Suhol: a phenomenological inquiry on the personal gratuities of police personnel of Tagum City

Abstract

This study aims to understand and obtain the perception, ideas, and opinions regarding the personal gratuities of the law enforcement personnel of Tagum City. Gratuity is a phenomenon that seeks to be clarified according to the sides of the law enforcers in which this study became the bridge for allowing them to cried their opinions and perspective. We conducted qualitative study research and interviewed fourteen participants, seven participants in In-depth Interviews, and seven participants in Focus Group Discussion. We believed that all participants are fit for the criteria of this study and selected appropriately. Triangulation of data was made and observed through gathered data and assured the reliability and the confidentiality of the data gathered. The results generated seven essential themes which were an expression of appreciation, positive reward, violation of ethical standards of PNP, vested interest, accepting gratuities motivates them to work hard, misconstrued by the public, and it can cause indebtedness and it may result in indebtedness. In addition, another three themes produced, are ruin their image, undermining public trust, and destroy their credibility. Furthermore, there are another five essential themes that resulted, these are giving gratuity is not necessary, receiving gratuity for a worthy cause is acceptable, accepting gratuity is immoral, perform duties in line with their oath, and reject gratuity at all times. These results help us to gain knowledge about the study matter and to understand the perspectives of the law enforcement personnel considering that according to them accepting gratuity is indeed unethical behavior.