More PNP officers back colonel who refused promotion

MANILA, Philippines – More police officers have expressed support for the cause of Senior Superintendent Joel Alvarez, who turned down an appointment as police provincial director to dramatize his protest against “too much politicking” in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

A number of police officers have reportedly expressed their support for Alvarez’s call for transparency in the procedure used by the Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board (SOPPB) in deciding who gets promoted and to what position.

“Transparency is needed,” a police officer who declined to be named said. “There should be clear criteria, policies and guidelines,” he added.

He said SOPPB deliberation is usually only for formality and meant to accommodate only those close to politicians and generals.

“Every officer desires to attain professional advancement but it is denied by lack of a sound administrative system,” the officer said.

“We appreciate very much your (The STAR) editorial last Tuesday. Please continue because the transformation they are trumpeting is a farce,” another police officer said.

He said even criminal groups could block the promotion of competent policemen by filing cases against them with the Ombudsman. Under present rules, policemen with pending cases with the Ombudsman are not qualified for promotion.

“Pity a hardworking policeman who can’t get a promotion because of the sluggish Ombudsman,” he said in Tagalog. “And here’s another problem: Why would the Manila Ombudsman have to review the decision of the Regional Ombudsman? Don’t they trust their people?”

He said many policemen prefer not to come out in the open for fear of jeopardizing their careers.

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. has ordered Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration; and Director Edgar Acuña, chief of the Directorate for Police and Record Management, to look into the grievances of Alvarez.

“I have directed Gen. Verzosa and Gen. Acuña to investigate this. We are also going to call Col. Alvarez to hear his side,” Razon said.

“He (Alvarez) should have sought redress within our system,” Razon told a press briefing at Camp Crame Tuesday.

Razon said he readily acted on Alvarez’s case upon receiving a letter of complaint dated Feb. 11, 2008 from the police officer.

“When I received his letter I immediately ordered an investigation,” Razon said.