Roxas to PNP: No ‘bata-bata’ system under my watch

MANILA, Philippines – Newly appointed Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas made it clear to the Philippine National Police (PNP) that under his watch, there will be no room for irregularities.

On Monday, October 8, a little over a week since he took his position as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Roxas faced the PNP for their flag-raising ceremonies as the guest of honor, where he vowed to put an end to the “bata-bata” system, wherein superiors play favorite among their subordinates.

Roxas emphasized that promotion in the police force will be based solely on merit and performance — a system pushed for by the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, who died in a plane crash off the waters of Masbate on August 18.

Roxas has since promised to continue the legacy of Robredo, who was hailed for his honest and transparent programs.

“Tapos na ang araw ng mga padrino. Tapos na ang araw ng palakasan at pagpopogi at the expense of the institution and of others. Ang inyong promotion ay susukatin batay sa inyong performance, sa inyong disiplina, dedikasyon sa tungkulan at katapatan sa bandila,” he said. “There will be no bata-bata system during my watch. If you perform and deliver, you will have my support.”

(The days of the patrons are over. The days of sucking up to your superiors at the expense of the institution and of others are over. Your promotion will be based on your performance, your discpline, your dedication to your duties and your commitment to our flag).

Roxas added that he would also work to rid the PNP of their image as corrupt and abusive, a reputation advanced by erring policemen who take part in illegal activities like “kotong” or bribery. His goal, he said, was to restore public trust and confidence in the PNP.

Roxas, who took his oath as Interior Secretary on September 29, has yet to name his DILG undersecretary. – Rappler.com