Police vlogger resigns amid ongoing admin case

Pat. Francis Steve Fontillas, a police vlogger who faced criminal and administrative cases for his online criticisms against President Marcos over the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has resigned from the Philippine National Police (PNP) effective April 10.

Despite becoming a private citizen, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) confirmed on Monday that Fontillas' administrative case will proceed this week with deliberation and disposition by NAPOLCOM.

Fontillas was given due process and an opportunity to be heard, but resignation does not exempt him from potential dismissal or disqualification from holding government posts if found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

The QCPD stated that Fontillas officially resigned after being AWOL since March 6 and undergoing mental health treatment in 2023.

Fontillas promised to refrain from posting seditious comments and hate speech upon his return to work on March 20, but the potential consequences of his administrative cases remain pending.