President Marcos reminded newly promoted Philippine National Police (PNP) generals that elevation in rank comes with greater accountability, stressing that leadership is measured not by authority but by how officers uphold public trust and the rule of law.

Speaking during the oath-taking of 50 star-ranked PNP officers in Malacañan, the President said promotions are not rewards for past service but expectations for stronger, more principled leadership.

“As you climb up a rank, you must realize this is not merely a recognition of your past performance, but rather, a clearer and higher expectation of how you must lead from this point forward,” he said on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

He warned that higher authority also means wider responsibility over police operations, personnel welfare, and the credibility of the institution.

“Ang kapangyarihan na hawak ninyo ay may kaakibat na pananagutan (The power you hold comes with corresponding responsibility),” the President said.

“Nakataya ang kredibilidad ng institusyon at ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa bawat galaw at desisyon ninyo (The credibility of the institution and the trust of the people are at stake in your every move and decision),” he added.

President Marcos urged the newly promoted officers to lead with firmness and fairness, while fully respecting the rights and dignity of every Filipino.

“Be firm, be fair, be decisive while remaining fully respectful to the rights and dignity of every single Filipino,” he said.

Marcos noted that police leadership today faces increasingly complex challenges, including social divisions, political noise, and digital threats that transcend physical spaces.

“These threats can trigger disorder, which may escalate beyond physical spaces,” he said, underscoring the need for sound judgment and restraint.

“In this environment, our people rely on the police as their immediate and dependable line of protection,” he added.

Assuring the PNP of continued government backing, Marcos said the administration remains committed to reforms that enhance police capability and morale.

He cited Executive Order No. 107, which updates the base pay schedule of all military and uniformed personnel in three tranches starting January next year.

The President also announced an increase in the daily subsistence allowance of police personnel to P350.

Marcos said the welfare of police families remains a priority, noting that their well-being directly affects the ability of officers to serve.

“Alongside these measures, we remain committed to supporting and ensuring the welfare of your families— recognizing that their well-being is integral to your service as a nation,” he said.

“We also recognize the sacrifices that they made to continue to support our policemen, and that for you to be able to continue your duties, safe in the knowledge that your families have been attended to,” he added.

With the holiday season underway, Marcos called on the PNP to maintain heightened visibility in public spaces, transport hubs, and communities.

“Tiyakin ninyo ang kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan upang tunay nating maramdaman ang saya ng Kapaskuhan nang may kapanatagan at pagkakaisa (Ensure the safety of every citizen so that we can truly feel the joy of Christmas with peace of mind and unity),” he said.

Marcos reminded police leaders that public service does not pause even during times of celebration.

“Continue to serve with honor, lead with purpose, and always act in the best interest of our great nation and of the Filipino people,” he said.

Of the 50 newly promoted star-ranked officers, six are Police Major Generals and 44 are Police Brigadier Generals.