What is the Legal Basis for Policemen not to Pay for Fares

@raijem (335)
Philippines
June 23, 2011 10:17pm CST
I'm curious. What's the legal basis or is there any order or decree that makes it right or legal for policemen not to pay for fares in buses, jeepneys, etc? Unless of course the PNP has made them as bus marshals to ensure public security in Public Utility Vehicles. I understand that they may have some sort of internal agreement with the DOTC giving them free ride in the MRT and LRT as long as they are on uniform and on duty. But what justifies giving them free rides in buses and jeepneys? Is there something that the leadership of the Philippine National Police is doing to curb this wrong doing? What do you think fellow myLotters?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@EdnaReyes (2622)
• Philippines
28 Jun 11
There is none and same as teachers children getting no free tuition in school they are teaching. Policemen have to pay, like ordinary commuters and have to right to demand exceptions. But it is the common way as drivers fear them for giving false violation of the traffic rules. These kind of public servants do not have a place and right to be in the government service!
@raijem (335)
• Philippines
29 Jun 11
Well I agree with you. I initially thought there was some sort of law or any agreement between the Philippine National Police and the transportation sector about this. Such a shame that the PNP leadership is not doing anything about it. Now that's where our tax money goes??
• United States
24 Jun 11
I don't know about the Philippines, but in the U.S. many police officers receive discounts and free food at restaurants, movies, and other public amenities. Most of this is given to them because of our gratitude for their service in keeping us safe. It's a way of saying thank-you for doing a good job. If the sentiment in the Philippines is similar, then the free bus rides are probably out of public gratitude rather than government order.
• Philippines
24 Jun 11
I have no idea that US is giving special amenities to the cops there. well, why should we do that here? they will abuse it, as they have been conducting corrupt activities over the last few years. having that kind of amenities served to filipino policeman would make that business go bye bye..
• Philippines
24 Jun 11
Hello raijem, Actually there was a initiative from the Police that they should do some BUS marshals because of teh recent bombing on a bus that killed a few people. but am sure that didn't last long because they lack in numbers.. I think there should be a public consultation of this, but definitely, the people won't agree to it.
@alphenor (686)
• Philippines
24 Jun 11
With this, I already expect that some police will abuse this special treatment. Moreover, it would be a hassle for DOTC to monitor in which PUJ/PUB did these policemen got on on a certain date and time. Thus, there should be a limitation to this privilege and hope that nobody would abuse the privilege. :(
@cheravs (619)
• Philippines
24 Jun 11
They call it "passes". I don't but some companies are happy to give this passes because they think this is an advantage that a policeman will ride in a certain trip. We don't ask for something bad to happen while we travel but this policeman can totally help in case.