Thank you very much. We have here with us our SILG, Secretary Benhur Abalos; members of the Cabinet that are here with us today; the PNP Chief General Benjie Acorda; and of course, the newly-promoted officials of the PNP and the loved ones who have come to witness their oath-taking, welcome to the Palace. [applause]

We gather to witness today a momentous occasion for the PNP — the Oath-Taking of the Newly Promoted Philippine National Police Star Rank Officers.

I stand before you with great pride to congratulate our outstanding officers on their well-deserved promotions.

May this be another milestone in your career to inspire you further to implement and oversee crucial initiatives aimed at improving public safety and security in our communities.

The Filipino people expect you to develop a police force that is capable, professional, [and] responsive to the needs of the communities that it serves.

As we recognize that the cornerstones of effective law enforcement are public trust and community engagement, bring the PNP closer to our communities to foster stronger partnerships for peace and security.

As you embark on your new roles in the Philippine National Police, I challenge you to be agents of positive change, the change that we want to establish in our country.

You are the face of our police force so I expect you to fulfill your duties with utmost competence, integrity, and responsibility. This, in a huge part, entails the communication of the Administration’s agenda on security, justice, and peace.

In this regard, I urge the PNP to be free from any form of corruption and abuse, so it could earn and maintain the trust, the confidence, and the admiration of our people.

Once again, I must emphasize our zero-tolerance policy for corruption and human rights abuses within the PNP.

We will exact only the highest standards from our police force, and from here, we will surely witness the transformation of our country into the New Philippines that we all aspire for.

Mark my words: There will be no room for leniency for those who engage in acts that tarnish the reputation of our police and jeopardize the safety of our people.

So, to our new officers here, I urge you to keep your integrity at all times and remain steadfast in your commitment to public service amidst the many challenges faced by your institutions.

Hindi madali ang trabaho ng pulis. Napakahirap talaga kung iisipin natin. Ngunit ang tinitingnan ng ating mga kababayan kapag tinitingnan nila ang ating mga kapulisan ay nandiyan kayo at kayo ay tumutulong at nakakatiyak sila na ang kanilang seguridad ay inyong binabantayan.

And as leaders, you have to uphold the highest standards of ethics, of professionalism, [and] compassion for human rights not only amongst ourselves, but also amongst our citizens.

I expect you to always lead by example and ensure that every officer and every personnel under your command adheres to the highest standards and principles that we have set for them.

As President, I assure you this administration is always supportive of the PNP’s plans and programs, especially those that bolster your capabilities.

As you perform your duties in securing our people, you and your families can rest assured of the government’s full support for your welfare and overall well-being.

Kasama naman ang pamilya sa sakripisyo ng ating mga pulis. Hindi nila kayang gawin ang kanilang trabaho kung hindi sila suportado ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Kaya’t napakahalaga na nandiyan po kayo na tinutulungan ninyo ang ating kapulisan. [applause]

Let us work together towards ushering [in] a truly safe, just, and prosperous Philippines for every Filipino.

Aasahan ko ang pakikiisa ninyo sa ating mithiin na makilala ng sambayanan ng bagong mukha ng bagong Pilipinas sa inyong mga katauhan—marangal, mabilis umaksyon sa tawag ng pangangailangan, at laging handang maging katuwang ng lipunan tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas na ating inaasam.

Muli, binabati ko kayo. Mabuhay kayong lahat. Congratulations and good luck for the future in all your future endeavors. Maraming salamat sa inyo at magandang hapon po. [applause]

— END —