PNP Customs and Traditions

Customs and Traditions in the PNP

• The PNP is committed to upholding customs and traditions that align with their mission, achieve organizational goals, and maintain integrity.
• Adherence to these customs supports the PNP's overall objectives by fostering a culture of enhanced performance and strengthened bonds among members.

Definition of Terms

• Customs are defined as established social practices or usages carried on by tradition that have the force of law, shaping societal behavior and maintaining order.
• Traditions emphasize the importance of customs in shaping organizational values and inspiring members.
• Courtesy involves polite behavior and attitudes that foster positive interactions among individuals- it emphasizes treating colleagues, superiors, and the public with dignity, enhancing relationships, and promoting a respectful work environment.
• Ceremony within the PNP reinforces the organization's values and traditions, serving multiple important functions.
• Social Decorum refers to norms and standards practiced by members during social activities and other functions.

Police Customs on Courtesy

• Salute is a formal greeting rendered by uniformed members to those entitled to receive it.
• Salute to National Color Standard requires members to stand at attention and salute the flag during ceremonies or when it is raised/lowered.
• Address/Title requires junior officers to address senior members as "Sir" or "Ma'am," while commissioned officers address non-commissioned and non-uniformed personnel accordingly.
• Courtesy call of newly assigned PNP members involves calling on unit commanders and key personnel as a courtesy.
• Christmas Call involves members visiting local executives during the holiday season.
• New Years call involves members visiting commanders and key officials at the start of the year.
• Promotion call involves newly promoted members calling on their unit heads for recognition and congratulations.
• Exit Call involves members leaving or being reassigned calling on their superiors as a farewell gesture.
• Courtesy of the post involves hosts extending hospitality to visiting personnel.
• Rank Has Its Own Privilege (RHIP) means that different ranks come with corresponding privileges.

Police Customs on Ceremonies

• Flag Raising Ceremony involves gathering PNP members at a designated area where the national flag is hoisted while the National Anthem is sung in unison, symbolizing respect for the country.
• Flag Lowering Ceremony takes place at the end of the official workday and PNP members pause to salute the flag as it is lowered, showing respect and honor.
• Half Mast involves raising the flag at half-mast in deference to deceased uniformed members of the command.
• Funeral Service and Honors involve giving department uniformed members, retirees, war veterans or former PC/INP members vigil, neurological services, and graveside honors.
• Ceremony Tendered to Retirees involves giving recognitions of their long, faithful, and honorable service to the PNP, tendering a testimonial activity in their honor
• Honor Ceremony welcomes and bids farewell to visiting dignitaries, VIPs, PNP officers with the rank of Chief Superintendent and above, and AFP officers of equivalent rank.
• Turnover Ceremony is a formal event where the outgoing and incoming officers publicly announce the transfer of command or key positions in the presence of the immediate superior or their representative.
• Wedding Ceremony is conducted during marriage of PNP members, with participants in uniform and swords drawn, symbolizing respect and celebration of the union.
• Anniversary commemorates the birth or institutional establishment of a command or unit.

Police Customs on Social Decorum

• Proper Attire dictates that PNP members always wear appropriate and proper attire in conformity with the occasion.
• Table Manner dictates that PNP always observe table etiquette.
• Social Graces dictates that PNP members conduct themselves properly in dealing with people during social functions.
• Uniform/Appearance dictates that wearing a well-fitting uniform and adhering to grooming standards is essential for maintaining a disciplined and respectful image.
• Manner of Walking dictates that every PNP member is expected to walk with pride and dignity.

Other Police Customs

• Visiting the Sick involves PNP officers visiting sick members to offer moral support and ensure their needs are addressed.
• Survivor Assistance of Deceased Members involves a designated officer assisting the family of deceased members, ensuring they receive all entitled benefits.
• Visiting the Religious Leaders involves officers visiting religious leaders to maintain positive relations and promote cooperation between the PNP and local religious communities.
• Athletics involves PNP members participating in physical activities to maintain fitness and meet organizational standards.
• Happy Hours involves informal gatherings that allow officers to relax, bond, and improve morale, helping relieve stress, and maintain well-being.

Police Tradition

• Spiritual Beliefs reflect that PNP members have a strong tradition of being religious and attending religious services with their families.
• Valor involves Filipino law enforcers having a long history of demonstrating valor in defending the country, protecting its people, and sacrificing their own well-being.
• Patriotism is displayed as PNP members are traditionally patriotic, showing their love for their country through a pledge of allegiance to the flag and a commitment to defend the constitution.
• Disciple involves PNP members exhibiting discipline by obeying lawful orders instinctively and taking thorough and spontaneous actions to achieve organizational objectives.
• Gentlemanliness means PNP members are characterized by their upright character, gentle manners, dignified appearance, and sincere concern for others.
• Word of Honor dictates that PNP members value integrity and commitment, standing by their word and upholding their promises.
• Duty means that PNP members are dedicated public servants who carry out their responsibilities with a strong sense of duty and self-sacrifice, willing to accept assignments anywhere in the country.
• Loyalty dictates that PNP members are traditionally loyal to the organization, country, and people, as demonstrated by their history and practices.
• Camaraderie involves PNP members fostering a sense of teamwork and cooperation, extending to the people they serve, through their deep commitment and concern.

Police Officer's Pledge (POP)

• PNP members pledge to love and serve God, the country, and its people.
• Members will uphold the constitution and obey legal orders.
• Members will maintain a high standard of morality and professionalism.
• Members will respect the customs and traditions of the police service.
• Members will live a decent and virtuous life.
• The Police Officer's Pledge should be recited during flag ceremonies, PNP training, and seminars on moral values internalization.

Republic Act No. 6713

• This act is known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees."
• It emphasizes high ethics in public service.
• It requires officials and employees to be accountable, act with integrity, prioritize public interest, and demonstrate patriotism and justice.
• "Government" refers to the National Government, local governments, and all other branches, agencies, or entities of the Republic of the Philippines, including government-owned or controlled corporations.
• "Public Officials" includes elected and appointed officials and employees in permanent or temporary roles, regardless of compensation.
• "Gift" refers to gratuitous offerings, excluding unsolicited gifts of nominal value not given in exchange for favors.
• "Receiving any gift" means accepting a significant gift, directly or indirectly, not from a family member, if given in exchange for a favor.
• "Loan" encompasses simple loans, commodatum, guarantees, and other financial arrangements aimed at securing approval.
• "Substantial Stockholder" refers to an individual who owns enough shares to elect a director of a corporation or is involved in a voting trust.
• "Family of Public Officials or Employees" means their spouses and unmarried children under 18 years of age.
• "Person" includes natural and juridical persons unless otherwise indicated.
• "Conflict of Interest" occurs when a public official or employee holds a position or ownership in a private corporation or business that may conflict with their official duties.
• "Divestment" involves voluntarily transferring ownership or interest in property to someone other than their spouse or specified relatives.
• "Relatives" refers to all persons related to a public official or employee within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
• Public officials and employees must prioritize the public's welfare above personal interests, managing resources diligently and transparently to avoid misuse of funds.
• Public officials are expected to perform their roles with excellence, improving their skills and knowledge to better serve the public and being accountable.
• Honesty and fairness are paramount virtues for public officials, who must treat all citizens equally, without discrimination, and ensure due process.
• Officials must provide unbiased service regardless of political affiliations, ensuring accessibility to government services.
• Public officials must be accessible and responsive to the needs of the public, providing timely information about policies and procedures.
• Public officials should promote love and pride for the country by encouraging the use of local products and promoting the national culture and heritage.
• Upholding democratic values like accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law is crucial, and loyalty to the country must be prioritized.
• The principle of simple living dictates officials should exhibit dedication to their roles without showcasing riches or status.

The Civil Service Commissions Positive Measures

• It is committed to enhancing adherence to ethical norms through awareness programs, recognition initiatives, research, and development.
• Awareness programs involve conducting workshops and seminars to educate officials on ethical standards while encouraging integrity within public service.
• Recognition initiatives involve establishing merit increases or awards for employees recognized for exemplifying ethical standards, promoting appreciation for exemplary conduct.
• The measures involve continuously exploring new ways to motivate officials and adherence to ethical conduct, ensuring that standards evolve in response to societal needs.