President Duterte has released a Christmas bonus to the Philippine National Police ranging from P50,000 to P400,000 each for their successful efforts in the war against drugs.
However, PNP chief Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa said not all policemen are covered by the bonus.
“(The bonus) will be for key officers. The directors, deputy, executive officials of staff down to the provincial directors,” PNP chief Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa said in the Christmas party of policemen and their dependents in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Dela Rosa said not all policemen are covered by the bonus due to budget constraints. “The President could not afford to give everyone. While he wants to give even to the last Police Officer 1, Non-Uniformed Personnel the budget could not afford it,” said Dela Rosa.
Despite this, Dela Rosa said he is looking at the bonus in a positive way since this is the first time that such a big amount as performance bonus was given to the PNP. “That’s enough for us because this is the first time in the PNP that there is a cash gift from Malacañang,” said Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa said the money is now available in his office. The recipient of the bonus will personally get the cash gift.
The PNP chief said he does not know where the money came from.
“Don’t ask where the money came from. It did not come from illegal drugs,” said Dela Rosa. “Maybe it came from the intelligence funds of the President. At least we are seeing it, we are feeling it,” he added.
The 81 police provincial directors are expected to receive a minimum of P50,000 bonus while Dela Rosa, as chief PNP, would receive the highest bonus of P400,000.
Some policemen were disappointed for their non-inclusion in the bonus. “The question is: Who are the ones working hard to achieve whatever the accomplishments in this drug war. Why then, we were not given even a small amount,” a middle-ranking police officer said. (Aaron B. Recuenco)