By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reminded all police offices and units to observe fiscal discipline and ensure the responsible use of government funds.
The reminder followed the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) announcement that it would issue stricter policies on government spending to prevent lavish parties disguised as planning activities.
“We will not tolerate any misuse or extravagant spending in police offices and units, especially for gatherings and parties under the guise of planning sessions and other activities,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
“As frontliners in law enforcement, it is expected that we will abide by the policies on utilizing government funds,” he added.
The PNP vowed to promote transparency and accountability, ensuring that public expenditures support projects and activities that improve public service.
“The PNP remains committed to ensuring accountability and fiscal discipline in the use of public funds. We aim to use taxpayers’ money for activities that will be beneficial to the Filipino people,” Nartatez said.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano has directed all police districts, chiefs of police and station commanders in Metro Manila to keep their stations and surrounding premises clean, orderly, sanitary and presentable.
Abrahano said police stations serve not only as workplaces for law enforcers but also as public service facilities where people seek assistance, report crimes, file complaints and turn to authorities during emergencies.
“Cleanliness and orderliness are part of our responsibility to the public. When people enter a police station, they should see an environment that is organized, safe, and ready to serve them. We cannot expect the public to have confidence in our service if we fail to maintain the very facilities where that service is delivered,” he said in a separate statement. (PNA) (File photo courtesy of PNP)
