AUTHORITIES warned traffic enforcers who will be caught taking bribes from traffic violators or any other corrupt practices will face charges once they are found guilty.
“Since they are police officers, they will be administratively held liable and in as much as there is criminal liability, meron din silang haharapin sa ating batas,” Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Retired Major General Benito de Leon told the media on Wednesday, February 6.
The warning came after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in jest during the turnover of motorcycles to the traffic management unit of Davao City Police Office (DCPO) that she will double the amount of those who will bribe the personnel to see if they can resist it.
“We know that the mayor was joking but we know she will take this seriously if you go to her. Nonetheless, it stresses the point that you are vulnerable to this kind of temptation thus you should stand to your sworn duty,” De Leon added.
The Davao police has been a model police force in the whole Philippine National Police (PNP) because of its capability and utmost discipline. He thus challenged the police traffic enforcers to uphold this reputation as the public already gained its trust and confidence including the city’s visitors.
De Leon added they have not received reports of any police officer in the city who accepted bribes.
“There is no such report in our local police involved in “kotong” but we know this is tempting especially with their job so to prevent such particular temptation, we are already forewarning them,” the PSSCC chief said.
For his part, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said they will not tolerate this kind of illegal activities and they will take immediate action if they receive reports on bribery involving their personnel.
He likewise encouraged the public to report incident of corruption involving law enforcers to their hotline numbers.
Tagum also led the pinning of “No to Kotong” badge to all police officers who will be deputized on the streets. The badge symbolizes integrity, competence and service where bribery is prohibited both in their official function and in personal capacity.