Res Gestae
Duty first vs. family centeredness
"Duty first before anything else" is a jargon both in the military and police. It is a time-honored principle that defines their commitment and dedication to public service. It is the reason why we have many unsung heroes and heroines; the law enforcers, who endured and braved the loneliness and dangers of the field, especially those who had left their homes and lost their lives in the name of service for God, country and people.
The country is still in need of heroes and heroines in the ranks of our military and police. We need them as much as we badly need heroes and heroines in other agencies of government. Why? It is because, as taxpayers, we are entitled not only of their services but also of their commitment and dedication in the rendition of these services.
However, the idea of public service evolves with time.
Traditionally, public service was viewed in reference to services rendered "outside" of the home. It was characterized by community-centered actions. It was something detached of a family. And probably, this theory caused into being the slogan "Duty first before anything else".
At present, the concept of public service is viewed in an opposite perspective. From being a community-centered action, public service is now viewed in a context of a family. This theory is premised on the argument that public service starts at home. It means in order for one to comply with the elements of quality public service, he or she must first comply with the requirements of being a good father… mother… or member of a family. Therefore, quality public service must always and only be a condition sine qua non to faithful compliance to one's obligation in the family.
This academic-sounding argument is a response to (with a hope to enlighten) a reader who asked my comment on a phrase "Duty first before anything else."
I have a strong feeling that the concerned reader is a member of the Philippine National Police. My presumption is based on his or her allegation that Full Alert Status demands from him or her and other members of his or her organization to report to office even during holidays and weekends. He or she further alleged that the declaration of Full Alert Status was not in accordance to the parameters set forth in the (?) Guidelines. He or she also named General Isagani Cuevas as one who declared the Full Alert Status in view of the Holy Week celebration.
I also presumed he or she had read my previous article entitled "PNP's alert status is the country's peace and order status" the reason why he or she was asking me to comment on the slogan.
At the onset, I submit that putting the Police Regional Office VI in Full Alert status during the Holy Week was left in General Cuevas' discretion. I have to maintain my contention in my previous article that this discretion, however, must comply with the principle of reasonableness. Otherwise, grave abuse of discretion would be committed against the PNP personnel.
But, before we make judgment, let us first evaluate the peace and order situation of Western Visayas last Holy Week. Was there impending threat to national security? Were there intelligence reports that progressive groups will hold mass demonstration and the possibility that this activity will result to violence? Was there any incident of violence that could have impact, if not in the national peace and order condition, at least in the regional level? These are the parameters of Full Alert status.
Hence, if the answer to these questions is "yes", then General Cuevas' declaration of Full Alert status was justified.
I am pounding on this idea of a PNP Top Brass to observe reasonableness in his exercise of discretion of declaring of Full Alert status because an abuse of such discretion would undermine the value of family among PNP personnel.
We are in a generation where "duty first before anything else" is history. This era values family because that's the only way we can regain the true value of public service among our public servants, especially among our law enforcers.
Thus, it is my prayer that next time we hear orders or directives from our top public officials, these must not only with prudence but, first of all, do reflect the value and importance of a family as we work for God, country, and people.
(Send your comments and suggestions to rogatepnp@yahoo.com.)