Duterte warns cops against offering services to private entities

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Luzon Island Cluster Conference at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City on October 22, 2018, reiterates his stern warning to the public officials to avoid getting involved in any illegal activities. RENE LUMAWAG/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte said police personnel caught offering their services to private entities will be held accountable.

Duterte issued the warning during the closing ceremony of the Motorcycle Riding Course (MCRC) and Motorcycle Riding Safety Training (MRST) held at Rancho Palos Verdes Clubhouse, Davao City on Friday.

“Never allow yourselves to be tempted to make a profit out of it by offering services to private entities. Those caught will be held accountable,” Duterte said in his speech.

In the same speech, Duterte also asked cops, who were graduates of the riding course, to only use their motorcycles during their duty.

“Let me also remind you that whenever you use your motorcycles in the line of duty, you do so as agents of this government and as protectors of our people,” Duerte said.

“Together, let us foster a culture of diligence…accountability and discernment among our motorists so that we may move forward as a more progressive nation,” he added.

Duterte, meanwhile, commended over 200 graduates from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management Penology (BJMP), and the civilian sector for their commitment to finish the training programs on proper driving techniques and road safety.

He led the ceremonial distribution of certificates, the pinning of badges to the graduates, and pledged to provide a motorcycle to each of the three graduates who were named best riders: PO2 Ian Florida, PO3 Ronald Allan Poe, and PO1 Jason Carillo.

“I hope that the graduates [we] honor today will remain steadfast in their crucial role in promoting the proper safety mindset and driving proficiency which ensure the safety of our road and traffic conditions,” Duterte said.

He also assured the graduates of the administration’s support in addressing the “perennial problems of our commuters.”