PNP told: Be visible during holidays

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December 18, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday directed law enforcers to remain visible during the holidays to ensure public safety and reminded them that in the face of political noise, the credibility of their institution is at stake in every decision they make.

In prepared remarks during the oath taking of star-ranked police officers at Malacañang, Marcos noted that public service does not pause even in times of celebration.

“As we are in the holiday season, when more people are out in public and families are on the move, this period calls for heightened security and vigilance. So, maintain a visible and reassuring presence on our roads, in public spaces, in transport hubs and in communities where families gather,” the President said.

“Ensure the safety of each citizen so we can truly feel the joy of Christmas with tranquility, unity and genuine happiness,” he added.

A total of 50 star-ranked officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) – six of them police major generals and 44 police brigadier generals – took their oath before the President.

Marcos, whose administration is dealing with political controversies arising from the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, reminded the PNP that the challenges before the government “are becoming even more sophisticated and even more complex.”

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s support to the PNP as it performs its mandate. He cited the executive order that updated the base pay schedule of all military and uniformed personnel and the P350 increase in their daily subsistence allowance.

Marcos reminded the police officers that their promotion is not just a recognition of their past performance, but “a clearer and higher expectation” of how they must lead. Emphasizing that a higher rank entails broader authority, the President pointed out that the newly-promoted PNP officials now carry greater influence over police operations, the welfare of their personnel and public trust.

“This is the stage where leadership is being measured by your judgment, restraint and consistency in upholding the law. So I ask you to continue to improve yourselves – personally, professionally, institutionally. Do not be complacent. Be firm, be fair, be decisive while remaining fully respectful to the rights and dignity of every single Filipino,” Marcos said.

Marcos, whose administration is dealing with political controversies arising from the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, reminded the PNP that the challenges before the government “are becoming even more sophisticated and even more complex.”

“The authority you hold is accompanied by accountability. The credibility of the institution and the faith of the public are at stake in every move and decision you make so you have to take care of the trust given to you,” the Chief Executive said.

“We face social divides, political noise, emerging tensions within our communities. At the same time, digital and technological threats now operate across borders and platforms. These threats can trigger disorder, which may escalate beyond physical spaces. In this environment, our people rely on the police as their immediate and dependable line of protection,” he added.

Marcos urged the law enforcers to “continue to serve with honor, lead with purpose” and “always act in the best interest” of the nation and the Filipino people.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s support to the PNP as it performs its mandate. He cited the executive order that updated the base pay schedule of all military and uniformed personnel and the P350 increase in their daily subsistence allowance.