Rama, local PNP execs Ok with lifestyle check

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama supports a lifestyle check on police officials tagged in the illegal drugs trade but said he would prefer that the probe also covers other agencies of government.

“Why focus only on the police?  Why (not do the) lifestyle check with all Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)? Lifestyle check with whatever agency,” Rama said yesterday.

“If you really want a lifestyle check, why don’t we have a massive lifestyle check and no stone be left (unturned) regardless of agency. Because no matter what it will become, too shameful and sometimes too shaking,” the mayor said.

A few days ago, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II announced that a task force will be formed to conduct a lifestyle check on police officials involved in illegal activities such as drugs.

“We will be having a Technical Working Group to craft policies in doing the lifestyle check. I have consulted BIR Commissioner Kim Henares on the matter,” Roxas said.

He said the task force will scrutinize the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) filed by the police officials with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Rama said there is no problem with the move but reminded that the primary task of people in government is to serve the public, not a lifestyle check.

“But you know, at the end of the day, we might be doing all lifestyle check and we’re not producing anymore effectively and forget the delivery of basic services (to the public),” Rama said.

Nevertheless, he said it would be better to do the checking in a random and surprise manner.

“I might as well encourage them – do spot or random and then you will be able to get ug duha kabuok aning ahensyaha,” he said

The Police Regional Office-7 has also welcomed the move of DILG.

PRO-7 Director, Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas, said the lifestyle check would give police officers suspected of being engaged in illegal activities to explain their source of income and clear their name if they are indeed innocent.

Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa, deputy regional director for operations, himself said he is willing to submit to a lifestyle check.

City Intelligence Branch chief, Superintendent Romeo Santander, of Cebu City Police Office said policemen are not prohibited from acquiring properties but the lifestyle check would be a good way to rid the PNP of personnel with ill-gotten wealth.

“One of the missions or objectives sa PNP is to have transparency….at least, ma-justify kung asa gikan,” Santander said.

He said it would be better if the lifestyle check would also include the rank and file, not just high-ranking officials.

The move of DILG is being supported by Malacañang and the BIR with Commissioner Kim Henares daring policemen to undergo the process voluntarily. — Mechelle L. Florita and Bryner L. Diaz/JMO (FREEMAN)