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The Philippine National Police Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical

Standards (PNP Code of Conduct)
All PNP members shall abide and adhere to the provisions of this Code of Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards. Towards this end, a truly professionalized and
dedicated law enforcer shall be developed in promoting peace and order, ensuring
public safety and enhancing community participation guided by the principle that a
public office is a public trust and that all public servants must at all times be accountable
to the people.
They shall serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, morality, loyalty and efficiency with
due respect to human rights and dignity as hallmark of a democratic society. They shall
at all times bear faithful allegiance to the legitimate government, support and uphold the
Constitution, respect the duly constituted authority and be loyal to the police service.
Definition of Terms:
1. Neglect of Duty or Nonfeasance - is the omission or refusal, without sufficient
excuse, to perform an act or duty, which it was the Peace Officer's legal obligation to
perform, it implies a duty as well as its breach and the fact can never be found in the
absence of a duty.
2. Irregularities in the Performance of Duty- is the improper performance of some act
which might be lawfully done.
3. Misconduct or Malfeasance- is the doing, either through ignorance, inattention or
malice, of that which the officer had no legal right to do all, as where he act without any
authority whatsoever, or exceeds, ignores or abuses his powers. Misconduct generally
means wrongful, improper or unlawful conduct, motivated by premeditated, obstinate or
intentional purpose. It usually refers to transgression of some established and definite
rule of action, where no discretion is left except what necessity may demand; it does not
necessarily family corruption pr criminal intention but implies wrongful intention and not
mere error of judgment.
It also refers to the intentional commission of a prohibited act or intentional unjust
performance of some act of which the party had no right (e.g., gratuity, perjury, use of
police resources for personal use).
Misfeasance on the other hand is the performance of a duty or act that one is obligated
or permitted to do in a manner which is improper, sloppy, or negligent (e.g., report
writing, unsafe operation of motor vehicle, aggressively "reprimanding" a citizen,
improper searching of arrested persons)
4. In-competency -is the manifest lack of adequate ability and fitness for the
satisfactory performance of police duties. This has reference to any physical intellectual
quality the lack of which substantially incapacitates one to performs the duties of peace
officer.
5. Oppression It imports an act of cruelty, severity, unlawful execution, domination, or
excessive use of authority. The exercise of the unlawful powers or others means, in
depriving, an individual of his liberty or property against his will is generally an act of
oppression.

6. Dishonesty is the concealment or distortion of truth in a matter of fact relevant of

one's office or connected with the performance of his duties.
7. Disloyalty to the Government Consist of abandonment or renunciation of one's
loyalty to the Government of the Philippines, or advocating the overthrow of the
government.
8. Violation of Law - it presupposes conviction in court of any crime of offense
penalized under Revised Penal Code or any special law or ordinances.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
Standard of Police Professionalism
All PNP personnel shall perform duties with excellence, competence, integrity,
intelligence and expertise in the application of specialized skill and technical knowledge.
Police Professional Conduct
All members of the PNP shall observe the following professional conduct.
Commitment to Democracy -Uniformed PNP members commit themselves to the
democratic way of life and values and maintain the principle of public accountability.
They shall at all times uphold the Constitution and be loyal to our country, people and
organization above loyalty to any person or organization.
Commitment to Public Interest- All PNP members shall always uphold public interest
over and above personal interest. All government properties, resources and powers of
their respective offices must be employed and used effectively, honestly and efficiently
particularly to avoid wastage of public funds and revenues. All PNP personnel must
avoid and prevent the "malversation of Human Resources", "malversation of
Government time" and malversation of Government property and funds."
Non-Partisanship -PNP members shall provide services to everyone without
discrimination regardless of party affiliation in accordance with existing laws and
regulations.
Physical Fitness and Health- All PNP members shall strive to be physically and
mentally fit and in good health at all times. Toward this end, they shall undergo regular
physical exercises and annual medical examination in any PNP Hospital or Medical
facility, and actively participate in the Physical Fitness and Sports Development
Program of the PNP.
Secrecy Discipline -All PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of classified
information against unauthorized disclosure, including confidential aspects of official
business, special orders, communications and other documents, roster or any portion
thereof of the PNP, contents of criminal records, identities or persons who may have
given information to the police in confidence and other classified information on
intelligence material.
Social Awareness- All PNP members 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.
Non-Solicitation of Patronage- All members shall seek self-improvement through
career development and shall not directly or indirectly solicit influence or
recommendation from politicians, high-ranking government officials, prominent citizens,
persons with civic or religious organizations with regard to their assignments,
promotions, transfer or those of other members of the force, nor shall they initiate any
petition to be prepared and presented by citizens in their behalf. Moreover, they shall
advise their immediate relatives not to interfere in the activities of the police service
particularly in the assignment and reassignment of personnel.
Proper Care and Use of Public Property -PNP personnel shall be responsible for the
security, proper care and use of public property issued to them and/or deposited under
their care and custody. Unauthorized use/disposal of public property for personal
convenience or gain and that of their families, friends, or relatives is strictly prohibited.
When the Commander/Director is relieved from his post, all properties/ equipment
belonging to the government must be turned- over to the incoming. A committee for the
purpose shall be proper. Hence it is a taboo for outgoing Commander/Director to
detach, remove and bring for himself those non-personal properties.
Respect of Human Rights -In the performance of duty, PNP members shall respect
and protect human dignity and uphold the human rights of all persons. No member
inflict, instigate or tolerate extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, any act of torture or
other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and shall not invoke
superior orders or exceptional circumstances such as a state-of-war, a threat to national
security, internal political instability or any public emergency as justification for
committing such human rights violations.
Devotion to Duty- All PNP personnel shall perform their duties with dedication,
thoroughness, efficiency, enthusiasm, determination, and manifest concern for public
welfare, and shall refrain from engaging in any activity which shall be in conflict with
their duties as public servants.
Conservation of Natural Resources- All personnel of the PNP shall help in the
development and conservation of our natural resources for ecological balance and
posterity as these are the inalienable heritage of our people.
Discipline- All personnel of the PNP shall conduct themselves at all times in keeping
with the rules and regulations of the organization.
Loyalty - Above all, PNP personnel must be loyal to the Constitution and the police
service as manifested by their loyalty to their superiors, peers and subordinates as well.
Obedience to Superiors- All PNP personnel shall obey lawful orders and courteous to
superior officers and other appropriate authorities within the chain of command. They
shall readily accept whenever they are assigned anywhere in the country. Therefore, it
is a taboo for any personnel to petition in court or in any public forum his assignment.
Command Responsibility- In accordance with the Doctrine on Command
Responsibility, immediate Commanders/ Directors shall be responsible for the effective
supervision, control and direction of their personnel and shall see to it that all
government resources shall be managed, expended or utilized in accordance with laws
and regulations and safeguard against losses thru illegal or improper disposition.

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The Ethical Standards
Ethical Standards shall refer to established and generally accepted moral values.
Ethical acts to be observed are the following:
Morality- All PNP personnel shall adhere to high standard of morality and decency and
shall set good examples for others to follow. Hence, among others, and in no instance
during their terms of office shall they be involved as owners, operators, managers or
investors in any house of ill-repute or illegal gambling den or other places devoted to
vices, nor shall they patronize such places unless on official duty, and tolerate
operations of such establishments in their respective areas of responsibilities. They
shall be faithful to their lawfully wedded spouses.
Judicious Use of Authority - PNP members shall exercise proper and legitimate use
of authority in the performance of duty.
Integrity -PNP personnel shall not allow themselves to be victims of corruption and
dishonest practices in accordance with the provisions of RA 6713 and other applicable
laws.
Justice- PNP personnel shall strive constantly to respect the rights of others so that
they can fulfill their duties and exercise their rights as human beings, parents, children,
citizens, workers, leaders, or in other capacities and to see to it that others do likewise.
Humility- All PNP personnel shall recognize the fact that they are public servants and
not the masters of the people and toward this end, they should perform their duties
without arrogance. They should also recognize their own inadequacies, in abilities and
limitations as individuals and perform their duties without attracting attention or
expecting the applause of others.
Orderliness - All PNP personnel shall follow logical procedures in accomplishing tasks
assigned to them to minimize waste in the use of time, money and effort.
Perseverance - Once a decision is made, PNP members shall take legitimate means to
achieve the goal even in the face of internal or external difficulties, and despite anything
which might weaken their resolve in the course of time.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
General Statement
The PNP adopts the generally acceptable customs and traditional based on the
desirable practices of the police service. These shall serve as inspiration as the PNP
endeavors to attain its goal and objectives.
Definition of Terms:
Customs - Established usage or social practices carried on by tradition that have
obtained the force of law. Traditions Bodies of beliefs, stories, customs and usages
handed down from generation to generation with the effect of an unwritten law.
Courtesy -A manifestation or expression of consideration and respect for others.
Ceremony- A formal act or set of formal acts established by customs or authority as
proper to special occasion.
Social Decorum -A set of norms and standards practiced by members during social
and other functions.
Police Customs on Courtesy
The following are customs on courtesy in the PNP:
Salute -Salute is the usual greeting rendered by uniformed members upon meeting and
recognizing person entitled to a salute.
Salute of National Color and Standard -Members stand attention and salute the
national color and standard as it pass by them or when the national color is raised or
lowered during ceremonies.
Address/Title -Junior in rank address senior members who are entitled to salute with
the word "Sir". All Police Commission Officers shall be addressed sir by the PNCO's
and NUP's.
Courtesy Call of Newly Assigned/Appointed Member - 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.
Christmas Call - PNP members pay as Christmas Call on their local executives in their
respective area of responsibility.
New Year's Call- PNP members pay a New Year's call on their commanders and/or key
officials in their respective area of responsibility.
Promotion Call -Newly promoted PNP members call on their unit head. On this
occasion, they are usually given due recognition and congratulations by their peers for
such deserved accomplishment.
Exit Call -PNP members pay an Exit Call on their superiors in the unit or command
when relieved or reassigned out of the said unit or command.
Courtesy of the Post -The host unit extends hospitality to visiting personnel who pay
respect to the command or unit.
Rank Has-Its-Own Privilege (RHIP) - PNP members recognize the practice that
different ranks carry with them corresponding privileges.
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Police Customs on Ceremonies
Flag Raising Ceremony -The PNP members honor the flag by hoisting it and singing
the National Anthem before the start of the official days' work.
Flag Lowering Ceremony- At the end of the official days' work, the PNP members
pause for a moment to salute the lowering of the flag.
Half-Mast -The flag is raised at half-mast in difference to deceased uniformed members
of the command.

Funeral Service and Honors - Departed uniformed members, retirees, war veterans or
former PC/INP members are given vigil, necrological services and graveside honors as
a gesture of farewell.
Ceremony Tendered to Retirees - In recognition of their long, faithful and honorable
service to the PNP, a testimonial activity is tendered in their honor.
Honor Ceremony -Arrival and departure honor ceremonies are rendered to visiting
dignitaries, VIPs, PNP Officers with the grade of Chief Superintendent and above and
AFP officers of equivalent grade, unless waived.
Turn-Over Ceremony - The relinquishment and assumption of command or key
position is publicly announced in a Turn-Over Ceremony by the out-going and in-coming
officers in the presence of the immediate superior or his representative.
Wedding Ceremony- During marriage of PNP members, a ceremony is conducted with
participants in uniform and swords drawn.
Anniversary -The birth of institutional establishment of a command or unit is
commemorated in an Anniversary Ceremony.
Police Customs on Social Decorum
The following are police custom on social decorum:
Proper Attire- PNP members always wear appropriate and proper attire in conformity
with the occasion.
Table Manners- PNP members observe table etiquette at all times.
Social Graces - PNP members conduct themselves properly in dealing with people
during social functions.
Uniform/Appearance- The public looks upon a PNP member as distinctively a man
among men. It is a welcome sight when PNP members wear their uniform properly
wherever the may be. Bulging stomach is taboo in the uniformed service. Since
disciplined PNP members are best exemplified by those who are neat in appearance
and wearing prescribed uniform, they must therefore observe the following:
Wearing of prescribed uniform.
-Wearing as part of the uniform, award and decorations earned in accordance with the
prescribed rules and regulations.
-Adherence to haircut prescribed by rules and regulations.
-Manner of Walking Every PNP member is expected to walk with pride and dignity.
Other Police Customs:
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 all benefits due shall have been received.
Survivor Assistance to Heirs of Deceased Members -When PNP members die, a
survivor officers is designated to render maximum assistance to their legitimate
bereaved family until all benefits due shall have been received.
Visiting the Religious Leaders - PNP Officers visit religious leaders in their area of
assignment to establish or maintain rapport and cooperation between the different
religious leaders and the PNP.
Athletics- All PNP members indulge in physical fitness activities to insure that their
proper physical appearance and bearing are maintained with the waist line
measurement always smaller than the size of his chest and in conformity with the
standard set forth by the organization.
Happy Hours Usually on Friday or any other day suitable for the occasion, PNP
members gather together at their PNP club for a light hearted jesting or airing of minor
gripes.
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Police Tradition
The following are police traditions
Spiritual Beliefs -The PNP members are traditionally religious and God-loving person.
They attend religious services together with the members of their family.
Valor- History attests that the Filipino law-enforcer have exemplified the tradition of
valor and defending the country from aggression and oppression and
protecting/preserving the life and property of the people. They sacrificed their limbs and
lives for the sake of their countrymen whom they have pledge to serve.
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.
Discipline -The discipline of PNP members are manifested by instinctive obedience to
lawful orders and through and spontaneous actions towards attainment of
organizational objectives guided by moral, ethical and legal norms.
Gentlemanliness- The PNP members are upright in character, police in manners,
dignified in appearance, and sincere in their concern to their fellowmen.
Word of Honor- The PNP members' word is their bond. They stand by and commit to
uphold it.
Duty- The PNP members have historically exemplified themselves as dedicated public
servant who perform their tasks with a deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice.
He shall readily accept assignment anywhere in the country.
Loyalty- The policemen are traditionally loyal to the organization, country and people as
borne by history and practice.
Camaraderie- The binding spirit that enhances 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.
POLICE OFFICER'S PLEDGE
I will love and serve God, my country and my people;
I will uphold the Constitution and obey legal orders of the duly constituted authorities;
I will oblige myself to maintain a high standard of morality and professionalism;
I will respect the customs and traditions of the police service; and
I will live a decent and virtuous life to serve as an example to others.