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Wisdom > Spoiler

Industry executive reprimanded by PNP for wearing police uniform at costume party

Meanwhile, real cops are regularly bringing shame on the force

Will wearing a police uniform for a costume party get you in trouble? Apparently, yes. PHOTO FROM PIXABAY

The car industry—in case it isn’t already obvious—consists of fun-loving individuals. Been doing this gig for three decades, and it’s the kind of job that doesn’t feel like work.

Last month, I attended a Christmas party hosted by a carmaker for the motoring media. It was a costume party—the sort of affair that I had been used to joining. The invite said:

“Come dressed as your celebrity ka-look-alike! Show off your best impression of a star! Please send in advance a photo of the exact celebrity look you’re channeling, so we can have a side-by-side comparison when you arrive. You know the drill, the best impression of the celebrity look-alike will win awesome prizes!”

Now, I didn’t wear a costume—mostly because I’m boring—but I did have fun. Who wouldn’t with funny colleagues like Macoy Dubs and Caco Tirona? Such an amusing way to end a busy year for the beat.

There was just a small hitch: We (VISOR) posted to our Facebook page a photo of the car company’s president, who came in as Coco Martin’s police character (Cardo Dalisay) in Ang Probinsyano. It was a hit. First of all, it was refreshing to see a cop without a beer belly. Second, the executive wore the uniform with such pride that he could actually pass for a dignified police officer (something you couldn’t readily say about a real policeman).

Many of our readers were delighted by the sight, but also—because we live in the Philippines—several bashers swooped in to castigate the post. According to them, the costume was demeaning to cops. Even after we clarified that nobody was laughing at the police, and that it was merely a harmless costume party, the bashers insisted that the executive needed to be rebuked (some even insisting that he deserved to be penalized).

But did the executive (and by extension the automotive company) really commit an offense toward our police force?

We asked our lawyer, who told us: “May recent debate din dyan ang mga lawyers.”

He meant that he didn’t specifically know a law that banned wearing a police uniform for an innocuous costume party as long as the act does not tarnish the image of the police.

Our legal consultant did mention Revised Penal Code Article 179:

“Illegal use of uniforms or insignia. The penalty of arresto mayor shall be imposed upon any person who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress pertaining to an office not held by such person or to a class of persons of which he is not a member.”

Also, Republic Act 493:

“An act to prohibit the use by or conferring military or naval grades or titles upon persons not in the service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the Philippine Constabulary, to regulate the wearing, use, manufacture and sale of insignias, decorations and medals, badges, patches and identification cards prescribed for the said Armed Forces or Constabulary, and for other purposes.”

It seems to me that the above statements pertain to the use of a uniform to illegally usurp a position for anything criminal or dishonest. That there’s no definitive ordinance on the use of a uniform for a costume party tells me that even lawyers cannot offer a concrete legal opinion on the matter.

Anyway, I learned that PNP officials summoned the automaker and its president last week. They basically notified the car brand that they didn’t appreciate seeing their uniform being used during a Christmas costume party. Because, well, they felt the act was making fun of their noble vocation. And if they could kindly tell us (VISOR) to delete the post.

So, I’m writing this piece to remind everyone not to use a police uniform for a costume party. Apparently, you could get in trouble for doing so. We could debate about this all we want, but it’s the authorities who have the final say.

Before I end this, I just want to respectfully advise the PNP that there’s something far more damaging than a costume, and it’s real cops who are guilty of besmirching the police force’s image. Check these out:

We’ll let you be the judge of these pictures. PHOTOS FROM READER

But what do I know about these things? I continue to respect police officers. Salute.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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