UNIT III

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARD

When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears,
when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and
truth; it is the beginning of disorder.
Lao Tzu

ARTICLE I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title.- This code shall be known as Philippine National Police Code of
Professional Conduct and Ethical Standard (PNP Code of Conduct)

Section 2. Declaration of Policy.- All members of the Philippine National Police shall
abide and adhere to the provisions of this Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standard.
Toward this end, a truly professionalized and dedicated law enforcers shall be developed in
promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety and enhancing community participation
guided by the principle that a public office is a public trust and that all public servants must
stand at all times be accountable to the people. They shall serve with utmost responsibility,
integrity, morality, loyalty and efficiency with due respect to human rights and dignity as
hallmarks of a democratic society. They shall at all times bear faithful allegiance to the
legitimate government, support and uphold the Constitution, respect the duly constituted
authority and be loyal to the Police Service.

ARTICLE II
POLICE OFFICERS CREED AND STAND ON BASIC ISSUES

Section 1. The PNP Core Values.- The Police service is a noble profession and
demands from its members specialized knowledge and skills and high standard of ethics and
morality. In this regard, the members of the Philippine National Police must adhere to and
internalize the enduring core values of love of God, respect for authority, selfless love and
service for people, respect for women and the sanctity of marriage, responsible dominion and
stewardship over material things, and truthfulness.

Section 2. The Police Officer’s Creed.

2.1. I believe in God, the Supreme Being, a great provider, and the creator of all men
and all dear to me. In return, I can do no less than love Him above all, seek

his guidance in the performance of my sworn duties and honor Him at all times.
2.2. I believe that respect for authority is duty. I respect and uphold the constitution
and the laws of the land and the applicable rules and regulations. I recognize the
legitimacy and authority of the leadership, and follow and obey legal orders of my
superior officers.
 2.3. I believe in selfless love and service to people. Toward this end, I commit myself
to the service of my fellowmen over and above my personal convenience.
2.4. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and respect for women. I shall set the
example of decency and morality and shall have high regard for family life and
chastity.
2.5. I believe in the responsible dominion and stewardship over material things. I shall
inhibit myself from ostentatious display of my property. I shall protect the
environment and conserve nature to maintain ecological balance. I shall protect
private and public properties and prevent others from destroying it.
2.6. I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be trustworthy and shall speak the
truth at all times as required by my profession.

Section 3. PNP Stand on Basic Issues.- The deployment and employment of the PNP
personnel require the organization and its members to bare their stand on the following basic
issues.
3.1. PNP Image.- The image of any organization affects the esprit de corps, morale,
welfare of the members and sense of pride to the organization. In view thereof, all
members of the PNP should conduct themselves in a manner that would not place
the PNP in bad light. Instead, they should live in accordance with the PNP core
values and possess the following virtues: honor, integrity, valor, justice, honesty,
humility, charity and loyalty to the service.
3.2. Career Management the key to Professionalism.- The improper implementation will
greatly prejudice the personnel professionalization process as regards to
procurement, promotion, all assignment, placement, training, awards and
retirement. To address the flaws, the PNP shall formulate stringent policy and
strictly implement the human resources development system, compatible to the
equitable distribution of procurement, fair promotion, rationalizes approach in
assignment, skill development, immediate grant of reward and award, decent living
upon retirement.
3.3. Police Management Leadership.- The effectiveness of law enforcement is reflective
of the managerial capabilities and competent leadership of the men and women in
the PNP. It is therefore a must that these attributes be the primary basis for
consideration in the selection of personnel for employment and deployment
purposes.
3.4. Equality in the Service.- There shall be judicious and equitable distribution of
opportunity to prove one’s worth in the police service. The problem on equity thru
class orientation and factionalism, both real and perceived promise on favored
assignment, inequitable opportunity of training, unfair granting of promotion, and
untimely awarding of achievement will create an atmosphere of demoralization. Its
result is inefficiency and lack of teamwork to the detriment of the organization. It
behooves therefore on the PNP leadership to address the situation. The civilian
character of the organization requires adherence to the rule of merit and fitness
system and to dissociate the above process from class orientation and factionalism.
3.5. Delicadeza.- In consonance with the requirements of honor and integrity in the PNP,
 all members must have the moral courage to sacrifice self-interest in keeping with
the time-honored principle of delicadeza.
3.6. Police Lifestyle.- The PNP shall endeavor to promote a lifestyle for every member of
the PNP that is acceptable to the eyes of the public. Further, its members should set
good example to the subordinate and follow good example from their superiors.
They must be free from greed, corruption and exploitation. The public expects a
police officer to live a simple yet credible and dignified life.
3.7. Political Patronage.- All PNP members must inhibit themselves from soliciting
political patronage in matters pertaining to assignment, awards, training and
promotion.
3.8. Human Rights.- All PNP members must respect and protect human dignity and
man’s inalienable rights to life, liberty and property.

ARTICLE III
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARD

Section 1. Standard of Police Professionalism.- All members of the PNP shall

perform their duties with excellence, competence, integrity, intelligence and expertise in the
application of specialized skill and technical knowledge.

Section 2. Police Professional Conduct.- All members of the PNP shall observe the
following professional police conduct:
2.1. Commitment to Democracy.- Uniformed PNP members shall commit themselves to
the democratic way of life and values and maintain the principles of public
accountability. They shall at all times uphold the constitution and be loyal to our
country, people and the police organization.
2.2. Commitment to Public Interest.- PNP members shall always uphold public interest
over and above personal interest. All government properties, resources and powers
of their respective offices must be employed and used effectively, honestly and
efficiently, particularly to avoid wastage of public funds and revenues.
2.3. Non-Partisanship.- PNP members shall provide service to everyone without
discrimination, regardless of party affiliation in accordance with existing laws and
regulations.
2.4. Physical Fitness and Health.- All PNP members shall strive to be physically fit and in
good health at all times. Towards this end, they shall undergo regular exercise and
annual medical examination in any PNP hospital or medical facility.
2.5. Secrecy Discipline.- All PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of classified
information against unauthorized disclosure, including confidential aspect of official
business, special orders, communication and other documents, roster or any portion
thereof, contents of criminal records, identities of person who may have given
information to the police in confidence and other classified information on
intelligence materials.
2.6. Social Awareness.- All PNP members and their immediate family members shall be
encouraged to actively get involved in the religious, social, and civic activities to
 enhance image.
2.7. Non- Solicitation of Patronage.- All PNP members shall seek self-improvement
through career development and shall not directly or indirectly solicit influence or
recommendation from politicians, high-ranking government officials, prominent
citizens, persons affiliated with civic or religious organizations with regard to their
assignments, promotions, transfer or those of other members of the force, nor shall
they initiate any petition to be prepared and presented by citizens in their behalf.
Moreover, they shall advise their immediate relatives not to interfere in the activities
of the police service particularly in the assignment and reassignment of personnel.
2.8. Proper Care and Use of Public Property.- Members shall be responsible for the
security, proper care and use of public property issued to them and/ or deposited
under their care and custody. Unauthorized use of public property for personal
convenience or gain and that of their families, friends or relatives are strictly
prohibited.
2.9. Respect for Human Rights.- In the performance of their duty, PNP members shall
respect human dignity and uphold human rights of all persons. He shall not inflict,
investigate, or tolerate extra-judicial killing, arbitrary arrest, any act of torture or
other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. He shall not invoke superior order or
exceptional circumstances such as state of war, a threat to national security, internal
political instability or any committing such violation of human rights.
2.10. Devotion to Duty.- All PNP members shall perform their duties with devotion, and
manifest concern for public welfare, and shall refrain from engaging in any activity
which shall be in conflict with their duties as public servants.
2.11. Conservation of Natural Resources.- Policemen shall help in the development and
conservation of our natural resources for ecological balance and posterity as these
are inalienable heritage of our people.
2.12. Discipline.- They shall conduct themselves at all times in keeping with the rules
and regulations of the Philippines.
2.13. Loyalty.- Above all, policemen must be loyal to the Constitution and to the police
service as manifested by their loyalty to their superiors, peers and subordinates as
well.
2. 14. Obedience to Superior.- Policemen of lower ranks must be always courteous and
obedience to their superior and other appropriate authorities within the chain of
command.
2.15. Command Responsibility.- In accordance with the Doctrine of Command
Responsibility, immediate commanders shall be responsible for the effective
supervision, control and direction of their personnel. He shall see to it that all
government resources with laws and regulations and safeguard against losses thru
illegal and improper disposition.

Section 3. Ethical Standard shall refer to Established and Generally Accepted

Moral Values.- Ethical standard to be observed are the following:

3.1. Morality.- All PNP members shall adhere to high standards of morality and decency
 and shall set good example for others to follow. Hence, among others, and in no
instance during their terms of office shall they be involved as owners, operators,
managers, or investors in any illegal gambling den or house of ill-repute or other
places devoted to vices; nor shall they patronize such places unless on official duty,
and tolerate operations of such establishment in their respective areas of
responsibilities.
3.2. Judicious Use of Authority.- Policemen shall exercise proper legitimate use of
authority in the performance of duty.
3.3. Integrity.- Policemen shall not allow themselves to be victim of corruption and
dishonest practices in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713 and
other applicable laws.
3.4. Justice.- All PNP members shall strive constantly to respect their rights as human
beings, parents, children, citizens, workers, leaders or in other capacities and to
see to it that others do likewise.

Law of the Jungle

A PNP member who happens to be victims of assault upon himself in his capacity as a
agent of a person in authority, cannot take the law into his own hands. Such being the case, he
has to ask police assistance to apply for a search warrant and serve such warrant, as any other
citizen would ordinarily do if ever he is a victim or a complainant of any act punishable by law.
The basic foundation of the rule is based on the fact that society could not exist in a
group of people who are living in a territory unless they govern themselves by rules and
regulations, because if they were not “Law of the Jungle” will prevail.
The term “Law of the Jungle“ is derive from the word “jungle“ itself, because in the
jungle, in order that the “King of the Jungle :, the lion could continue to live or exist, it has to kill
its fellow creatures and / or use them for food. But man is higher than animals. He is wise and
uses his power to think unlike animals that are only governed by their instincts.

3.5. Humility.- PNP members shall recognize the fact that they are public servants and
not the masters of the people and toward this end, they should perform their duties
without arrogance. They should recognize their own inadequacies, inabilities and
limitations as individuals and perform their duties without attracting attention or
expecting the applause of others.
3.6. Orderliness.- PNP members shall follow procedures in accomplishing their tasks
assigned to them to minimize waste in the use of time, money and effort.
3.7 Perseverance.- Once a decision is made, all PNP members shall take legitimate
action or means to achieve the goals even in the face of internal or external
difficulties, and despite anything which might weaken their resolve in the course of
time.
ARTICLE IV
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Section 1. General Statement.- The PNP adopts the generally acceptable customs and
traditions based on the desirable practices of the police. These shall serve as an inspiration to
the PNP endeavor to attain its goals and objectives.

Section 2. Definition of Terms.

2.1. Customs.- Established usage or social practices carried by tradition that has
obtained the force of law.
2.2. Traditions.- Bodies of belief, stories, customs and usage handed down from
generation to generation with the effect of an unwritten law.
2.3. Courtesy.- A manifestation or expression of consideration and respect for others.
2.4 Ceremony.- A formal act or set of formal acts established by customs or authority as
proper to special occasion.
2.5. Social Decorum.- A set of norms and standards practiced by members during
socials and other functions.

Section 3. Police Customs on Courtesy.- The following are courtesies in the PNP:

3.1. Salute.- Is the usual greeting rendered by a uniformed member upon meeting and
recognizing persons entitled to a salute.
3.2. Salute to National Color and Standard.- PNP members must stand at attention and
salute the national color and standard as it pass by them or when the national color
is raised or lowered during ceremonies.
3.3. Address/ Title.- Junior in rank addresses senior member who are entitled to salute
with the word “sir.”
3.4. Courtesy Calls.- PNP members must observe the following courtesy calls when an
occasion or situation arise:
3.4.1. Courtesy Call on Newly Assigned/ Promoted/ Appointed member.- A
policeman who is newly appointed, promoted, or assigned in a unit or
command must first report or call on the Chief of the same or other key
officials for accounting, orientation and for other purposes.
3.4.2. Christmas Call.- PNP members pay a Christmas call on their local
executives in their respective areas of responsibility. This call remember
does not include call on the businessmen and gambling lord.
3.4.3. New Year’s Call.- PNP members pay new year’s call on their chiefs or key
officials in their areas of responsibility.
3.4.4. Promotion Call.- Newly promoted PNP members call on their unit head. On
this occasion, they are usually given during recognition and
congratulations by their peers for such deserved accomplishment.
3.4.5. Exit Call.- PNP members pay an exit call on their superiors in the unit or
command when relieved or reassigned.
3.5. Courtesy of the post.- The host unit extend hospitality to visiting personnel who pay
respect to the command or unit.
3.6. Rank has its own Privilege (RHIP).- PNP members recognize the practice that
different rank carry with them corresponding privilege.
Section 4. Police Customs on Ceremonies.- The following are customs and ceremonies that
must be observed by all PNP members.
4.1. Flag Raising Ceremony.- Policemen must honor the flag by raising it and singing the
National Anthem before the start of official work.
4.2. Flag Retreat Ceremony.- At the end of the official day’s work, PNP members pause
for a moment to salute the lowering of the flag.
4.3. Half-Mast.- The flag is raised at half-mast in adherence to deceased uniformed
member of the unit or command.
4.4. Funeral Service and Honors.- Departed uniformed member, retiree, war veteran or
former PNP member is given vigil, neurological services graveside honors as a
gesture of farewell.
4.5. Ceremony Tendered to Retiree.- In recognition of their long, faithful and honorable
service to the PNP, a testimonial activity is tendered in his honor.
4.6. Honor Ceremony.- Arrival and departure honor ceremony is tendered to visiting
dignitary, VIP, PNP officer with the grade of Chief Superintendent and above and
AFP officers of equivalent grade unless waived.
4.7. Turn-Over Ceremony.- The relinquishment and assumption of command or key
position is publicly announced in a turn-over ceremony by the outgoing and
incoming officers.
4.8. Wedding Ceremony.- During marriage of PNP members, a ceremony is conducted
with participants in uniform and swords drawn.
4.9. Anniversary.- The birth of institutional establishment of a command or unit is
commemorated in an anniversary ceremony.

Section 5. Police Customs on Social Decorum.- The following are the police customs on
social decorum:
5.1. Proper Attire.- PNP members always wear appropriate and proper attire in
conformity with the occasion.
5.2. Table Manners.- PNP members observe table etiquette at all times.
5.3. Social Graces.- PNP members conduct themselves properly in dealing with people
during social functions.
5.4. Uniform/ Appearance.- The public look upon the PNP member as distinctively a man
among men. It is a welcome sight when PNP member wears uniform properly
wherever they may be. Since disciplined PNP members are best exemplified by
those who are men in appearance and wearing the prescribed uniform, they must
therefore observe the following:

5.4.1. Wearing of prescribed uniform.

5.4.2. Wearing as part of the uniform, awards and decorations earned in
accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations.
5.4.3. Adherence to haircut prescribed by the rules and regulations.
5.4.4. Manner of walking- every policeman is expected to walk with pride and
dignity.
Section 6. Other Police Customs.
6.1. Visiting the Sick.- PNP member who is sick in the hospital, in his residence or in any
place of confinement is visited by his immediate superior or other available officers
of the unit in order that his needs are attended to.
6.2. Survivor Assistance to Heirs of Deceased members.- When PNP members dies, a
survivor officer is designated to render maximum assistance to their bereaved
families until all benefits due shall have been received.
6.3. Visiting the religious Leaders.- PNP members visit Religious leaders in their areas of
assignment to establish or maintain rapport and cooperation between the different
religious leaders and the PNP.
6.4. Athletics.- All PNP members indulge in physical fitness activities to insure that their
proper physical appearance are maintained with the waistline measurement always
smaller than the size of their chest and in conformity with the standard set forth by
the organization.
6.5. Happy Hours – usually on Friday or in any other day suitable for the occasion, PNP
members club for a light-hearted jesting or airing of minor gripes.

Section 7: The traditions that policemen are adhering to:

7.1. Spiritual beliefs – the PNP members are traditionally religious and God-loving
persons. They attend religious services together with the members of their family.
7.2. Valor - history attest that the Filipino law-enforcers have exemplified the tradition of
valor in defending the country from aggression and oppression. They sacrificed their
lives and limbs for the sake of their countrymen whom they have pledged to serve.
7.3. Patriotism – PNP members are traditionally patriotic by nature. They manifest their
love of country with a pledge of allegiance to the flag and a vow to defend the
constitution.
7.4. Discipline – it is manifested by instinctive obedience to lawful orders and through
spontaneous actions towards attainment of organizational objectives guided by
moral, ethical and legal norms.
7.5. Gentlemanliness – policeman is bright in character, polite in manner, dignified in
appearance and sincere in his concern to his fellowmen.
7.6. Word of Honor – a policeman’s word in his bond. He stands by it and commit to
uphold it.
7.7. Duty – the PNP members have historically exemplified themselves as dedicated
public servants who perform their tasks with a deep sense of responsibility and self-
sacrifice.
7.8. Loyalty – policemen are traditionally loyal to the organization, country and people as
borne by history and practice.
7.9. Camaraderie – the binding spirit that enhances teamwork and cooperation in the
police organization, extending to the people they serve manifested by members
deep commitment and concern to one another.