Ever wondered what is it that makes a man in uniform appealing? Does he really embody that elusive ideal man that women want to find?

Or is it because of the uniform? If that’s the case, would that same uniform make a woman appealing to men?

That uniform should only be worn by those – men or women - who represent everything that it should stand for. “Everything” is such a strong word.

This week, the region’s police force simultaneously celebrated the 19th Ethics Day.

At Police Regional Office 6, Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, Jr., led the event with Director Evelyn Trompeta, Department of Interior and Local Government 6 as guest of honor and speaker.

What made the day special was the message that it embodied: “Serbisyong Makatotohanan, Isapuso’t Isadiwa Tungo sa Mapayapang Bansa.” 

Director Trompeta reiterated the Philippine National Police’s Ethical Standards on morality, judicious use of authority, integrity, justice, humility, orderliness, and perseverance. 

Just recently, the Atimonan Quezon checkpoint shootout placed the PNP in a bad light again. Thirteen people dead look pretty bad and who could blame the public for feasting on a juicy opportunity to lambast the police?

But people, let us not forget. We’re on the same side. Well, most of us are, anyway.

Maybe they’re guilty, maybe they’re not. This goes for everyone ever involved in a bad case. Heck, nobody’s perfect and Prince Charming is a movie character. We’re all just doing what we think and feel is right.

But how would you qualify one’s action, whether it is right or wrong? Ethical or not? Just or otherwise? Does the end always justify the means, or do the means justify the end?

If we were all strictly judged by ethical standards, we’d all get an “F” one way or another. Probably in our personal life, religious obligations, social connections, work responsibilities or social media profiles. Fortunately for us, we’re not in the limelight.

But, let us also recognize the contributions that men and women in service give every day. These may be small, but these we have witnessed. These are undoubtedly real.

Reflecting on the theme, true service should come from the heart and acted on. That’s when you realize that being a police officer is not a job. It’s a way of life.

And uniform or no uniform … he’s the man or woman.*