Philippine police push for 20% female recruitment quota by 2026
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is pushing for a higher recruitment quota for women to boost their representation in the force. During National Women's Month in March 2026, PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. highlighted the growing role of female personnel and called for a permanent 20 percent quota—double the current rate of 10 percent.
As of February 2026, women account for 22.08 percent of the PNP's total workforce, with 52,223 personnel out of 236,493. This includes 43,847 uniformed officers, 8,098 non-uniformed staff, and 278 cadets. Nartatez noted that the rise in female officers reflects a cultural shift within the organisation, where capability is judged on merit rather than gender.
The PNP chief emphasised that female officers bring essential skills to policing, particularly in handling sensitive cases. Their approach often focuses on empathy and mediation, improving community trust. Several bills have already been filed in Congress to raise the recruitment quota for women in the PNP. Nartatez also stressed the need for a steady pipeline of women into leadership roles. A fixed 20 percent quota, he argued, would ensure long-term progress in gender representation and strengthen the force's overall effectiveness.
The proposed quota increase aims to solidify women's presence in the PNP and prepare more for leadership positions. If approved, the change would double the current recruitment target and build on the existing 22.08 percent share of female personnel. The move aligns with broader efforts to modernise the police force and improve its responsiveness to diverse community needs.
