Regulating PNP Uniforms and Accoutrements

Executive Order No. 297 is premised on the role of PNP uniforms, insignias, and accoutrements as symbolic of discipline and an image portraying the Philippine National Police.
The order treats the use or wearing of PNP uniforms and accoutrements as establishing a distinctive recognition exclusive to the PNP and uniformed policemen.
The order identifies that PNP uniforms and insignias are easily procured and can be misused by unscrupulous and lawless individuals for unlawful purposes or designs degrading the PNP.
The order is adopted to ensure that PNP uniforms, insignias, and other accoutrements are manufactured, sold, distributed, or supplied only by authorized channels and used exclusively by uniformed PNP personnel.

Executive Order No. 297 recognizes that Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (Republic Act No. 3815) penalizes improper public use of uniforms or insignia pertaining to an office or class of persons not held by the offender, but does not cover illegal manufacture, sale, and distribution.
Executive Order No. 297 recognizes that Republic Act No. 493 prohibits wearing, use, manufacture, and sale of Armed Forces/Constabulary insignias, decorations and medals, badges, patches, and identification cards, but does not apply to the Philippine National Police.
The order establishes that there is a regulatory gap for PNP uniforms and accoutrements addressed by Executive Order No. 297.

Section 1 prohibits unauthorized manufacture, sale and distribution of PNP uniforms, insignias and other accoutrements.
Section 1 mandates that violations be handled after due notice and hearing.
Section 1 requires immediate closure of the establishment, plant, and/or office where the items are manufactured, stored, sold, and/or distributed.
Section 1 requires cancellation of its business license or permit for violators.
Section 1 requires condemnation, seizure and forfeiture of all paraphernalia used or intended to be used in manufacture, sale, and/or distribution.
Section 1 authorizes reasonable administrative fines for violations.
Section 1 preserves the filing of administrative, civil and/or criminal actions without prejudice to the administrative measures.

Section 2 prohibits use of PNP uniforms, insignias and other accoutrements by any person who is not a member of the uniformed Philippine National Police personnel.
Section 2 requires that violations be handled after due notice and hearing.
Section 2 provides that violations are penalized by public censure.
Section 2 requires publication of the public censure at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.
Section 2 preserves the filing of administrative, civil and/or criminal actions without prejudice to the public censure.

Section 3 directs the Philippine National Police to adopt its own uniforms, insignias and other accoutrements for exclusive use of its uniformed personnel.
Section 3 provides that uniforms and other items are subject to inspection and acceptance procedures of the Philippine National Police.
Section 3 provides that each design and specification must be approved by the PNP Uniform and Equipment Standardization Board (UESB).
Section 3 authorizes manufacture, sale, or distribution only by those accredited by the PNP and the National Historical Institute.

Section 4 empowers the Chief, Philippine National Police to issue rules and regulations for effective implementation of Executive Order No. 297.

Section 5 repeals or modifies any orders, issuances, rules, regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with Executive Order No. 297.