President clarifies comment on cops accepting gifts

Although he finds nothing wrong with accepting small token of gratitude, President Duterte has reminded policemen not to demand gifts from the public.

The President maintained that cops could accept food and other gifts with nominal value from kind or grateful benefactors but not excessive presents.

Duterte issued the reminder after drawing criticisms from Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Panfilo Lacson for his controversial pronouncement on accepting gifts.

"Kasi ang mga pulis, if they are able to solve a crime, ano tayo magpadala ng lechon, pagkain, 'yung ganun. Or 'yung mga kidnapped na mga Chinese, they would offer [If policemen are able to solve a crime, we would send lechon, food, and others. Those Chinese who've been kidnapped would also offer]," he said during his visit to Bataan last Thursday.

"Sabi ko basta huwag lang mag-thousand-thousand at huwag kayong maghingi. Do not demand. And 'yon 'yan as a... Iyan ang wording ng batas eh, "to show gratitude." Hindi mo mawala sa Pilipino 'yang utang na loob [I said it's okay as long as it's not worth thousands and do not demand. That's the wording in the law, 'to show gratitude.' You can’t take away debt of gratitude from Filipinos]," he added.

The President earlier saw nothing irregular if policemen accept gifts from people grateful for their service especially after solving a crime. Duterte, a former mayor and prosecutor, claimed accepting such token of gratitude does not constitute bribery.

"Kung bigyan kayo, eh tanggapin ninyo [If you're given a gift, accept it]. It is not bribery because --- it cannot be bribery because it is allowed by law. What I mean if there is generosity in them, sabi ng anti-graft you cannot accept gifts. Kalokohan ‘yan," he said during the 118th Police Service anniversary celebration in Camp Crame last August.