LET US ALL HELP OUR LOCAL POLICE

LET US ALL HELP OUR LOCAL POLICE Let’s be honest: whatever budget the national government allocates to the Philippine National Police (PNP will never be enough. Not for their growing operational needs. Not for the constantly evolving threats they face. And not for the daily grind of keeping peace in our cities and towns. Thankfully, many local government units (LGUs) across the country are stepping up. They’re helping fill in the gaps by providing additional support—patrol vehicles, fuel, building maintenance, even occasional allowances for local police officers. That’s a good thing. That’s cooperation at work. But I believe we can go a step further. Why not bring the private sector into the picture? Local businesses—big and small—stand to gain when their communities are safe. And many of them are already active in civic programs. So why not make it easier (and more rewarding) for them to support their own local police forces? They could treat it as a form of corporate social responsibility (CSR)—provided there are clear rules and, ideally, tax incentives. Which brings me to the heart of the matter: Can private donors get tax credits when they help the PNP? And if yes, how exactly does that work? That’s why I’m respectfully raising the following questions—hoping our policy makers can provide clarity and guidance. Because if the rules were made clearer, more people might be willing to help. And let’s face it, this is the kind of public-private partnership that can yield tangible results on the ground. First: What’s the legal basis for tax credits for PNP donations? Are there specific laws or executive orders that provide for tax credits or rebates for donations made to the PNP? This is the foundation. Without a legal framework, most businesses won’t touch the idea—even if they want to help. Second: What kinds of donations are allowed? Is the law limited to monetary donations, or does it also include equipment like communication radios, CCTVs, body cams, police outpost upgrades, or even drones? What about more sensitive items like firearms or surveillance tools—are those restricted? Third: Can donated services count too? Say a company offers free training, IT support, building maintenance, or legal advice—could that be considered a donation? And if so, how would it be valued for tax purposes? We need concrete, implementable guidelines here. Fourth: Are there thresholds? Are there minimum or maximum amounts set for what’s eligible for tax credit? This is important so that small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) know whether even modest donations will count. After all, it’s not just about the big corporations—local SMEs can play a major role if encouraged. Fifth: What about rent-free real estate? There may be property owners who are willing to lend or lease space to local police units for offices or precincts without charging rent. Can this kind of in-kind donation be credited as well? In highly urbanized areas where land and buildings are expensive, this could be a game-changer. Sixth: Do computers and software qualify? Let’s not forget that modern policing is no longer just about boots on the ground. The digital battlefield is just as important. Donations of cybersecurity systems, database management tools, and hardware can make a huge difference. Will these qualify for tax credit—and under what terms? Seventh: What about vehicles? Police mobility remains a perennial issue. If a donor provides vehicles—cars, motorcycles, or even boats for coastal areas—can those be considered legitimate, tax-incentivized contributions? Are there requirements, such as vehicle age, usage limits, or condition? The goal of all these questions isn’t to complicate things—it’s to create a system that encourages help while protecting public interest. The more businesses are assured that they can help legally, ethically, and with proper recognition, the more likely they are to get involved. Imagine the potential impact: a hardware store donates computers to the precinct. A logistics company offers free vehicle servicing. A real estate developer lends a space for a police substation. Multiply that across the country, and you have a massive informal support network bolstering our police infrastructure—without waiting for slow-moving government funds. I hope President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla give this serious thought. Perhaps the DOF and BIR can review and publish updated guidelines to make this process clearer. And if legislation is needed, I’m sure there are lawmakers ready to take it up—especially those with strong ties to both business and local governance. Our PNP officers put their lives on the line daily. It’s only fair that we, as a society, explore every possible way to support them—not just through taxes, but through partnerships. We all benefit from safer communities. It’s time to make it easier for everyone to do their part. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-29-2025