DILG chief warns cops: Accepting gifts as form of favors, bribes a violation of law, oath of service

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday warned policemen that they may be held liable if they receive gifts of monetary value from people they serve in line with their duties.

In a statement, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said police officers, including employees of the DILG, may be criminally and administratively held liable if they solicit gifts of monetary value while on duty.

“Although an exception is provided for in the law, may we remind our fellow workers in government, especially those in the Philippine National Police (PNP), that your services are already fully paid by the people through their taxes,” Año said.

The DILG chief underscored that gifts in exchange of favors or as form of bribe is a direct violation of the police’s oath of service and the law.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said policemen are free to accept gifts from generous benefactors.

PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde has assured the public that abusive cops who would receive excessive gifts will be monitored by the police’s counter-intelligence unit. — RSJ, GMA News