Anti Plunder Act. 8. MISCONDUCT – This is generally
premeditated, obstinate or intentional
•People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB)
purpose. It usually refers to transgression
-Rules and Regulation.
of some established and definite rule of
action, where no discretion is left except
TERMS TO FONDER:
what necessity may demand. It does not
1. CRIME – an act committed or omitted in necessarily means corruption or criminal
violation of law forbidding or intention but implies wrong intention and
commanding it. Simple nonfeasance, not mere error of judgment.
misfeasance, or malfeasance by public
servants or police officers that violates the 9. MISFEASANCE or Irregularities in the
provisions of the RPC and other statutes Performance of a Duty – It is the
may constitute the commission of the improper performance of some act
crime. which might lawfully be done or the
performance of a lawful act in an
2. DISHONESTY – the concealment or unlawfully or culpably negligent manner.
distortion of truth in a manner of a fact
10. MORALS AND MORALITY – It refers 19. VIOLATION OF LAW – Presupposes
to what is judged as good conduct. The conviction in court of any crime or offense
term moral is also used to describe penalized under RPC or any special law or
someone who has the capacity to make ordinances.
value judgments and discernment from
wrong. 20. Conflict of interest arises when a public
official or employee is a member of a
11. MOONLIGHTING – An act of a board, an officer, or a substantial
member of the PNP pursuing or following stockholder of a private corporation or
any calling or occupation or the act of owner or has a substantial interest in a
engaging in any business, which includes business, and the interest of such
but not limited to all activities, jobs, work, corporation or business, or his rights or
and similar functions, performed, engaged duties therein, may be opposed to or
in or undertaken by him, in or off duty affected by the faithful performance of
hours with or without compensation, official duty.
which is inconsistent or incompatible with
the PNP duties and/or functions. 21. Commitment to public interest - Public
officials and employees shall always
12. NONEFEASANCE OR NEGLECT OF uphold the public interest over and above
DUTY – It is omission of some act, personal interest. All government
which ought to be performed. It is the resources and powers of their respective
omission or refusal without sufficient offices must be employed and used
excuse, to perform an act or duty, which is efficiently, effectively, honestly and
a peace officers legal obligation to economically, particularly to avoid
perform. wastage in public
13. OPPRESSION – Imports an act of 22. Professionalism - Public officials and
cruelty, severity, unlawful execution, or employees shall perform and discharge
excessive use of authority. their duties with the highest degree of
excellence, professionalism, intelligence
14. POLICE CUSTOMS AND SOCIAL
and skill. They shall enter public service
DECORUM – A set of norms and
with utmost devotion and dedication to
standards practiced by members during
duty. They shall endeavor to discourage
social and other functions.
wrong perceptions of their roles as
15. POLICE ETHICS – It is the practical dispensers or peddlers of undue patronage.
science that treats the principle of human
23. Nationalism and patriotism - Public
morality and duty as applied to law
officials and employees shall at all times
enforcement.
be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino
16. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT – It people, promote the use of locally
refers to the set of behavioral standard produced goods, resources and technology
governing particular profession or and encourage appreciation and pride of
professionals. country and people. They shall endeavor
to maintain and defend Philippine
17. PUBLIC OFFICIAL – Includes elective sovereignty against foreign intrusion.
and appointive officials and employees,
permanent or temporary, whether in the 24. Solicitation or acceptance of gifts -
career or non- career service, including Public officials and employees shall not
military and police personnel, whether solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any
they receive compensation or not, gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or
regardless of amount. anything of monetary value from any
person in the course of their official duties
18. PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE – or in connection with any operation being
Any persons holding any public office or regulated by, or any transaction which
employment by virtue of an appointment, may be affected by the functions of their
election, contract and any persons holding office.
any office or employment, by appointment
or contract in any state-owned or 25. Values – are beliefs, principles and
controlled corporation. philosophies that are important, cherished,
prized, upheld and defended:
 26. Virtue – the quality of moral excellence, has a profound impact on the lives of those
righteousness, probity, responsibility and individuals with whom they interact.
goodness; conformity to standard morality Police Officer
or mores (as by abstention from vices, -is a public official with the extraordinary
rectitude); specific type of moral power to make arrest, who performs the
excellence or other exemplary quality direct police services such as patrol,
considered meritorious, a worthy practice investigation, traffic control and other
or ideal public safety services.
27. Maximum Tolerance - A conceptual
STANDARDS OF POLICE BEHAVIOR
policy laid down for observance of all law
(a) Ethical Standards – it is reflected in the
enforcement personnel to exercise utmost
code of conduct and ethical standards for
restraint and self-control in the
police officers, police creed, vision and
performance of their official functions.
mission, and international laws.\
28. Statements of Assets and Liabilities and
(b) Political Standards – come from the
Financial Disclosure - All public officials
expectations of the community concerning
and employees, except those who serve in
what is and is not appropriate police
an honorary capacity, laborers and casual
behavior.
or temporary workers, shall file under oath
their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and (c) Legal Standards – are derived primarily
Net Worth and a Disclosure of Business from substantive and procedural criminal
Interests and Financial Connections and laws.
those of their spouses and unmarried
children under eighteen (18) years of age
living in their households. CANONS OF POLICE ETHICS
In summary, the Ethical Standard of the PNP
Statements of Assets and Liabilities and is based on the following canons or criteria (these
Financial Disclosure: The documents must are all embodied in the Code of Professional
be filed: Conduct and Ethical Standards):
a. within thirty (30) days after assumption (a) Primordial Police Responsibility - the
performance of the basic responsibility of
of office;
the police which is the protection of lives
b. on or before April 30, of every year
and properties.
thereafter; and
c. within thirty (30) days after separation (b) Limitation of Police Authority - in the
from the service. practice of law enforcement profession,
there are always boundaries to avoid
FILIPINO VALUES violation of human rights.
1. Fear of the Lord (Pagkatakot sa Diyos).
(c) Knowledge of the Law and other
2. Faith (Pananalig)
Responsibility - it is primarily
3. Close Family Ties (Makapamilya)
requirement for a police officer to be
4. Community Spirit (Bayanihan)
knowledgeable of the laws being enforced.
5. Solidarity (Pakikibaka)
6. Love for Others/Fellowmen (d) Use of proper Means to Obtain Proper
(Pakikipagkapwa/Pakikisama) Ends - it is the proper performance of not
7. Knowledge (Karunungan) the nobleness of objective or mission
8. Love for Country or Patriotism which should guide every police officer.
(Pagmamahal sa Bayan)
(e) Cooperation with Public Officials - it is
9. Responsible Citizenship (Mabuting
an irrefutable fact that the effective
Mamayan)
enforcement of laws entails the
10. Courage (Lakas or Tibay ng Loob)
cooperation of the other public officials
and employees.
POLICE BEHAVIOR
Overview (f) Proper Conduct and Behavior- Being a
Understanding the behavior of the police is police officer is a noble profession, it
one of the most interesting concerns in policing. follows that every law enforcer must think,
As police officer, he/she denotes authority to act and speak with decency and
enforce the law and the duty to maintain peace appropriately.
and order. The decisions made by a police officer
 (g) Conduct towards the Community • Duty. PNP members perform their tasks
(h) Conduct in Arresting Law Violator with deep sense of responsibility and
(i) Firmness in Refusing Gifts or Favors selfsacrifice. They shall readily accept
(j) Impartial Presentation of Evidence assignment anywhere in the country.
(k) Attitude Towards Police Profession
• Loyalty. PNP members are traditionally
Characteristics of a Police Officer’s Job loyal to the organization, country and
• The Uniform. It sets the officer apart, and people as borne by history and practice.
it clearly identifies his or her status as a
• Camaraderie. The binding spirit that
police officer.
enhances teamwork and cooperation in the
• The Power. The uniformed police officer, police organization, extending to the
with the sidearm, baton, citation book, and people they serve, is manifested by the
other trappings of office, is a walking PNP members’ deep commitment and
symbol of government power. concern for one another.

• The Working Hours. Police officers

work daily and “off duty” is not a right but Weaknesses of the members of PNP
a privilege only, they also work weekends, • Misplaced Loyalty. The loyalty is on the
holidays, and frequently must put in fellow officers not on the government and
overtime in emergency situations, and for the people they serve.
court appearances.
• Cynicism. Police view all citizens with
• The Danger. They deal with several suspicion, weak, corrupt, and dangerous.
issues, situations, and problems.
• The Use of Force. The police sometimes
• The Dirty Works. The police deal with embrace force for all situations wherein a
dead bodies, crimes, crime victims, threat is perceived.
criminals, automobile accidents and other
aspects of society that most of us would • “The Police as Victims” Mentality. This
rather not think about. concept is based on the idea that the police
are victims of public misunderstanding
Strengths of the members of PNP and scorn, of low wages and self-serving
• Spiritual Beliefs. During times of great administrators.
personal crisis and danger, they bravely • Preferential Application of the Law.
forge on, confident that Divine Providence Decisions about whether to enforce the
will grant them protection and safety. law, in any but the most serious cases,
• Valor. They sacrificed their limbs and should be guided by what the law says and
lives for the sake of their countrymen who the suspect is.
whom they have pledged to serve. • Rewards. Police do very dangerous work
• Patriotism. They manifest their love of for low wages, so it is proper to take any
country with a pledge of allegiance to the extra rewards the public wants to give
flag and a vow to defend the Constitution. them. One theory is that it is acceptable to
accept any type of reward as long as it was
• Discipline. The discipline of PNP given wholeheartedly by an individual to a
members is manifested by instinctive police officer.
obedience to lawful orders and thorough
and spontaneous actions towards • Due Process. It is only a means of
attainment of organizational objectives protecting criminals at the expense of the
guided by moral, ethical and legal norms. law abiding and should be ignored
whenever it is safe to do so.
• Courteous. PNP members are upright in
character, gentle in manners, dignified in • Lying and Deception. Lying and
appearance, and sincere in their concern to deception are an essential part of the police
fellowmen. job, and even perjury should be used if it
is necessary to protect yourself or get a
• Word of Honor. PNP members’ word is conviction on a “bad guy”.
their bond. They stand by and commit to
uphold it.
POLICE CORRUPTION justice. It is distinguished from extortion
Corruption, regardless of who perpetuates it, by the mutual understanding in regard to
erodes communities and governments that services to be performed upon the
oversee them. That is, where official corruption acceptance of the gift.
erosion of public service, falloff of confidence in
• Extortion or Shakedowns – the common
government competency and an overall lack of
practice of holding "street court," where
public trust and credibility result.
incidents such as minor traffic tickets can
The police are not exempted from graft and
be avoided with a cash payment to the
corruption. As an institution, graft and corruption
officer and no receipt given. Using this
had long taken roots in the police agency.
process, police have also been known to
Corruption was nurtured by the long years of
extort money from nightclub owners and
political patronage that slowly eroded the moral
other businesses by threatening to enforce
foundation of the organization.
city health and zoning codes.
Republic Act No. 3019 • Protection – the taking of money or other
• Anti-graft and corruption practices act of rewards from vice operators or from
1960. legitimate companies operating illegally in
return for protecting them from law
Salient Features of the Law enforcement activity.
• Corrupt Practices of Public Officers
• Recycling – the use or sale of confiscated
(Section 3)
items and evidence, usually drugs or
• Prohibition on Private Individual
narcotics.
(Section 4) • Prohibition on Certain Relatives
(Section 5) • Selective Enforcement – it occurs when
• Prohibition on Members of Congress police officers exploit their officer
(Section 6) discretion. For example, a PNP member
• Dismissal due to unexplained wealth who releases a suspect due to what is
(Section 8) commonly known as “areglo” or “balato”
• Penalties is in clear abuse of his or her discretion and
• Exception authority. On the reverse side, a police
officer who arrests a person simply
Republic Act No. 7080 because the latter “annoys” him is likewise
• Plunder Law of 1991. guilty of selective enforcement.
• Internal Pay-offs – sale of work
Salient Features of the Law assignments, day-offs, holidays, vacation
periods, and even promotions.
• Means wherein Ill-gotten Wealth may be
Obtained • Corruption of Authority – this type of
• The Crime of Plunder and its Penalty corruption is tolerable, but because
• Other Provisions policeman must act beyond reproach and
with impartiality, it is expected that
Most Common Types of Corruption in the policeman must be free from possible
PNP from temptation to evil and this includes
receiving free meals, services, discounts,
• Case Fixing – the subjective imposition of gratuities and the like.
penalties or downright sabotage of the
investigation process in exchange for • Kickbacks – this type of police corruption
money or other things for personal gain. occurs when the police officer receives
any consideration such as money and other
• Bribery – it is the receipt of cash or a gift valuable materials in return to a police
in exchange for past or future assistance in services which a police officer should be
avoidance of prosecution, as by a claim performed.
that the officer is unable to make a positive
identification of a criminal or by being in • Opportunistic Theft – it is the taking
the wrong place at a time when a crime is advantage of the situation in the conduct
to occur, or by any other action that may of police operations by profiting or taking
be excused as carelessness but not offered properties with intent to gain and not
as proof of deliberate miscarriage of reporting to authorities.
 • Fixes – it involves an activity in which a They actively seek out corruption
police officer acts as a mediator in a opportunities and engage in both minor
certain case and offer to the other party to and major patterns of corruption.
settle the case for a particular amount and
• Rogues – are policemen who are
the police officer receives a certain
amount of the payment made by the other considered having all the deviant
party. behaviors of a corrupt policeman. They
involve in dirty works and dirty money
• Direct Criminal Activity – this is the and are considered bad to the bone.
worst behavior of a police force by
involvement of police officer in a criminal
activity and profiting on it. Police Misconduct
Malfeasance
Other Forms of Corruption • is any wrongful, improper or unlawful
• Gambling – protectors of “jueteng”, local conduct motivated by premeditated,
number games, cock fighting and card obstinate or intentional purpose. It usually
games. refers to transgression of some established
and definite rule of action, where no
• Narcotics – involvement either as users,
discretion is left except where necessity
pushers or protectors of illegal drugs-
may demand; it does not necessarily imply
related activities.
corruption or criminal intention.
• Bars- as patrons or owners of houses of ill- • Misconduct
refutes.
Misfeasance
• Prostitution- some are patrons, others are
• is the improper performance of some act
peddlers, some are owners or protectors. which might lawfully be done.
• Parking and traffic – ex. Offering of • Irregularities in the Performance of Duty
small bills in exchange of non-
confiscation of license. Nonfeasance
• It is the omission or refusal, without
• Interdepartmental Payments – giving of sufficient excuse, to perform an act or
favor to colleagues who help them in their duty, which it was the peace officer’s legal
processing of papers. obligation to perform; implies a duty as
• Scale of Information – double agents well as its breach and the fact can never be
found in the absence of duty.
• Gratuities – a simple token of appreciation • Neglect of Duty
that may lead to corruption later on. In the
Philippines, “utang na loob” or deep Other Forms of Police Misconduct
gratitude and “pakikisama” or friendship • Police Brutality – it refers to unnecessary
may pressure a police officer to do favor for and unreasonable use of force in effecting
other people even to the extent of arrest or abuse in the manner of
circumventing the legal processes in his conducting search and seizure, and other
own organization. police operations.
• Sexual Misconduct – commonly
Categories of Corrupt Police Officer/Units committed by policeman who sexually
molested female or male clients who have
• White Knights – these are straightforward transaction with the police office. It is a
fellow, honest to a fault, and often take an sexual harassment behavior of policemen
extreme position on ethical issues. They as earlier stated.
are realistic and often render strict
• Police Lying – a deceptive practices are in
decisions in accordance with the law. fact part of working environment. Lies and
Thus, they are considered a loner and deception vary as to whether or not they
deviant to the eyes of the colleagues who will be considered ethical violations or are
are corrupt and killjoy to the others. necessary for the police to accomplish
their task.
• Meat Eaters/Carnivorous Cops – they
are worst because they come out of the
headquarters to look for the opportunities.
Categories of Police Lying investigations by leaking information to
• Accepted Lying – considered as part of friends, relatives, the public, the press or
police working environment especially in in some cases directly to the criminal
surveillance and intelligence driven suspect.
operations.
Sex on Duty or Duty Related Sexual
• Tolerated Lying – recognized as lies but Misconducts
tolerated as necessary to explain
Sexual attacks or sexual advances are
inadequacy or inefficiency of the police
likely not necessarily initiated by a police
organization.
officer. There may be instances that the
• Deviant Lying – it involves lies that opposite sex contacts of the police may
violate substantive or procedural laws and initiate such act, or it may be because of
police officers’ standards or protocols. unexpected circumstances where sexual
harassments or advances are likely
committed. Some of these sexual related
• Other Classes of Lying – police officers misconducts are in the following forms:
can also be classified into the following: • • Traffic Stops – to get closer look at a
female or information about her.
Police Placebo is sometimes referred to
• Fox Hunting – stopping college girls to
as “little white lie”.
get the “I’ll do anything routine”.
Accordingly, police officers find it
• Voyeurism – window peeping or
ethically to lie when the lie is told to benefit the
interrupting lovers’ lane couples.
person lied to and no more effective means of
dealing with the problem is available. • Victim Re-contacts – consoling victims
who have psychological needs.
• Blue lie on the other hand involves lying
to a person to exert control. A good • Sexual Shakedown – letting prostitutes
example would be, a traffic officer telling go if they perform sexual acts.
the erring driver that his confiscated
driver’s license is already in the police
station. The officer lied so that the driver PURPOSES OF THE COPCES
will stop personally approaching the
officer to get back the license. COPCES (PNP Code of Professional Conduct
and Ethical Standards)
Types of Police Deviance
1. Foster individual efficiency, behavioral
• Police gratuity – the receipt of free meals, discipline and organizational
services or discounts effectiveness, as well as respect for
• Chiseling – is when an officer is quite constitutional and human rights of
blatant in about demanding free services. citizens, democratic principles and ideals
and the supremacy of civilian authority
• Police Shakedowns – is when a police over the military;
officer extorts a business owner for
protection money. 2. Set the moral tone and norms of
professional conduct in the police service;
• Police perjury – is usually a means to
affect an act of corruption, leaving out 3. Provide moral and ethical guidance to all
certain pertinent pieces of information in PNP members; and
order to ‘fix’ a criminal prosecution. 4. Enlighten members of the police service of
• Police brutality – defined as excessive what behavior is really acceptable- to
force, name-calling, sarcasm, ridicule, and define what is permitted and what is
disrespect. prohibited.

• Police profanity – refers to the use of

obscene and profane language. Policies and Principles the Guide the PNP
Towards Professionalized and Dedicated Law
• Misuse of confidential information – Enforcers
involves the jeopardizing of ongoing
 1. Public office is a public trust 3. Unreasonable force reduces Community
2. All public servants must at all times be Cooperation
accountable to the people 4. Use of reasonable Force when
Persuasion is not Sufficient
3. Serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, 5. Impartial Enforcement of Laws
morality, loyalty and efficiency 6. The community are the Police’ superiors.
4. Respect to human rights and dignity as a 7. Police should not usurp Judicial Power
hallmark of a democratic society 8. Rules of Engagement Impartially
5. Bear faithful allegiance to the legitimate Observed
government 9. Reduction of crime and Disorder
10. Police Discretion
6. Support and uphold the Constitution
7. Respect the duly constituted authority and Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
be loyal to the police service 1. As a law enforcement officer, my
fundamental duty is to serve the mankind;
to safeguard lives and property; to protect
the innocent against deception; the weak
against oppression or intimidation; and the
LESSON 4 : THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL
peaceful against violence or disorder; and
POLICE
to respect the constitutional rights of all
Essential principles in the use of any Power men, to life, liberty, equality and justice.
and Authority: 2. I will keep my private life unsullied as an
example to all; maintain courageous calm
1. Legality – does the practice used in a in the face of danger; scorn or ridicule;
particular situation has its basis in law. develop self-restraint and be constantly
mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in
2. Necessity – is the practice strictly necessary, thought and deed in both my personal and
given the circumstances of the respective official life, I will be exemplary in obeying
situation. the laws of the land and regulations of my
organization. Whatever I see or hear of a
3. Proportionality – is the practice in confidential nature or that is confided to
proportion to the seriousness of the me in my official capacity will be kept
offense and the legitimate objective to be ever secret unless revelation is necessary
achieved? in the performance of my duty.
3. I will never act officially or permit
personal feelings, prejudices, animosities
The PNP Core Values or friendship to influence my decision,
The Police service is a noble profession with no compromise for crime and with
and demands from its members specialized relentless prosecution of criminals. I will
knowledge and skills and high standard of ethics enforce the law courteously and
and morality. In this regard, the members of the appropriately without fear of favor, malice
Philippine National Police must: or ill-will, never employing unnecessary
force or violence and never accepting
1. adhere to and internalize the enduring core gratuities in return.
values of love of God, 4. I will never act officially or permit
2. respect to authority, personal feelings, prejudices, animosities
3. selfless love and service for people, or friendship to influence my decision,
4. respect for women and the sanctity of with no compromise for crime and with
marriage, relentless prosecution of criminals. I will
5. responsible dominion and stewardship enforce the law courteously and
protecting over material things, and appropriately without fear of favor, malice
6. Truthfulness. or ill-will, never employing unnecessary
force or violence and never accepting
Professional Police Principles gratuities in return.
5. I recognize the badge of my office as a
1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder symbol of public faith and I accept it as a
2. Cooperation of the Community public trust to be held so long as I am true
to the ethics of police service. I will never
 engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor • I shall protect the environment and
will I condone such acts by other police conserve nature to maintain ecological
officers. I will cooperate with all legally balance.
authorized agencies and their • I shall protect the environment and
representatives in the pursuit of justice. conserve nature to maintain ecological
6. I know that I alone am responsible for my balance.
own standard of professional performance • I shall protect private and public
and will take every reasonable opportunity properties and prevent others from
to enhance and improve my level of destroying it.
knowledge and competence. I will
constantly strive to achieve these 6. I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness.
objectives and ideals, dedicating myself
before God to my chosen profession . . . I must be trustworthy and shall speak the truth at
Law Enforcement. all times as required by my profession.

THE POLICE OFFICER CREED PNP Stand on Basic Issues

1. PNP Image
1. I believe in God, the Supreme Being, a
great provider, and the creator of all ⚫ The image of any organization affects
men and all dear to me. the esprit de’ corps, morale and welfare
of the members, and sense of pride to
In return, I can do no less than love Him above the organization. Thus, all members of
all, seek his guidance in the performance of my the PNP should act in a manner that
sworn duties and honor Him at all times. would reflect best on the PNP and live
by the PNP’s core values:
2. I believe that respect for authority is ⚫ Honor
duty.
⚫ Integrity
I respect and uphold the constitution and the laws ⚫ Valor
of the land and the applicable rules and
⚫ Justice
regulations.
⚫ Honesty
I recognize the legitimacy and authority of the ⚫ Humility
leadership, and follow and obey legal orders of
my superior officers. ⚫ Charity
⚫ Loyalty to service
3. I believe in selfless love and service to
2. Career management, the Key to
people.
Professionalism
Toward this end, I commit myself to the service ⚫ The PNP recognizes the need to have
of my fellowmen over and above my personal proper and strict policies regarding
convenience. recruitment, training, assignment,
promotion, awards, discipline and
4. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and retirement to ensure sound
respect for women. administration and to look after the
welfare of its members.
I shall set the example of decency and morality 3. Police Management Leadership
and shall have high regard for family life and
value of marital fidelity (chastity). ⚫ The effectiveness of law enforcement
is reflective of the management
capabilities and women who run the
5. I believe in the responsible dominion
PNP organization.
and stewardship over material things.
4. Equality in the Service
• I shall inhibit myself from extravagance ⚫ All police officers shall have equal
and ostentatious display of my opportunities for improvement and
property. career advancement based on merit.
5. Delicadeza
 ⚫ Sense of pride and self-worth. Police Customs on Courtesy
⚫ Police officers must be able to sacrifice Salute
self interest in the name of duty. • Salute is the usual greeting rendered by
⚫ Police officers must not do anything uniformed members upon meeting and
that would bring dishonor to himself recognizing person entitled to a salute.
and to the PNP organization itself. Salute to National Color and Standard

6. Police Patronage • Members stand at attention and salute the

national color and standard as it passes by
⚫ Police officers must NEVER ASK for them or when the national color is raised
recommendation from public officials or lowered during ceremonies.
in matters pertaining to promotion, Address/Title
assignment, awards and others.
• Junior in rank address senior members
7. Political Patronage who are entitled to salute with the word
⚫ All PNP members must inhibit himself “Sir” or “Ma’am”. All Police
soliciting political patronage on Commissioned Officers shall be addressed
matters pertaining to assignment, sir or ma’am by Police Non-
awards, trainings and promotion Commissioned Officers and Non-
Uniformed Personnel.
8. Human Rights
⚫ All PNP members must respect and
protect human dignity and man’s Courtesy Calls. The following are the customs
on courtesy calls:
inalienable rights to life, liberty and
property. • Courtesy Call of Newly
9. Setting Example Assigned/Appointed Member. PNP
members who are newly appointed or
⚫ All PNP members shall set good assigned in a unit or command call on the
example to their subordinates and chief of the unit or command and other key
follow good example from their personnel as a matter of courtesy, as well
superiors. as for accounting, orientation and other
purposes.

POLICE CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS • Christmas Call. PNP members pay a

Christmas Call on their local executives in
Definition of Terms their respective area of responsibility.
Customs • New Year’s Call. PNP members pay a
• Established usage or social practices New Year’s call on their commanders
carried on by traditions that have obtained and/or key officials in their respective area
the force of law. Traditions of responsibility.

• Bodies of beliefs, stories, customs and • Promotion Call. Newly promoted PNP
usages handed down from generation to members call on their unit head. On this
generation with the effect of an unwritten occasion, they are usually given due
law. recognition and congratulations by their
peers for such deserved accomplishment.
Courtesy
• Exit Call. PNP members pay an Exit Call
• A manifestation or expression of on their superiors in the unit or command
consideration and respect for others. when relieved or reassigned out of the said
unit or command.
Ceremony
• A formal act or set of formal acts
established by customs or authority as • Courtesy of the Post. The host unit
proper to special occasion. Social extends hospitality to visiting personnel
Decorum who pay respect to the command or unit.
• A set of norms and standards practiced by • Rank Has-Its-Own Privilege (RHIP).
members during social and other PNP members recognize the practice that
functions. different ranks carry with them
corresponding privileges.
Police Customs on Ceremonies • Social Graces. PNP members conduct
• Flag Raising Ceremony. The PNP themselves properly in dealing with
members honor the flag by hoisting it and people during social functions.
singing the National Anthem before the • Uniform/Appearance. The public looks
start of the official days’ work. upon a PNP member as distinctively a man
among men. It is a welcome sight when
• Flag Lowering Ceremony. At the end of
PNP members wear their uniform properly
the official days’ work, the PNP members
wherever they may be.
pause for a moment to salute the lowering
of the flag. • Manner of Walking. Every PNP member
is expected to walk with pride and dignity.
• Half-Mast. The flag is raised at half-mast
in deference to deceased uniformed
members of the command. Other Police Customs
• Funeral Service and Honors. Departed • Visiting the Sick. Immediate commanders
uniformed members, retirees, war veterans or other available officers of the unit visit
or former PC/INP members are given PNP Members who are sick in the hospital,
vigil, necro logical services and graveside their residence or any place of
honors as a gesture of farewell. confinement in order that their needs are
attended to.
• Ceremony Tendered to Retirees. In
recognition of their long, faithful and • Survivor Assistance to Heirs of
honorable service to the PNP, a Deceased Members. A survivor officer is
testimonial activity shall be tendered in designated whenever PNP members die, to
their honor. render maximum assistance to their
bereaved family until all benefits due shall
• Honor Ceremony. Arrival and departure
have been received.
honor ceremonies are rendered to visiting
dignitaries, VIPs PNP Officers with the • Visiting the Religious Leaders. PNP
grade of Chief Superintendent and above Officers visit religious leaders in their area
and AFP officers of equivalent grade. of assignment to establish or maintain
Unless waived. rapport and cooperation between the
different religious leaders and the PNP.
• Turnover Ceremony. The
relinquishment and assumption of • Athletics. All PNP members indulge in
command or key position is publicly physical fitness activities to ensure that
announced in a Turnover Ceremony by the their proper physical appearance and
outgoing and incoming officers in the bearing are maintained with the waist line
presence of the immediate superior or his measurement always smaller than the size
representative. Outgoing of his chest and in conformity with the
Commander/Director should not leave his standard set forth by the organization.
post without proper turnover. Turnover • Happy Hours. Usually on Friday or any
includes turnover of properties/equipment, other day suitable for the occasion, PNP
human and material resources. members gather together at their PNP club
• Wedding Ceremony. During marriage of for a light hearted jesting or airing of
PNP members, a ceremony is conducted minor gripes.
with participants in uniform and swords The Police Officer’s Pledge
drawn. • I will love and serve God, my country and
• Anniversary. The birth or institutional people.
establishment of a command or unit is • I will uphold the Constitution and obey
commemorated in an Anniversary legal orders of the duly constituted
Ceremony. authorities.
Police Customs on Social Decorum • I will oblige myself to maintain a high
standard of morality and professionalism.
• Proper Attire. PNP members always • I will respect the customs and traditions of
wear appropriate and proper attire in the police service.
conformity with the occasion. • I will live a decent and virtuous life to
• Table Manners. PNP members observe serve as an example to others.
table etiquette at all times.
Forum to Recite
The Police Officer’s Pledge should be recited
during the following occasions:
• Flag raising and flag retreat ceremonies,
jointly with the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag (Panunumpa sa Watawat)
• PNP Training/course opening and closing
ceremonies;
a. Seminars on moral values
internalization
b. Other ceremonies