By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Since they are now receiving higher salaries, policemen should give back by being honest, dedicated and efficient in enforcing the law.
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and Senator Panfilo Lacson made the appeal Monday as he reminded that the government has raised the salary of police to an "unprecedented level."
MB FILE - Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson (JOHN JEROME GANZON / MANILA BULLETIN)
"Pay-back time. PRRD (President Rodrigo Duterte) and the Congress have raised the salary of our policemen to an unprecedented level. They have every reason to reciprocate through honest, dedicated and efficient law enforcement service," Lacson said in a tweet.
Lacson was one of the authors of the joint resolution which pushed for the increase in the base pay of military and uniformed personnel (MUP), including the PNP. The measure, signed by President Duterte last January, doubled the salaries of MUPs.
The Congress has also approved a budget of around P64 billion for the hike in the base pay of MUPs.
Lacson, earlier, cited the importance of discipline among members of the PNP, while wishing National Capital Region Police Director Oscar Albayalde a good luck in taking over the PNP.
"Only a disciplined police force can discipline society. Good luck, P/Dir Albayalde. Start on the right foot if you intend to set things right," Lacson said in a Twitter post over the weekend.
Albayalde will be replacing PNP chief Director General Ronald (Bato) dela Rosa, who, on the other hand, is set to lead the Bureau of Corrections following his delayed retirement.
Lacson led the PNP from 1999 to 2001, under former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.