NAPOLCOM says courage, conviction, consistent action needed to fight corruption

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Tuesday underscored the need for “courage, conviction, and consistent action” in fighting corruption, adding that it is a shared responsibility of institutions and citizens.

The NAPOLCOM made the remark as nations all over the world observed International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) on Tuesday, December 9.

Led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this year’s observance has the theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

In a statement, the NAPOLCOM reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability: core values essential to genuine and lasting police reform.”

It added that corruption is not merely a legal violation but a betrayal of public trust.

“For our country to progress and for our law enforcement institutions to truly serve the Filipino people, corruption in all its forms must be confronted with courage, conviction, and consistent action,” the NAPOLCOM said.

It added: “We also call on the public to remain vigilant and engaged. Combating corruption is a shared responsibility between institutions that must be accountable and citizens who must be empowered.”

The NAPOLCOM assured that under the leadership of NAPOLCOM chief commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan, it will continue to “strengthen the internal disciplinary systems” of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

It vowed to continue implementing digitalization to eliminate opportunities for abuse as it underscored the need to “pursue a merit-based and people-centered approach to police leadership.”

“These efforts reflect our belief that discipline and professionalism are non-negotiable pillars of effective policing,” the NAPOLCOM said.

“On this International Anti-Corruption Day, NAPOLCOM stands firm in its resolve: Serbisyong tapat. Pagbabagong may tapang. Para sa isang PNP na tunay na karapat-dapat sa tiwala ng bawat Pilipino (Honest service. Change with courage. For a PNP that is truly deserving of each Filipino’s trust),” it added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News