“Loyalty to the Republic means a steadfast loyalty to peace, to justice, and to good governance”
I HAVE been hearing closely, as have so many others, the whispers and rumors attempting to sow division within the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
As Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations, including ABKD and PADER, I understand the importance of a strong, unified institution.
Frankly, I’m fed up with the baseless intrigue.
That is why I stand firmly behind Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and the entire police force.
Their recent actions—especially Nartatez’s immediate and clear rejection of a supposed “loyalty check”—are precisely the proof we need that the PNP remains an institution of integrity.
True loyalty, after all, isn’t something you proclaim; it’s something you show through service. Nartatez and the dedicated men and women of the PNP have consistently demonstrated that their allegiance is not to fleeting political winds or individual personalities.
Their allegiance is to the Filipino people and the sacred Constitution.
A Force That Refuses to Play Politics
It has been a testament to the PNP’s growing maturity that they have consistently managed to stay above the partisan noise.
While others are busy sowing discord and intrigue, our police officers continue to do the difficult, essential work of serving and protecting. That, to me, is the true mark of professionalism.
I especially laud the Acting PNP Chief’s calm, decisive leadership.
He didn’t waste time on distractions.
He spoke with a clarity that reassured the ranks, reaffirmed the importance of discipline, and reminded everyone where the PNP’s duty lies: to protect, not to play politics.
That kind of decisive action is precisely what keeps morale high and the institution focused on its mission.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s confidence in the current police leadership is clearly well placed.
The President needs a police force that upholds order and integrity, and trust between the Commander-in-Chief and his police is absolutely vital for maintaining peace and implementing necessary reforms across the nation.
Unity as the Cornerstone of Reform
The question of the PNP’s unity is inextricably linked to the President’s broader anti-corruption campaign.
Let’s be clear: You cannot effectively fight corruption with a divided force.
The PNP’s strength is, and must always be, rooted in its unity and credibility. Every internal audit, every reform measure, and every swift dismissal of wrongdoing is an act of courage and conscience that builds that credibility.
This is why I urge the public to choose support over suspicion.
Our police officers put their lives on the line every single day.
They have earned our trust and our respect. Under Nartatez’s leadership, I have no doubt the PNP will continue to serve our nation honorably, cleanly, and with deep pride.
The time for suspicion is over; the time for unity is now. The PNP, alongside our military and the Filipino people, must stand as one behind President Marcos.
Loyalty to the Republic means a steadfast loyalty to peace, to justice, and to good governance.
The PNP has proven where its loyalty lies—with the President, with the people, and with the nation.
(The writer, who holds a doctorate in philosophy, serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, through which he continues to advance the causes of sovereignty, reform, and the dignity of the Filipino people.)
