The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bohol province has reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the constitution, as the nation is plagued with corruption scandals linked to flood control and other infrastructure projects.
Lieutenant Colonel Norman Nuez, spokesman for the Bohol Police Provincial Office, said the force would remain loyal to the law despite public pressure for swift action against officials implicated in scandals.
“The rule of law must prevail,” Nuez told dYTR on Wednesday, referring to corruption cases involving alleged substandard or fictitious flood control projects in the country.
Nuez said arrests could only be made with valid warrants or in specific circumstances permitted under Philippine law, citing the importance of due process.
The comments come as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration faces scrutiny over infrastructure spending, a cornerstone of his economic program.
The flood control controversy has sparked public outcry and congressional inquiries.
Nuez urged citizens to file formal charges and allow courts to adjudicate cases, rather than expect immediate police action without proper legal procedures.
On crime statistics, the police spokesman reported declining serious crimes in Bohol but noted rising traffic incidents and persistent drug abuse challenges.
Nationwide, the Philippine National Police has approximately 228,000 personnel serving a population of over 117 million.