Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the Oath-taking of the 50 Star-Ranked Officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP)

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto; DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla; Philippine National Police Chief, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez; our star-ranked officers of the Philippine National Police; my fellow workers in government; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning and welcome to Malacañang.

Today, we formally recognize a milestone in your individual careers and in our continuing effort to strengthen the Philippine National Police as a disciplined, professional, and dependable institution.

I congratulate the 50 star-ranked officers—six of whom are Police Major Generals and 44 are Police Brigadier Generals.

Your promotion reflects years of dedicated service, of seasoned leadership, and the confidence of the institution you will now help steer.

As you climb up a rank, you must realize this is not merely a recognition of your past performance, but rather, a clearer and higher expectation of how you must lead from this point forward.

Higher rank entails broader authority. You now carry greater influence over police operations, the welfare of your personnel, and most importantly, the trust of the public.

This is the stage where leadership is being measured by your judgment, restraint, and consistency in upholding the law.

So, I ask you to continue to improve yourselves—personally, professionally, institutionally. Do not be complacent.

Be firm, be fair, be decisive while remaining fully respectful to the rights and dignity of every single Filipino.

Ang kapangyarihan na hawak ninyo ay may kaakibat na pananagutan.

Nakataya ang kredibilidad ng institusyon at ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa bawat galaw at desisyon ninyo, kaya’t nararapat lamang na alagaan ninyo ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob sa inyo.

The challenges before us are becoming even more sophisticated and even more complex.

We face social divides, political noise, emerging tensions within our communities. At the same time, digital and technological threats now operate across borders and platforms.

These threats can trigger disorder, which may escalate beyond physical spaces.

In this environment, our people rely on the police as their immediate and dependable line of protection.

Given the nature of your duties, be assured that this Administration stands firmly behind the Philippine National Police.

We will continue to support reforms that will enhance your capacity and boost your morale.

Two weeks ago, I issued Executive Order No. 107, updating the base pay schedule of all military and uniformed personnel. This will be implemented in three tranches starting January of next year, with subsequent adjustments in 2027 and 2028.

In addition, your daily subsistence allowance will be increased to 350 pesos.

So, alongside these measures, we remain committed to supporting and ensuring the welfare of your families— recognizing that their well-being is integral to your service as a nation.

We also recognize the sacrifices that they made to continue to support our policemen and that for you to be able to continue your duties safe in the knowledge that your families have been attended to.

As we are in the holiday season, when more people are out in public and families are on the move, this period calls for heightened security and vigilance.

So, maintain a visible and reassuring presence on our roads, in public spaces, in transport hubs, and in communities where families gather.

Tiyakin ninyo ang kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan upang tunay nating maramdaman ang saya ng Kapaskuhan nang may kapanatagan at pagkakaisa, at may tunay na ligaya.

This season likewise reminds us that public service does not pause even in times of celebration.

So, continue to serve with honor, lead with purpose, always act in the best interest of our great nation and of the Filipino people.

Once again, congratulations on your promotion!

Take pride in this achievement and find meaningful time to be with your families, especially during this holiday season.

Thank you very much.

Mabuhay ang PNP!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!

[applause]

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