The Manila Police District (MPD) clarified that the members of the police force are not the reason behind the eventual closure of the ‘honesty store’ inside the station.
MPD spokesperson, Supt. Carlo Manuel, explained that members of the police force would not have stolen from the store as “they know there’s a closed circuit television camera and they would not risk their reputation.”
Manuel added that CCTV footage installed in the location of the honesty store shows that dishonest visitors at the station are the possible culprits leading to financial loss and eventual closure of the store, reported Inquirer.
Earlier, MPD announced that they are closing their “honesty store” after financial loss due to dishonest customers.
According to MPD Finest Brotherhood Cooperative general manager Ester Tan, the store has lost Php20,000 during the store’s six-month operation.
During this timeframe, the store suffered from Php500 to Php1,000 monthly loss and an incident involving a thief robbing the store Php15,000 amount of earnings.
MPD honesty store to re-open
Contrary to previous reports, Manuel said that closure of the honesty store is only temporary and that it is set to re-open to serve its purpose within the station despite the reported losses.
“It’s true that the store has lost a hefty [sum] of money but … the losses have been replaced. Besides, the store was not put up as an income-generating project,” Manuel said.
Manuel added that the store was also temporarily closed due to the various events that would happen at the lobby of the police station.
The MPD honesty store is the first honesty store in any police station in the country. It was inspired by the honesty store in Batanes which was a success.
The store offered different goods such as food and beverage, among others.
