A Project of the Aclan Group

Introduction: A Commitment to Service and Integrity

In every nation, peace and order form the very backbone of progress. Roads may be built, schools may open, and businesses may thrive, but without safety, no community can truly flourish. In the Philippines, this responsibility falls on the shoulders of our policemen—our law enforcers who serve as guardians of the night, protectors of our neighborhoods, and sentinels against crime.

Yet, in the public discourse, the police force has often been unfairly maligned. Negative stories and isolated scandals dominate the headlines. Detractors paint the entire institution as corrupt or abusive. While misconduct must always be addressed with transparency and justice, the truth remains: the majority of policemen are God-fearing, patriotic men and women who sacrifice daily for the safety of the people.

It is to honor these men and women—the quiet, unsung heroes—that the Aclan Group of Companies (AGC) established the AGC Honest Cop Awards. This initiative represents the private sector’s recognition of the integrity and courage within the police force. It is a tribute to the officers who remain steadfast in their oath, who resist corruption, and who dedicate their lives to serving the Filipino people.

The Origins of the Honest Cop Awards

The AGC Honest Cop Awards began three years ago, born out of a simple but powerful idea: good policemen deserve recognition.

The Chairman of the Aclan Group observed a troubling trend: while misconduct within the police made headlines, stories of honesty and heroism rarely received equal attention. When officers returned lost wallets, refused bribes, or apprehended criminals with no expectation of reward, their actions went unnoticed by the broader public.

Recognizing this imbalance, the Aclan Group sought to create a platform where the positive examples of law enforcement could shine. Thus, the Honest Cop Awards were launched. More than just plaques or ceremonies, the awards represent a public affirmation that integrity matters, and that honest service is never in vain.

Why Accountability and Recognition Matter

Every organization, whether public or private, will inevitably have bad apples. It is unrealistic to believe that misconduct exists only within the police. The same is true across many sectors—politics, business, education, and even religious institutions. The mistake lies in magnifying these failures to the point of discrediting entire organizations.

The AGC believes in balance and fairness. To demonize the entire police force because of a few errant officers is unjust. Most policemen patrol tirelessly, endure long hours in sweltering heat or pouring rain, and risk their lives to protect strangers. These officers represent the silent majority—those who wake each day determined to make their country safer.

Recognition strengthens accountability. When the honest are celebrated, it creates a ripple effect. It reinforces the message that integrity is noticed, valued, and rewarded. For young recruits entering the service, seeing their peers honored for honesty inspires them to walk the same path. For the community, it restores faith in law enforcement.

How the Awards Work

The AGC Honest Cop Awards follow a careful process:

1. Nomination – Citizens, community leaders, or police units nominate officers who have displayed extraordinary honesty or integrity in their line of duty. Examples include returning found money or valuables, refusing bribes, or displaying selfless dedication during critical situations.
2. Verification – The nomination undergoes validation, with supporting testimonies and documentation reviewed to ensure authenticity.
3. Selection – A panel of representatives from the Aclan Group, civil society, and invited members of law enforcement evaluates the candidates. The goal is fairness and credibility.
4. Awarding Ceremony – Selected officers are honored in a formal ceremony, receiving recognition plaques, tokens of appreciation, and, in some cases, financial assistance or support for their families.
5. Publicizing Stories – Beyond the ceremony, AGC highlights these stories in media releases and social channels, amplifying the message of honesty and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

Stories of Heroism and Honesty

Over the past three years, countless stories have been brought to light. Policemen who found and returned thousands of pesos in cash. Officers who rejected bribes from syndicates. Patrolmen who, without hesitation, rushed into danger to protect ordinary citizens.

These stories remind us that honesty is alive and well in the Philippine National Police. They remind us that while criminals and scalawags make noise, quiet integrity works faithfully in the background. The Honest Cop Awards aim to bring these quiet acts to the forefront, showing the country that there are still many reasons to trust and support our police.

The Private Sector’s Responsibility

The AGC Honest Cop Awards also reflect a broader principle: the private sector must do more.

Supporting the police should not fall solely on government budgets or political initiatives. Businesses and private organizations benefit directly from peace and order. Factories, offices, and retail stores thrive only when communities are safe. Thus, it is only fair that the private sector give back—through recognition programs, livelihood initiatives, or community partnerships.

The Aclan Group believes that honoring honest policemen is a moral duty. It is a way of saying: “We see you. We appreciate you. And we stand with you.” In doing so, AGC hopes to inspire other companies and institutions to create similar initiatives.

Changing Narratives, Building Trust

Public trust is fragile. Once broken, it takes years to restore. In the Philippines, the narrative surrounding the police has often been shaped by scandals and negative press. But narratives can change. They can be rewritten by highlighting truth, balance, and positive action.

The Honest Cop Awards contribute to this transformation by showcasing the best of the force. When citizens see officers recognized for integrity, they begin to rebuild trust. When young policemen witness their peers honored for honesty, they are motivated to act with the same standard. When the entire organization feels the support of the community, morale improves, and cynicism fades.

Beyond Awards: A Movement of Integrity

The AGC Honest Cop Awards are not merely annual events; they represent the seed of a larger movement for integrity.

In the long term, the Aclan Group envisions expanding the program into training, seminars, and community projectsthat strengthen the values of honesty, discipline, and accountability within the police force. Scholarships for policemen’s children, wellness programs for officers, and partnerships with NGOs may follow.

The goal is to create a holistic approach where recognition is just the beginning. The ultimate vision is a Philippines where the phrase “Honest Cop” is not a rarity but the norm, where the police force is synonymous with trust, and where integrity is celebrated at every level.

A Call to Action

As the AGC Honest Cop Awards enter their fourth year and beyond, the message remains clear: Mabuhay ang ating kapulisan! Long live our policemen!

To the officers who stand on the wall every night, patrolling the streets and keeping our neighborhoods safe—we salute you. To those who resist corruption despite temptations, we honor you. To those who put service before self, we recognize you.

We call on fellow members of the private sector, civic organizations, and the Filipino people: let us rally behind our police force. Let us acknowledge their sacrifices, highlight their honesty, and strengthen their morale. Together, we can ensure that integrity is not overshadowed by corruption, and that the good vastly outweighs the bad.

The AGC Honest Cop Awards stand as a testament to the belief that honesty deserves recognition. They symbolize the Aclan Group’s unwavering support for the police force and its conviction that the private sector has a vital role in nation-building.

The police are not perfect—no organization is. But behind the uniform are men and women who wake each day determined to serve. They are fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters who stand as guardians of our communities.

By honoring them, the Aclan Group sends a powerful message: we see you, we value you, and we believe in you.

The journey of building a better, safer Philippines does not rest on government alone. It requires the collaboration of business, community, and law enforcement. The AGC Honest Cop Awards are one step forward in this mission—a step that celebrates honesty, uplifts morale, and strengthens the bridge between the police and the people they serve.

Mabuhay ang ating kapulisan. Mabuhay ang katapatan. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.