5 Thesis Topics on the PNP Weight Policy That Will Challenge Law, Ethics and Mental Health

Explore these 5 compelling research ideas based on the Philippine National Police’s weight policy. Perfect for criminology, psychology, law, and public administration students.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Realyn Manalo

6/27/20252 min read

Source: GMA News Online

Let me convince you to make this a thesis.

Imagine training for years, risking your life in the line of duty, only to be told your job is on the line because of your weight. That’s exactly what’s happening in the Philippine National Police today. General Nicolas Torre III made it clear. If a police officer is more than five kilograms above or below the standard weight for their height, age, and sex, they’re out. One year to shape up or get removed from service. No excuses. Even health conditions may only get you desk work or a disability discharge.

What’s really wrong here? There is no public evidence that body weight alone makes someone unfit to serve. There is no research proving that weight guarantees performance or discipline. There is no data showing this policy will improve public trust. But there is a huge gap in understanding the mental, emotional, and ethical impact of weight-based policies in law enforcement. This is not just about fitness. It’s about fairness. It’s about dignity. It’s about what kind of force we want protecting us.

Who Can Use These Topics

This research is ideal for students and professionals pursuing the following courses or strands:

College Programs:

Criminology
Psychology
Public Administration
Political Science
Sociology
Nursing
Human Resource Management

Senior High School Strands:

HUMSS
ABM
STEM

5 Thesis Topic Ideas

1.Impact of Body Weight Regulations on Police Officer Morale

and Job Satisfaction

Explore how enforced weight limits influence motivation and work performance within law enforcement.

Target Respondents

Active duty police officers
Police administrators
HR personnel in the PNP

2.Public Perception of Physical Fitness Standards

Among Law Enforcers

Examine how the public views the relationship between a police officer’s weight and their credibility or trustworthiness.

Target Respondents

Community residents
Local government officials
Students

3.Correlation Between Physical Appearance and

Promotion Rates in Law Enforcement

Investigate whether officers with standard body weight receive more promotions compared to their overweight peers.

Target Respondents

Police officers from different ranks
PNP HR officers

4.The Psychological Effects of Weight-Based Employment Threats on Police Personnel

Analyze the emotional and mental toll of weight monitoring and threats of termination in uniformed service.

Target Respondents

Police officers under fitness evaluation
Mental health professionals working with the PNP

5.Legal and Ethical Implications of the PNP’s Weight Policy

on Employment Rights

Assess whether the policy aligns with labor laws and ethical standards for government employment.

Target Respondents

Legal experts
Policy makers
Law enforcement leadership