PROTOCOL AND USAGE

SECTION I GENERAL COURTESY AND SIMPLE AMENITY

Education and training are normal standards for commission in the police
service. A commission carries the obligation to observe the customs and traditions is
the police service. Among these traditions is the acceptance of an officer as a
gentleman. The officer must live up to this expectation. A gentleman conducts himself
with dignity and grace. It should appear that an officer is tailor-made to become a
gentleman. However, this does not follow automatically. There are certain efforts to be
done, largely in the field of social relations. An officer shows breeding, and is therefore
considered a gentleman by his conduct in all dealings. He knows that:
1. Being late for any engagement is the height of bad manners.
2. A police Officer is expected to behave and conduct himself with dignity and
restraint. Under the present taste, smoking is a form of discourtesy.
3. It is bad taste to address a woman by her first name or nickname unless she
has indicated otherwise.
4. A Police Officer always ask himself to be permitted to smoke in the presence
of a woman especially in a room or in an automobile.
5. If a Police Officer invites a friend to his club, he should be out of sight only
when necessary.
6. A Police Officer stands when introduced to a woman, a clergyman, an official
or an old man.
7. It is not polite to compliment a person in a company because the others might
feel slighted.

INTRODUCTIONS
Introduction is the act of formally making persons known to each other or the art
of presenting one person to another. It follows either of the two types; self introduction
(or introducing one self), and the introduction by a third person.

When to Introduce

1. A guest who have just arrived is not introduced to another who is just leaving.

2. An animated conversation should not be interrupted to introduce another person.

Whom to Introduce

1. The younger person is always introduced to the older.

2. A Police Officer is always introduced to a lady regardless of his rank.
3. A woman is never presented to any Police Officer regardless of his rank or to any man,
except to the President, a royal personage or a church dignitary
What to Say when Introduced

Under all possible circumstances, persons introduced to each other should say, “How do you
do?”

1. A member of the reigning family is addressed, "Your Royal Highness."

2. A foreign ambassador is addressed, "Your Excellency.”

3. A judge, doctor, or bishop is addressed, "Judge ", "Doctor," or

“Bishop” respectively.

4. A senator is addressed, "Senator" even if he is no longer in office.

5. An ex-president is introduced as "Mr. President" not as "Ex- President.”

6. Repetitions such as Director Cruz, Supt Reyes; Supt Reyes, Director Cruz” should be
avoided.

Handshakes in Introduction

1. Gentlemen always shake hands with each other when introduced.

2. It is very rude not to look into the countenance of the person whose hand one takes. A smile
rendered during the handshake is a very polite act.

3. The general rule is; a woman has the privilege of offering to shake hands with a gentleman.
However, she should not embarrass a man who has offered his hand.

GREETINGS

A greeting is nothing more than a brief expression of thought or salutation at a meeting.

How to Express Greetings

1. A "how are you?" greeting is correctly answered by "All right, thank you."

2. "Good morning" and "good evening" are acknowledged by the same greetings.

3. Other greetings may be acknowledged by a bow:

a. Formal Bow - This is done by joining the heels together with a graceful bend over from the
waist to the neck.

b. Ordinary Bow - An ordinary bow is similarly executed as the formal bow but more with ease.
c. Lady's Bow - This is done by slightly inclining the head and with a smile as if to say "/ am
glad to see you. "

4. In a public place, when a man greets' a woman, he gestures by half rising and bowing
gracefully.

5. Greetings are also acknowledged by lifting or tipping the hat

SECTION II CUSTOM OF THE SERVICE

Customs of the service are the long established practices or usages in the Philippine National
Police that have, by reason of constant and repeated observance, acquire the character of
unwritten norms of conduct.

Most of the customs and traditions in the PNP are embodied in regulations while others are
simply adopted to supplement the pleasantries of police life.

Despite the possible changes in customs to suits the needs of modern living, these established
precedents remains as the minimum accepted practices in the police service.

THE OFFICERS’ CODE

Official Statements

A Police Officer’s official statement, whether written or unwritten, is accepted without

reservation. Making false official statements knowingly is not only
Contrary police ethics but is also punishable under existing penal laws.

Responsibilities

It is a Police Officers' duty to prepare himself professionally for higher responsibilities, The rank
of a Police Officer carries with it commensurate responsibilities
When an officer accepts his commissionship, it is also his duty to prepare himself for higher
responsibilities.

Tact and Foresight

A Police Officer must not only be discreet in the exercise of his duties but must be prepared to
perform his task skillfully under all circumstances.

Personal appearances

A Police Commissioned Officer must at all times appear neat and clean. Nothing destroys the
respect and confidence of subordinates than the shadiness of their superiors.

Police Commissioned Officer - PNCO Relationship

He must be able to exercise good leadership. The common familiar saying, "familiarity breeds
contempt" is particularly true in a Police Officer – PNCO relationship.

Familiarity as referred to here may not be the same as in other countries. In some police forces,
non-commissioned officers address their superiors by their first names or nicknames, but the
manner of conversation is not one that breeds familiarity or facile relations. In the Philippines,
custom does not allow such.

Welfare of the Police Personnel

The welfare of the Police Personnel should be the paramount concern of a Police Officer.

THE PRIVILEGES OF AN OFFICER

1. Police personnel are required to extend unfailing obedience and loyalty to senior
commissioned and Police non-commissioned officers. Obedience should be shown with respect
and courtesy.

2. A senior Police Commissioned Officer is normally addressed by the use of the word, "Sir" by
PNCO's and NUP's.

For example: "Sir, a messenger wants to see you, " "Sir, do you wish to attend the
conference tomorrow?" "Yes, sir “

In Continental Europe, the address by rank is the accepted practice. In France, Switzerland,
Belgium, and Spain, for example, a senior officer is addressed “ Mi Colonel," "Mi Coronel, "
"Mon Capitane," "Mi Captain, " and "Yes. my Colonel. " In the Philippines, custom does not
allow such.

“ Monsieur” the equivalent of "Sir" is never used. In the Israel Defense Force, junior officers
and enlisted men can address their superiors by their nicknames but always in a respectful
manner.

3. A senior Police Officer is accorded the place of honor. In walking or riding, junior sit, walks,
or rides at the left or behind the senior officer.

4. Courtesy demands that an officer use polite words in a well modulated tone to convey an
order. The use of phrases, "I wish" or "desire" partakes of the full force of a direct order.

5. A Police Officer enjoys the reputation of being a good creditor. He is expected to settle all
account promptly.

CALLS NEW YEAR'S DAY

One of the beautiful traditions of the PNP is the New Year's call rendered by Officers on their
Commanding Officer. The Commanding Officer usually prescribes the time of this call.
WELCOME FOR NEWLY ARRIVED OFFICER

A new arrival, after making the prescribed call on the Commanding Officer, should be presented
to the members of the Police Post at its social gathering.

GROUP ACTIVITIES

An Officer actively participates in an athletic, social, civic, and cultural activity of his unit.

SICKNESS AND DEATH

1. Police Officers of a command visit another who is confined in the hospital or sick at his
quarters.

2. When a Police Officer's wife is sick, flowers are normally sent to her in the name of the
officers and ladies of the unit to which her husband belongs.

3. A Police Officer belonging to the same unit as the deceased, is assigned as liaison officer
between the command and the bereaved family. A similar courtesy may be extended if a member
of an officer's family dies. Flowers or wreaths are also sent in the name of the officers and ladies
of the unit.

MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOMS POLICE OFFICER'S DEPORTMENT

1. The Police Officer's uniform should reflect the dignity of his organization. Under no
circumstances must his uniform be dishonored. A policeman in uniform should behave with the
dignity expected of him.

2. Leaning or sitting on desks is taboo. It is always proper to stand erect

and sit only when invited to do so

COURTESY TO THE NATIONAL FLAG AND

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

THE NATIONAL FLAG

a. The National Flag shall be displayed in all public office buildings, official residences,. and
public squares, and shall be hoisted at sunrise and lowered at sundown. It should be on the mast
at the beak of day, should remain flying throughout the day, but shall not stay flying after the sun
has actually set, except when specifically prescribed. The flag-staff must be straight, tapering
slightly and gently at the end.

b. The flag should never be used to return the salute of any individual or organization. It should
never be dipped by way of compliment or salute to or for any person.
c. The only flag that float above the National Flag is a church pennant symbolize “ God ab0ve
the country”

d. The Flag, if flown from a flagpole should have its blue field on top in time of peace and the
red field on top in time of war.

e. In hoisting the Flag, it should be hoisted clear to the top end of the flagpole which if planted
on the ground, should be at a prominent place and higher than the roof of the principal building
in the compound, or of such height as would give the flag a commanding position within the
compound . If the pole is attached to a building , it should be on top of its roof, and if placed at a
window, it must project at an angle pointing upward.

f. When the National Flag is used together with the flag of the PNP or civil organization or with
that of another nation, it must always be above or on the right of the other flag. When the
National Flag is displayed in a parade with those of foreign nations it shall always be in front of
the center of the line of the other flags.

g. When the Flag is passing in a parade or in review, the people, if walking, should halt stand at
attention, uncover and salute.

h. The Flag shall be displayed on Independence Day (June twelfth), on National Heroes Day
(November thirtieth), on Rizal Day (December thirtieth) of each year on such other historic or
special occasions as the President may designated not only in squares, and institution of learning,
but, whenever practicable, also in all private buildings and homes from sunrise to sunset.

i. On national holidays of his country and other historic or special occasions any alien whose
country is at peace with the Philippines may display the flag of his nation on any building or
property owned or rented by him without simultaneously displaying the f1ag of the Philippines.
However, if the alien is located in a building or other building or other property owned or rented
by the Philippine Government, the flag of the Philippines shall always be displayed

when that of his country is displayed. When so displayed, the f1ag of the alien's country should
at least be the same as the Flag of the Philippines which shall be placed on the right of the former
(left of the observer facing the flags.)

j. When hoisting or lowering the Flag, no part thereof should touch the ground, while the
National Anthem is being played, the people salute. Moving vehicles should stop, but passengers
should remain inside and keep silent until the National Anthem is finished.

k. The flag may be hoisted at half-mast in sign of mourning. To display the flag .at half-mast, it
must first be hoisted to full mast, allowing it to fly there for a moment before bringing it to half-
mast. From this position it may be hoisted but not lowered. To lower the Flag at sunset or at any
other time when ordered, it must again be hoisted to full-mast before bringing it down.
l. The Flag shall never be festooned, and shall always hang with nothing to cover its surface. It
shall always occupy the highest place of honor and shall not be placed under any picture, or
below a person.

m. The Flag shall never be used as a staff or whip, covering for tables nor for curtain of
doorways. However, the Flag may be used by the PNP to cover the casket of their honored dead,
including deceased civilians who rendered services in the police service or civil office of great
responsibility. The white triangle of the sun and stars will cover the head end of the casket, the
blue stripe to the right, the red to the left end of the deceased, with both colors should not be
lowered to the grave nor allowed to touch the ground. Wreaths of f1owers should not be placed
0:1 top of a flag-shrouded casket. A small cross of flowers may be placed over the Flag as. a
symbol for "God above country"

n. No imprint shall be made on the Flag nor shall it be marred by advertisement, or in any
manner desecrated. It shall not used as a pennant in the hood or any part of a motor vehicle
except in celebration of the Independence Day, 12th of June, or on such other patriotic occasions
as the President may designate.

o. It is inappropriate to use the Flag in a dancing pavilion or in any place where hilarity is
prevailing. its use inside or outside a cockpit, club or other places where gambling or other vices
are held is prohibited.

p. When the flag is used for unveiling ceremonies, it should not be allowed to touch to the
ground but should be carried aloft to wave out, forming a distinctive feature of the ceremony.
The Flag shall never be used as a covering for the statue.

q. A National Flag worn out through fair wear and tear, should not be thrown on a garbage heap
or used as rag. It should be reverently burned to avoid misuse or desecration.

THE NATIONAL. ANTHEM

a. The National Anthem should not be played except on public acts of official or semi-official in
formal civil ceremonies, People in the immediate vicinity, if outdoor, should face the band,
uncover, stand at attention, and salute.

b. Whenever band is present during the lowering of the Flag, the National Anthem should played
by the band, The Flag should be lowered slowly in such a manner that termination of the
lowering coincides with the last note of the flag, stand at attention and salute, If the National
Anthem played indoors, everyone should stand at attention and face the band.

c. National Anthem should not be played or sung for mere recreation, amusement or
entertainment purposes in social gathering purely private in nature or at political or partisan
meeting or places of hilarious or vicious amusement. It should however , be sung in schools so
that the children may know it by heart.

MANNER OF SALUTING
a. Members of the PNP and those belonging to military and semi- military organization in
uniform should adopt the military police salute provided in their regulations.

b. Civilian, if outdoors, should stand at attention place their right hands over their hearts and if
wearing hats, should uncover and hold the hats over their hearts. Complete silence should be
observed and no person should be allowed to walk around while the ceremony is going on.

Uniforms, insignia, arms, equipment

Awards, decorations, citations of badges

SOCIALS

Socials take a very wide variety of forms, ranging from afternoon tea or cocktails to a formal
dinner or reception. The main differences is the atmosphere of the occasion. The host can suit the
type to the kind of guests he intends to invite or to the occasion he wishes to celebrate or
commemorate. The normal social affairs are discussed below.

Cocktails

1. Object or Purpose

Cocktails are tendered to introduce an official like a Military/Police Attache, a passing official
like a PNP Officer, a friend, or any person. Sometimes cocktails are for a get-together or in
reciprocation of previous cocktail ,invitation.

2. Time Given
Cocktails are normally given from 1800 to 2000 Hours. However,

the time varies in different countries. 3. Requirements

a. Invitations

Normal informal invitations are issued with or without RSVP's or pour memoirs. The practice in
the United states and Europe is to carry the RSVP's in the invitations while in other countries like
Thailand and Taiwan, cocktail invitations normally do not carry the RSVP's.

b. Drinks

1) In the United States and other countries, Scotch and bourbon whisky with water or soda are
served, Mixed drinks like martinis, tom collins, gimlet, manhattan, gin and rum cocktails are also
served.

2) In European countries, Aperitifs or champagne are served. Mixed or concocted drinks arc not
usually served.
3) Fruit juices must also be available for persons who cannot

take alcohol

c. Canapes

Canapes appetizers are usually served during cocktail parties. They may be nuts, potato chips,
pickles, small frankfurters, caviar or shrimps. In the Philippines, they may be "dilis", chuns of
"tapa", barbecued pork or meat, fried lumpia “,or clams.They can be elaborate as turkey or roost
beef sandwiches. In American cocktails the guests usually make their own sandwiches out of
ingredients already available on the table. In Europe, sweet, pastries, petit fours and ice cream
are served.

4. Attire

Gentleman usually wear business suits or barong tagalog. For women, cocktail-dress or any less
formal attire may be worn although nothing will preclude them from wearing “ternos.” The
uniform is not usually worn unless the occasion demands it, In is so indicated in the invitation.

5. Duties of the Host and hostess

a. The host and the hostess mayor may not form a reception line.

They should be ready to meet their guests as they come in at all time.

b. They should see to it that no guest is left alone to himself.

c. They must insure everybody has a drink and that the canapes are served around. If a table for
canapes is provided, they must insure that all guests have access to it.

6. Duties of the Guest

a. The guest must greet the hosts, and the honoree if there is

one, upon arrival.

b. He must circulate and greet as many quests as is practicable, In a small- sized party, he must
meet or greet everybody.

c. He should keep or have a ready subject of conversation.

d. Upon departure, the guest must not forget to thank and bid to the hosts, and the honoree if
there is one.

Formal Dinner

1. Object or Purpose
A formal dinner has the same purpose as a cocktail party except that it is done in a more serious
or formal atmosphere.

2. Time Given

In most European countries and in the United States, a formal dinner is tendered between 2000
and 2030 Hours. In Asian countries, it is customarily given between 1900 and 2000 Hours.

3. Requirements
a. Invitations

Invitations are issued with RSVP's. b. What to Serve

A well-balanced menu with a desse11 to match is served. Appropriate . wines are normally
served.

4. Attire

The attire is usually stated in the invitation. If the nature is not mentioned, the accepted formal
wear in the locality is worn. In foreign countries, it is always safe to find. In foreign countries, it
is always safe to find out the most acceptable attire for occasions of this nature. In the locality, at
least a coat and tie with white shirt, or barong tagalog is worn. The barong tagalog when worn as
a formal attire should be pena or jusi in natural colors, and goes with black tuxedo pants,
suspenders, linen undershirts with half sleeves, black dresses studs, and black cuff links,

5. Duties the hosts

a .The hosts greet the guests as they come. It is good to say

something pleasant to each guest.

b. If a guest is now known, the hosts should present him or her to other guest so that she may not
be left alone.

c. The hosts must inform the guests of the seating arrangement.

d. The host s must show each of the guests equal and impartial attention.

e. The hosts must keep the conversation going.

f. The hosts should accompany the guests to the door upon departure.

6. Duties of the Guest

a. The guest must come on time.

b. The guest must greet the hosts and person being honored, if any. In greeting, lady companion
precedes the gentlemen.
c. The guests and their dinner companions must know the seating arrangements.

d The guest s should not forget to thank and bid good-bye to the hosts, and to the honoree, if
there is any.

e. The honoree, if there is one, sends t10wers before, during or after the occasion. It is good form
for the other guests to express their thanks.

Informal Dinner

1. Object or Purpose
An informal dinner has the same object or purpose as a formal but

is held in a more relaxed atmosphere. 2. Time given

In Europe (France), an informal dinner is tendered between 2000 and 2030 Hours. In the United
States and the Asian countries it is customarily given between 1900 and 2000 Hours.

3. Requirements a. Invitations

Invitations for an informal dinner may be made by telephone, telegraph, note, informal fold-over
car, or through a visiting card. Telephone invitations should always be confirmed.

b. What to Serve

A well-balanced menu with a dessert to match is served. Appropriate wines are normally served.

4. Attire
Business suits or their equivalents are used, unless prescribed in

the invitation.

5. Duties of the Hosts

A reception line is usually formed during a reception. It is the duty of the hosts to

be at the receiving line on time. 6. Duties of the Guests.

It is the duty of the guest to pass the reception line.

Wines

The Philippines no\ being a wine country, the appreciation for the French real vintage wines is
not keen. The need for wine here is not as strong as those in cold countries, However, in spite of
the fact that in the Philippines, the etiquette on its proper service is a must for the well cultivated
person. There are a few simple rules easy to remember to prevent embarrassment.
In America, the scotch or bourbon with soda water is a popular drink. In formal gathering. the
martini, manhattan, or old fashioned are often ordered. Except in very formal gatherings.
Americans are fond of serving wines during the meals the ways European do. In France, the
service of the wine is just a part of the correct service of the meal on all occasions.

Prior to Meals

Aperitifs are served. Europeans usually serve vemouths, dubbonet, port or similar wines.
Americans usually serve scotch or bourbon with soda or water, martini, old fashioned and similar
mixtures. Europeans are not fond of concocting mixtures.

During Meals

1. White wines (chilled or cooled) are served with fish or similar seafood's, or during seafood
cocktails.

2. Red wines (room temperature) are served with meals, fowls, or similar dishes. A special kind
of purple wine is served with the cheese at the end of the meal with cheese wine.

3. Champagne is usually served with dessert. (Demisic).It can, however, be served throughout
the meal usually dry (brut) in place of both wine or red wine.

After Meals

Liqueurs are served after meals usually with coffee. It is never served at any other time. In
general, one is not obliged to serve all the above. A fine good simple wine, usually red, can
suffice. As it has previously been stated, the elaboration of the service depends on the country
where an officer may find himself

End-