Bato surprised with own salary increase

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he was surprised with the increase of his own base pay. (Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — Days after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the resolution increasing the salaries of police officers and soldiers of all ranks, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he was surprised with the increase of his own base pay.

Dela Rosa expressed this sentiment on the sidelines of the turnover ceremony of 60 Isuzu patrol vehicles and six canines to the Valenzuela City PNP on Friday.

Dela Rosa said he initially thought that it was only the lowest ranking members of the PNP, the enlisted Police Office 1s (PO1s), who will be getting a base pay increase.

Prior to Duterte’s signing of Congress’ Joint Resolution No. 1 last January 1 adjusting the salaries of cops and soldiers, a Police Officer 1 (PO1) is only paid PHP14,834 monthly.

The lowest ranking police officer would now get PHP29,668, a 100 percent increase.

Dela Rosa said he is now the richest police officer in terms of salary, since based on the new law, his previous monthly pay which was only PHP67,500 would become PHP121,500, or a 79 percent increase.

During the turnover ceremony, the PNP chief also said he is very happy with Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian’s announcement that they will be increasing the allowances extended to police officers detailed in the city.

“Records wise walang problema ang Valenzuela city police when it comes to discipline,” said Dela Rosa.

Wala po sa kanilang mga pulis ang abusado kaya masaya ako at ngayong tumaaas ang sweldo, tinaasan ni Mayor ang suporta sa allowances sa Valenzuela Police, I expect the more na magiging example itong Valenzuela City Police sa all other police units sa buong Pilipinas,” he added.