Question & AnswerQ&A (PNP)
The main purpose is to implement stricter measures on the regulation and control on the use, manufacture, sale, and distribution of PNP-owned industrial designs of uniforms, items of uniforms, and accoutrements to prevent unauthorized use and ensure only bonafide PNP members have access.
Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, governs the intellectual property rights related to the PNP uniforms.
To safeguard PNP's ownership over these designs, giving the PNP a legal basis to combat illegal manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and sellers of PNP uniforms and related items and to prevent the use of substandard and unauthorized uniforms.
Violators are to be brought to justice through administrative, civil, and/or criminal complaints, and their business permits may be recommended for cancellation with immediate closure of their business establishments.
The Regional Directors of PRO 1-13, CAR, ARMM, NCRPO, and CIDG are tasked to represent the PNP in filing complaints and enforcing measures against violators within their jurisdictions.
The DRD assists the CIDG and other units in operations against unauthorized manufacturing, selling, and distribution by providing technical personnel to properly identify any infringement of PNP uniforms and accoutrements.
The Bantay Bihis program is a PNP initiative aimed at regulating the wearing and distribution of police uniforms to prevent misuse, fraud, and unauthorized production or sale.
As of the date of this LOI, fifty-two (52) PNP uniforms and accoutrements have been registered.
Ownership allows the PNP to exercise exclusive rights over their use and gives legal authority to act against unauthorized reproduction, helping enhance public trust and security by preventing criminals from impersonating police.
Lateral coordination among tasked offices and units is highly encouraged to ensure strict implementation of the LOI.
This LOI adopts provisions of previously issued LOIs related to the Bantay Bihis program insofar as they are not inconsistent with the current LOI.
The LOI became effective upon approval on January 15, 2010.