PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to have zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses.
“While the nation’s trust in the police force has climbed in these last years, there is still room for improvement,” Marcos said in his speech during the 47th Commencement Exercises for the “Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026 in Silang, Cavite, noting lingering public doubts toward the police.
He added that corruption and human rights violations have no place in the police service, warning that misconduct erodes the very foundation of public safety.
“Our security is weakened when the hands sworn to protect are tainted. So we must change this,” he added.
The president said he has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure a visible and disciplined presence in communities, alongside efforts to strengthen internal accountability.
He reiterated that the PNP, together with the National Police Commission, must enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy against corruption and human rights abuses.
Marcos directed the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to conduct prompt and objective investigations into erring officers.
“Throughout the PNP ranks, we have conducted thousands of investigations on erring personnel, resulting in disciplinary actions,” Marcos said.
“We can improve public trust through enhanced police visibility and transparency in these investigations,” he added.
The president highlighted the government’s push for moral and spiritual formation within the police force, citing nationwide moral recovery sessions to reinforce ethical standards among officers.
Marcos urged the graduates to transform the police force into “one that is deeply trusted by our citizens.”
“Help to cleanse your ranks so that wrongdoings of a few will not destroy the reputation that you have worked so hard to achieve. Become problem solvers by fairly enforcing the law,” Marcos said.
“Be law enforcers who will bring closure and justice to our people, especially those who have been oppressed,” he added.
The president urged the graduates to never forget their duty to the republic.
“Always keep in mind that your oath is tied to the republic and the Filipino people alone. Leave all other interests at the door,” he said.
This year’s top police cadet among 326 graduates is Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan, 24, a native of Baybay City, Leyte.
The PNPA Class of 2026, whose name “Sinanay Na Alagad Ng Kapayapaan Na Maglilingkod Sa Pilipinong Mamamayan” (Trained Servant of Peace Who Will Serve the Filipino People) marks a new batch of officers expected to uphold law, order, and public service under the administration’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines).
