Res Gestae
Moonlight but…
(Last of two parts)
The 'round-the-clock' or '24/7' nature of police service does not only make 'heroic' the police work. It also suggests our police personnel are almost martyrs. And any income-generating activity of the police personnel 'outside' their tours of duty are not only discouraged but deemed illegal.
It is a misinterpretation of the principle.
The 'round-the-clock' or '24/7' nature of police work does not mean, or must not be arbitrarily construed, that our police personnel have to render an actual duty from sunrise to sunset to sunrise. It does not repeal the eight-hour law. Neither has it suggested our police force as a throng of superheroes.
The 'round-the-clock' police service simply means that after the eight hours of their tour of duty, our police personnel are merely 'on-call' on the next sixteen hours. A police officer may be called to perform law enforcement functions as the need arises anytime of the day or night. It means in the exigency of his service, he must extend duty hours or render overtime. The 'extra' service will be either with pay or not at the discretion of the Chief, PNP. Though in this country, overtime pay is a misnomer. We prefer 'service-beyond-the-call-of-duty' thing more than increase in pay.
In view of this interpretation, 'moonlighting' is not a problem. Our police personnel may engage in the practice of their profession or live out with their passion after their tour of duty. Though, as said, there are limitations.
Recognizing and respecting this avenue is rather beneficial, especially to our police personnel whose talents and skills are varied and essential for development.
Let us accept the fact that there are doctors, lawyers, engineers, chemists in the PNP. There are police-dancers, -singers, -swimmers, -'magicians', -comedians, name it. Our police personnel cannot only be effective and efficient as law enforcers but they can amaze the public with their varied talents and skills.
Truly, it is more appealing to show the public the 'other side' of the police. It's time to tell the public of the lighter side of police stories, like, a story of a police-husband who dances the night away as he moonlights as dance instructor.
It may be difficult at the beginning. But, upholding the right of our police personnel for self-advancement and economic stability, by allowing them to moonlight, will not only boost the economy but also ultimately resolve the issue on extortion and other illegal activities perpetrated by the men in uniform in their pursuit for a better living.
(Comments to rogatepnp@yahoo.com or 09193161190.)