The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has reiterated its strict prohibition against members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) engaging in electioneering or any partisan political activity, whether directly or indirectly, at all times.
In a statement, NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan emphasized that the PNP must maintain political neutrality and refrain from campaigning for or against any political candidate.
He further stressed that this restriction extends to social media, where active police officers are not allowed to post political content or solicit support for any political activity.
“The PNP’s own Primer on Personnel Decorum explicitly prohibits social media posts promoting partisan politics,” Calinisan stated.
This clarification comes after members of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class of 1991 publicly expressed their support for Vice President Sara Duterte following her impeachment by the House of Representatives, which garnered 215 signatures.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed that while retired PNPA graduates have the right to express their political opinions, three members of the batch who are still in active service must adhere to strict neutrality.
Calinisan reiterated that all PNP personnel must uphold their oath to the Constitution, prioritize public interest over personal or political affiliations, and remain politically neutral at all times.
“While PNP personnel have constitutional rights to freedom of expression, these rights are limited by their duty to remain impartial and maintain public trust,” he explained.
As civil servants, police officers must avoid using their positions to influence political outcomes.
“No individual or group is authorized to use the name of the PNP or the PNPA in any partisan political activity. The public may perceive such endorsements as an official stance of the active police force, potentially compromising the institution’s neutrality and credibility,” Calinisan warned.
He firmly reminded all officers: “Bawal mamulitika.”
The police force, he said, must remain apolitical, as its primary duty is to ensure public safety, enforce the law, and serve the people without bias.
Calinisan also warned that heavy sanctions await any police officer who violates election laws or civil service rules, especially those found taking political sides.