Uniformed personnel told: Uphold moral standards

Manila Second District Representative Rolando Valeriano has issued a strong reminder to government employees, particularly those in uniformed services, to uphold high moral standards and respect family values.

This comes after the high-profile case of resigned Senior Fire Officer 2 Reyca Janisa Palpallatoc, whose license as a registered nurse (RN) is under review for alleged immorality.

“We understand that love affairs happen among humans. But when a family is destroyed due to this and the feelings and disposition of the wife and family suffer, they have the right to resort to acceptable means to redress their grievances,” Valeriano said.

The controversy against Palpallatoc has grown severe, as she was recently ordered arrested by a Pasay City court on charges of illegal recruitment within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

This latest development has cast a wider shadow, potentially affecting the careers of her mother, Jane, and her mother’s live-in partner, Cleotilde Delos Santos, who work in the BFP’s accounting and pension departments, respectively.

The familial connection and allegations have raised concerns over possible conflicts of interest and the integrity of their roles in the agency. The immorality complaint against Palpallatoc was filed with the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Nursing by Mrs. Faizah Utuali last December.

Utuali accused Palpallatoc of engaging in an extramarital affair with her husband, a discharged Marine officer, causing emotional and familial distress.

“When we engage in our professions, we too, have the obligation to respect the rights of others, including the right to a peaceful family life. It is the loss of a third party to be involved in extramarital affairs because there are many laws protecting families and the rights of a legal wife,” said Valeriano, who chairs the House Committee on Metro Manila Development.

He also stressed that uniformed personnel, such as those in the BFP, police, and military, must serve as moral exemplars. He stressed that their personal actions reflect on the integrity of the institutions they represent and that such behavior undermines public trust.