DILG Secretary, Secretary Jonvic Remulla; the Special Assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo; Presidential Adviser for Military and Police Affairs Secretary Roman Felix; and the Philippine National Police Chief Police General Rommel Marbil; the newly promoted Star-Ranked Officers of the PNP and, of course, equally importantly their families; ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.
Welcome once again to Malacañan Palace. [applause]
We just now have witnessed the oathtaking of 39 star-ranked officers of the Philippine National Police. Each of them have earned this very well-deserved promotion.
With that, my sincerest congratulations and a snappiest salute to the four Police Lieutenant Generals, 11 Police Major Generals, and 24 Police Brigadier Generals!
As you don your new badges, remember you are not only rising in rank, you are also rising in responsibility.
You are stepping up into a position that demands no less than the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and respect for human rights at all times.
Always carry in your hearts your oath to our great Republic—to faithfully, honestly, and unequivocally uphold and defend our Constitution.
Let your actions always be rooted to what is right, what must be done, and what is legally ordered.
Perform your duties with utmost dedication, integrity, and accountability, knowing that the trust and confidence placed in you demands your very best.
The mantle you now wear carries with it the expectation that you will embody these values in every action, every decision, [and] every mission that you carry out.
It is thus incumbent upon you to lead by example.
You have been entrusted with the daunting but noble responsibility of leadership—to guide, to discipline, [and] to inspire the men and women under your command.
Ensure that all PNP personnel are fulfilling their duties with integrity, competence, and trustworthiness, considering that our police force plays a very significant role to maintain peace and order, protect communities, and to respond in times of calamities.
Rest assured the whole nation and I acknowledge and commend all the hard work that you do.
This recognition likewise extends to your families who have had their fair share of sacrifices to support you in your career and in this noble endeavor.
We are all part of a larger mission: to create a safer, more just, and more prosperous Philippines.
Now more than ever, the Filipino people expects highly – have great expectations of you, of us, as their leaders and their protectors.
Our people expect the police force that is reliable, responsive, and resolutely committed to protecting the lives of every Filipino.
Filipinos expect to live in a safe, fair, and just environment where peace and order are observed while upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens.
Let us ensure we all live up to those expectations.
We must meet them with every ounce of our strength.
We must not falter. We must deliver.
The road ahead will not be easy but this I know: You wear your badge not just on your chest but in your convictions.
There is no greater [and] more honorable calling than to serve and to protect the country.
So, let me leave you with this: as newly promoted PNP officials, rise up to the complexity of today’s challenges.
Balance the demands of law enforcement while preserving institutional integrity, adhere to human rights, and have effective leadership to address multifaceted issues that surround our country today.
Let all your actions reflect the core values that we all hold dear.
Mas patatagin ang pagiging maka-Diyos, makabayan, makatao, at makakalikasan.
Itaguyod natin ang isang Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ramdam ang kapayapaan sa buong kapuluan;
At kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay nabubuhay nang matiwasay, walang takot, at may dignidad.
Once again, congratulations! We all move forward together with deeper dedication—keeping the welfare of the Filipino at the heart of all that we do.
Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang Philippine National Police!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause]
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