QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 297)
EO 297 regulates the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of PNP uniforms and related items to ensure they are produced and handled only by authorized entities and used exclusively by uniformed PNP personnel, thereby protecting the image and identity of the PNP.
Section 1 prohibits the unauthorized manufacture, sale, and distribution of PNP uniforms, insignias, and other accoutrements.
After due notice and hearing, EO 297 provides for immediate closure of the establishment/plant/office; cancellation of its business license or permit; condemnation, seizure, and forfeiture of paraphernalia used or intended for manufacture/sale/distribution; and imposition of reasonable administrative fines, without prejudice to filing administrative, civil, and/or criminal actions.
It covers unauthorized manufacture, sale, and distribution, and also includes storage for sale/distribution activities described in the section.
EO 297 requires “due notice and hearing” before administrative penalties (Section 1) and before the imposition of penalties under Section 2.
Section 2 prohibits the use of PNP uniforms, insignias, and other accoutrements by any person who is not a member of the uniformed Philippine National Police personnel.
Violations under Section 2 are penalized by public censure, which must be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.
EO 297 expressly states that the administrative penalties are without prejudice to filing administrative, civil, and/or criminal actions.
It explains that Article 179 penalizes the improper public use of uniforms/insignia of an office not held by the person, but it does not expressly include illegal manufacture, sale, and distribution—hence the need for EO 297.
EO 297 states that RA 493 prohibits wearing, using, manufacturing, and selling insignias/decorations/medals/badges/patches/IDs prescribed for the Armed Forces or Constabulary, but it does not apply to the Philippine National Police.
Only those accredited by the PNP and the National Historical Institute are authorized to manufacture, sell, or distribute the approved uniforms and items.
Section 3 requires that each design and specification be approved by the PNP Uniform and Equipment Standardization Board (UESB) and that uniforms/items are subject to inspection and acceptance procedures of the PNP.
It provides that PNP uniforms and related items are adopted for the exclusive use of the PNP’s unformed (uniformed) personnel and are subject to PNP inspection/acceptance procedures.
Under Section 4, the Chief of the PNP shall issue rules and regulations for the effective implementation of EO 297.
Section 5 repeals or modifies all orders/issuances/rules/regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with EO 297.
If the business is not authorized/accredited and the sale/distribution is unauthorized, it may be subject to closure, cancellation of business permits/license, seizure/forfeiture of manufacturing/selling paraphernalia, and administrative fines after due notice and hearing, without prejudice to other actions.
It indicates a prohibition under Section 2 with the penalty of public censure published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation, after due notice and hearing, without prejudice to possible administrative, civil, and/or criminal actions.