Res Gestae
Moonlight but…
(First of two parts)
The recent declaration of PNP Chief Avelino Razon approving the 'moonlighting' of police personnel got varied reactions. But I am certain most, if not all, police personnel favor the pronouncement. It was an answered prayer.
The pronouncement has condition though, making moonlighting a limited practice. Razon said moonlighting is allowed provided it must not prejudice the image of the organization. Police personnel can drive taxis or PUJs but not as escorts or bodyguards. They may engage in micro (macro) –enterprise but not in illegal trade – illegal drugs, illegal gambling, illegal logging, etc.. They can be talents in movies but not as protagonists. Or, they may venture in any form of income-generating activities but not as bouncers in night club or the likes.
For years, moonlighting of police personnel has been a haunting issue.
The advocates of moonlighting call it empowerment. It provides avenues to police personnel to become more productive. Creative. Innovative. They hail moonlighters as heirs to the spirit of the nation's business tycoons, insisted that hard work never hurt anybody.
But, oppositions are steadfast with their convictions that moonlighting is not only contrary to law but also putting our law enforcement at risk. Some even say it is morally wrong.
The Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees Section 7 (b) states, “Public officials and employees during their incumbency shall not: (2) Engage in the private practice of their profession unless authorized by the Constitution or law, provided that such practice will not conflict or tend to conflict with their official functions." And, aside from administrative charges, moonlighters may also be charged guilty of graft and corruption for holding an additional job in the private sector, pursuant to the provisions of Republic 3019 as amended.
While the provision has already charged many public employee-moonlighters, its interpretation, however, also purports moonlighting as a legitimate practice. What the law prohibits are moonlighting activities which involve conflict of interest or in conflict with one's official functions. Moonlighting outside these categories is therefore allowed.
As regards to police personnel, prohibition on moonlighting has seemed no escape. The nature of police work as 'round-the-clock' or '24/7'service seems to be the catch phrase. With it, how could a police officer engage in any (legitimate) business without violating the provision of the law that such private practice of their profession must not tend to conflict with his or her official functions? (to be continued)
(Are you in favor with our police officers to moonlight? Why? Answers to rogatepnp@yahoo.com or 09193161190.)