Press Release
September 6, 2016

Sen. Lacson's Sponsorship Speech for Senate Resolution 106

Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, it is an honor to present before this august chamber Senate Resolution 106, congratulating and commending the men and women who were chosen as this year's Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service or COPS. I can find no better place than here, or more appropriate occasion than now, to pay tribute to these law enforcers for their unwavering commitment and consistent contributions in serving and protecting our countrymen.

A long time ago, somebody said and allow me to paraphrase: "Soldiery and police service are the two most noble professions for we have no capital but our lives."

Having come from the ranks of the police and the military, I mean it every time I say it: hindi biro ang mapabilang sa ating unipormadong hanay. Sabi nga nila, sa tuwing lalabas ang isang pulis o sundalo sa kanyang bahay, pagkatapos magpaalam sa kanyang pamilya, ang isa sa kanyang dalawang paa ay maaring patungo sa hukay o sa kulungan. At ang isang paa lamang ang maaring magdala sa kanya pabalik sa kanyang tahanan.

While it cannot be denied that certain sectors tend to believe the bad public perception in relation to the PNP's mechanisms to combat illegal drugs and which may have demoralized our men in uniform, I am certain that our 10 Outstanding Policemen in Service here today will serve as an inspiration not only to our communities and to the nation, but also to the entire police force.

While recent events like the Davao explosion last week and other threats of terror which disrupt our country's peace and order situation, I say without fear of contradiction that committed law enforcers like them play a relevant and critical role.

This year's selection of COPS could not have been possible without the diligent efforts of the final board of judges chaired by our very own distinguished colleague, the Hon. Cynthia Villar, and co-chaired by Court of Appeals senior associate justice Magdangal de Leon.

I hope this year's awardees will always remember that no matter how thankless a law enforcement job may often seem to be, it is the feeling of fulfillment that one has performed his job well that will always count.

Their professionalism in performing their duties under the most trying circumstances is a testament to their unshakeable commitment to their sworn oath -- to serve and protect. For this and probably many other reasons, they deserve no less but our snappiest salute. Thank you, Mr. President.

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