IV.

THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND

ETHICAL STANDARS [PNP COPCES]

A. Purposes
1. Foster individual efficiency, behavioral discipline and
organizational effectiveness, as well as respect for
constitutional and human rights of citizens, democratic
principles and ideals and the supremacy of civilian authority
over the military;
2. Set the moral tone and norms of professional conduct in the
police service;
3. Provide moral and ethical guidance to all PNP members; and
4. Enlighten members of the police service of what behavior is
really acceptable- to define what
is permitted and what is prohibited.

B. Foundations
1. Divine and moral precepts
2. Section 1, Article XI, 1987 Constitution
3. Articles 203-245, Title VII(Crimes Committed by Public Officers)
of the Revised Penal Code
4. Republic Act 6713- Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for
Public Officials and Employees
5. Republic Act 3019- Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
6. Republic Act 6975- DILG Law of 1991 as Amended
7. The Original Police Manual
8. Related Special Laws such as: RA 7080-Anti-Plunder Act; RA9485-
Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, etc.
9. NAPOLCOM Resolution No. 92-4 (12 March 1992)- Approving the
draft of the PNP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical
Standards.
10. NAPOLCOM Resolution No. 93-023-Code of Professional Conduct
and Ethical Standards of Policemen
11. PNP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards
(COPCES)

C. Policies and Principles the Guide the PNP Towards Professionalized

and Dedicated Law Enforcers (Section 2, Chapter 1-Declaration of
Policy)

1. Public office is a public trust

2. All public servants must at all times be accountable to the
people
 3. Serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, morality, loyalty
and efficiency
4. Respect to human rights and dignity as a hallmark of a democratic
society
5. Bear faithful allegiance to the legitimate government
6. Support and uphold the Constitution
7. Respect the duly constituted authority and be loyal to the police
service

D. Basic Police Values (Sec. 1, Chap. II- Police Officers Creed and
Stand on Basic Issues)

1. Love of God
2. Respect to authority
3. Selfless love and service for people
4. Respect for women and sanctity for marriage
5. Responsible dominion and stewardship over material things
6. Truthfulness

E. Police Officers Creed (Sec. 2, Chap. II)

1. I believe in God, The Supreme Being, A Great Provider, and the

Creator of all men and everything dear to me.

In return, I can do less than love Him above all by obeying

His word, seek His guidance in the performance of my sworn duties
and honor Him at all times.

2. I believe that respect for authority is a duty.

a) I respect and uphold the Constitution, the laws of the land

and the applicable rules and regulations.
b) I recognize the legitimacy and authority of the leadership;
and obey legal orders of my superior officers.

3. I believe in selfless love and service to people.

Towards this end, I commit myself to the service of my

fellowmen over and above my personal interest.

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 value of marital fidelity.
 5. I believe in the responsible dominion and stewardship over
material things.

a) I shall inhibit myself from extravagance and ostentatious

display of material things;
b) I shall help protect the environment and conserve nature
to maintain ecological balance; and
c) I shall respect private and public properties and prevent
others from destroying it

6. I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness.

I must be trustworthy and I shall speak the truth at all

times.

F. PNP Stand on Basic Issues (Sec. 3, Chap II)

1. PNP Image
All PNP members should conduct themselves in a manner the
would not place the PNP in the bad light. Instead they must live
in accordance with the PNP core values and possess the virtues
of : honor; integrity; valor; justice; honesty; humility;
charity; and loyalty to the service.

2. Career Management
The PNP shall formulate and implement policies and human
resources development system for all personnel, from recruitment
to retirement.

3. Police Management Leadership

The primary basis in the selection of personnel for employment
and deployment shall be the individual’s capabilities and
competent leadership.

4. Equality in the Service

There shall be judicious and equitable distribution of
opportunity to prove one’s worth in the PNP service and it shall
strictly adhere to the rule of merit and fitness system .

5. Delicadeza
PNP members must have moral courage to sacrifice self-
interest.

6. Police Lifestyle
 Police Officer must be free from greed, corruption and
exploitation. The public expects a police officer to live a
simple, credible and dignified life.

7. Political Patronage
All PNP members must inhibit himself soliciting political
patronage on matters pertaining to assignment, awards, trainings
and promotion.

8. Human Rights
All PNP members must respect and protect human dignity and
man’s inalienable rights to life, liberty and property.

9. Setting Example
All PNP members shall set good example to their subordinates
and follow good example from their superiors.

G. Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards (Sec. 1-3, Chap. III)

Standard of Police Professionalism- All PNP members shall perform

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

1. Commitment to Democracy
PNP personnel must commit themselves to the democratic way of
life and values; maintain the principles of public
accountability, uphold the Constitution at all times and be
loyal to the country, people and the organization.

2. Commitment to Public Interest

PNP personnel must always uphold public interest over and
above personal interest. They shall use public resources and
properties economically and judiciously to avoid wastage of
public funds.

3. Non- Partisanship
PNP members shall provide services to everyone without
discrimination.

4. Physical Fitness and Health

PNP members shall strive to be physically and mentally fit
and in good health at all times.

5. Secrecy Discipline
 PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of classified
information against unauthorized disclosure.

6. Social Awareness
All PNP personnel and their immediate family members shall be
encouraged to actively get involved in the religious, social and
civic activities to enhance the image of the organization but
without affecting their official duties.

7. Non-Solicitation of Patronage
PNP members shall seek self-improvement through career
development and shall not directly or indirectly solicit
influence or recommendation from politician, government
officials, prominent citizens, person affiliated with civic or
religious organization with regards to promotion, assignments,
transfer etc.

8. Proper Care and Use of Public Property

PNP members shall be responsible for the security, proper
care and use of public property issued to them or deposited
under their custody.

9. Respect for Human Rights

PNP members shall respect and protect human dignity and uphold
the human rights of all persons.

10. Devotion to Duty

PNP members shall perform their duties with dedication,
thoroughness, efficiency, enthusiasm, determination, and
manifest concern for public welfare.

11. Conservation of Natural Resources

PNP members shall help in the development and conservation of
the natural resources for ecological balance and posterity.

12. Discipline
PNP members shall conduct themselves properly at all times in
keeping with the rules and regulations of the organization.

13. Loyalty
Above all, PNP members must be loyal to the Constitution and
the police service as manifested by their loyalty to their
superiors, peers and subordinates.

14. Obedience to Superiors

 All PNP members shall obey lawful orders and be courteous to
superior officers and other appropriate authorities within the
chain of command.

15. Command Responsibility

Immediate commanders shall be responsible for the effective
supervision, control and direction of their personnel.

Ethical Standards

Refer to established and generally accepted moral values and

ethical acts

1. Morality
PNP members must adhere to high standard of morality and
decency and shall set good examples for others. During their
term of office they should not be involved as owners, operators
or investors of any house of ill refute or activities that
promote vices. They should be likewise faithful to their
lawfully wedded spouses.

2. Judicious Use of Authority

PNP members shall exercise proper and legitimate use of
authority in the performance of duty.

3. Integrity
PNP members shall not allow themselves to be victims of
corruption and dishonest practices.

4. Justice
PNP members shall strive constantly to respect rights of
others.

5. Humility
PNP members must 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.

6. Orderliness
All PNP members shall follow logical procedures in
accomplishing task assigned to them to minimize waste in the use
of time money and effort.

7. Perseverance
 Once a decision is made, all PNP members shall take legitimate
means to achieve the goal even in the face of internal and
external difficulties and despite anything, which might weaken
their resolve in the course of time.

H. Police Customs and Traditions

Definitions

1. Customs- established usage or social practices carried on

by tradition that have obtained the force of law.

2. Traditions- bodies of belief , stories , and customs usages

banded prom the generation to generation with the effect
of unwritten law.

3. Courtesy- a manifestation or expression of consideration

and respect for others.

4. Ceremony- a formal acts established by customs or authority

as proper to special occasion.

5. Social Decorum- a set of norms or standard practiced by

members during social and other functions.

I. Police Customs on Courtesy

1. Salute- the usual greeting rendered by uniformed members

upon meeting and recognizing person entitled to salute.

2. Salute to the National Color and Standard- members stand

at attention and salute the national color and standard as
it pass by them or lowered during ceremonies.

3. Address/Title- junior in rank address senior members who

are entitled to salute with word “Sir”

J. Police Customs and Courtesy Calls

 1. Courtesy Call of Newly Assigned/ Appointed Members - PNP
members who are newly appointed or assigned in a unit or
command call on the chief of the unit or command and to
other key personnel for accounting, orientation and other
purposes.

2. Christmas Call- PNP members pay a Christmas call on their

local executive in their respective area of responsibility.

3. New Year’s Call- PNP members pay a new year’s call on their
superiors or key officials on their respective area of
responsibility.

4. Promotion Call – newly appointed PNP members call on their

unit heads. On this occasion, they are usually given due
recognition and congratulations by their peers for such
deserved accomplishment.

5. Exit Call – PNP members pay an exit call in their superior

in their command when relieved or reassigned out of the
said unit or command.

6. Courtesy of the Post – the host unit extends hospitality

to visiting personnel who pays respect to the command or
unit.

7. Rank-Has-It-Own Privilege (RHIP) – PNP members recognize

the practice that different ranks carry with them
corresponding privileges.

K. Police Customs on Ceremonies

1. Flag Raising Ceremony – The PNP members honor the flag by

raising it and singing the National Anthem before the start
of official day’s work.

2. Flag Retreat Ceremony – At the end of the official day’s

work, the PNP members pause for the moment to salute the
lowering of the flag.
 3. Half-Mast – The flag is raised at half-mast in deference
to deceased uniformed members of the command.

4. Funeral Service and Honors – Departed uniformed members,

retirees, war veterans, PC/INP members are given vigil,
necrological services, and graveside honors as a gesture
of farewell.

5. Ceremonies Tendered to Retirees – In recognition to their

long and faithful and honorable service to the PNP, a
testimonial activity is rendered to their honor.

6. Honor of Ceremony – Arrival and Departure honor ceremonies

are tendered to visiting dignitaries. VIP’s, PNP officer
with the grade of Chief Superintendent and above and AFP
officers with the equivalent grade , unless waived.

7. Turn-over Ceremony- The relinquishment and assumption of

command or key position of command is publicity announced
in a turn-over ceremony by the outgoing and incoming
officer in the presence of the immediate supervisor or his
representative.

8. Wedding Ceremonies- During marriage of PNP members , a

ceremony is conducted with participant in uniform and
swords drawn.

9. Anniversary- The birth or institutional establishment of

the command or unit is commemorated in an anniversary
ceremony.

L. Police Customs on Social Decorum

1. Proper Attire – PNP members always wear appropriate and

proper attire in conformity with the occasion.
 2. Table Manners – PNP members always observe table etiquettes
at all times.

3. Social Graces – PNP members should conduct themselves

properly in dealing with people during social functions.

4. Uniform/Appearance – the public looks upon the PNP members

as distinctively a man among men. It is a welcome sight
when the PNP members wear their uniform wherever they may
be, since disciplined PNP members are the best exemplified
by those who are in neat appearance and wearing the
prescribed uniform, they must therefore observe the
following, to wit;

4.1. Wearing of prescribed uniform;

3.2 . Wearing as part of the uniform, awards, and
decorations earned in accordance with the
prescribed rules and regulations.
4.3. Adherence to haircut prescribed by rules and
regulations.

5. Manner of Walking – Every PNP member is expected to walk

with pride and dignity.

M. Other Police Customs

1. Visiting the Sick – PNP members who are sick in the

hospital, their residence or any place of confinement are
visited by their immediate commanders or other available
officers of the unit in order that their needs are attended
to.

2. Survivor Assistance to Heirs of Deceased Members – When

PNP members die, a survivor officer is designated to render
maximum assistance to their legitimate bereaved family
until all benefits due shall have been received.

3. Visiting the Religious Leader – PNP officers visits

religious leaders in their area of assignment to establish
or maintain rapport or cooperation between the different
religious leaders and the PNP.
 4. Athletics – All PNP members indulge in physical fitness
activities to insure that their proper physical appearance
and bearing are maintained with waistline measurement
always smaller that the size of his chest and in conformity
in the standard set forth by the organization.

5. Happy Hours – Usually on Friday or any other day suitable

for the occasion, PNP members gathered together at their
PNP club for light hearted jesting or airing of minor
gripes.

N. Police Traditions

1. Spiritual Beliefs – The PNP members are traditionally

religious and God-loving person. They attend religious
services together with the members of their family.

2. Valor – History attest that the Filipino law enforcers have

exemplified the traditions of valor in defending the
country from aggression and oppression. They sacrificed
their limbs and lives for the sake of their countrymen whom
they have pledged to serve.

3. Patriotism – The 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.

4. Discipline – the discipline of the PNP members are

manifested by instinctive obedience to lawful orders and
through spontaneous action towards attainment of
organizational objectives guided by moral, ethical, and
legal norms.

5. Gentlemanliness – the PNP members are upright in character,

polite in manners, dignified in appearance, and sincere in
their concern to their fellowman.
 6. Word of Honor – the PNP members’ word is their bonds. They
stand by and commit to uphold it.

7. Duty – the PNP members have historically exemplified

themselves as dedicated public servants who perform their
tasks with deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice.

8. Loyalty – the policemen are traditionally loyal to the

organization, country, or people, as borne by history and
practice.

9. Camaraderie – the binding spirit that enhances the teamwork

and cooperation in the police organization, extending to
the people they serve, is manifested by the PNP members’
deep commitment and concern to one another.

O. Police Officers’ Pledge

1. I will love and serve God, my country and people;

2. I will uphold the Constitution and obey legal orders of
the duly constituted authorities;
3. I will oblige myself to maintain a high standard of
morality and professionalism;
4. I will respect the customs and traditions of the police
service; and
5. I will live a decent and virtuous life to serve as an
example to others.