PNP hails Duterte signing of law modifying police rank classification

(Eagle News) — The Philippine National Police on Thursday, Feb. 21, lauded President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of a law that modifies the rank classification of policemen.

In a statement, PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said the modified rank classification will “definitely” lead to “more performance output and productivity from PNP uniformed personnel..”

He said this was because they would have a “high morale as they will be called again the way they were addressed before.”

According to Banac, under the classification, “the responsibility of the person holding the rank” is also “clearly defined according to his or her authority in the organization.”

“As such, the age old tradition of seniority and police customs on courtesy and privilege are further enhanced as fundamental doctrine,” Banac said.

Under the new law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, the classification in the PNP is as follows:

-Police General

-Police Lieutenant General

-Police Major General

-Police Brigadier General

-Police Colonel

-Police Lieutenant Colonel

-Police Major

-Police Captain

-Police Lieutenant

-Police Executive Master Sergeant

-Police Chief Master Sergeant

-Police Senior Master Sergeant

-Police Master Sergeant

-Police Staff Sergeant

-Police Corporal

-Patrolman/Patrolwoman

In authoring the bill in the Senate, Senator Panfilo Lacson, who served as PNP chief from 1999 to 2001, said the rank classification would prevent confusion among members of the public.