Palace: Law allows policemen to receive “unsolicited gifts or presents of small or insignificant value”

(Eagle News)–The Palace on Sunday, Aug. 11, said the law allows policemen to receive “unsolicited gifts or presents of small or insignificant value.”

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte told police officers during the 118th anniversary of the Philippine National Police that they could accept gifts but not bribes.

“Unlike other politicians who forget their laws and grab at opportunity to find fault at what the President says or does, PRRD is a lawyer by profession and training, thus he knows these exemptions are envisioned by the law and is therefore precisely referring to the same during the event,” Panelo said.

According to Panelo, “the  giving of the gift is simply an appreciation by a thankful community for a job well done performed by the law enforcers whose lives flirt with death every time they step out of their homes.”

“Certainly it is not given in anticipation of—or in exchange for—a favor from the members of the police force,” he said.

“The gift-giving in fact inspires them to do their work faithfully and efficiently as their toil is not left unnoticed and unappreciated,” he added.

Earlier, several lawmakers expressed concern over Duterte’s remark.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, said the President’s remark may encourage “insatiable greed” among policemen.