Make-up banned for policewomen

Manila: If women plan to make a fashion statement or at least look beautiful, then a career in the Philippine police service is not for them.

A recent police directive considers wearing make up, dangling earrings and long, coloured nails as offences, which are punishable.

There are about 3,000 women in the 120,000-strong Philippine police service. There are plans to add 400 more women this year. Most are assigned to desk duties to handle domestic issues.

According to a recent memorandum sent to all Philippine National Police district directors: "Earrings must be plain and even light makeup is not allowed." The directive was a reiteration of an order issued earlier by Police Director-General Oscar Calderon. This time, the memorandum included guidelines "which must be strictly followed".

A weekly report on violations must be submitted to the police headquarters through its human resources department.

"Any violation of the guidelines shall constitute an administrative offence punishable according to the existing policies," the directive said.

The ban guidelines include coloured hair and coloured nails. Policewomen must wear conventional pumps. Women with long hair must use a hairnet.