Senator Ping Lacson received an assurance from the Philippine National Police leadership that the internal cleansing he initiated in the institution more than 20 years ago has been sustained.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the PNP has become one of the most trusted organizations in the country under the leadership of P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., citing the gains from the internal cleansing initiated by Lacson.
“I’m very proud to say, Sir, that the PNP has now become one of the most trusted organizations in the country under the leadership of Gen. Nartatez. Wala na pong ninja cops, wala na pong kotong cops, na crusade ni Senator Lacson,” Remulla said.
“Wala na din pong gun-for-hire syndicates na pulis nawala na rin. Kidnapping wala na rin.”
“Wala na din pong gun-for-hire syndicates na pulis nawala na rin. Kidnapping wala na rin. Ang nahahanap po namin, ‘yung mga kidnappers na nahuhuli namin ngayon ay dishonorably dismissed policemen,” the DILG chief told the veteran legislator at the Senate subcommittee hearing on the DILG’s proposed budget for 2027.
When the seasoned lawmaker headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001, he led a campaign to rid the institution of so-called scalawags in uniform, including kotong cops and other abusive policemen.
The senator also institutionalized an 85-15 formula where at least 85 percent of personnel and resources were deployed to the field, while only 15 percent remained at headquarters.
The senator also institutionalized an 85-15 formula where at least 85 percent of personnel and resources were deployed to the field, while only 15 percent remained at headquarters.
This setup helped strengthen the police force’s presence on the ground while contributing to the high public trust and approval ratings the PNP enjoyed during Lacson’s tenure.
For his part, Nartatez – who served as Lacson’s aide-de-camp from 1998 to 2001 – said they have maintained Lacson’s 85-15 formula and even stretched it to 90-10.
“Yes, that’s the policy. We even stretched it to 90-10,” he concluded.
