Palace stands by PNP chief amid quit calls

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang stood by Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima despite the apparent dissatisfaction of lawmakers over his explanation on the acceptance of donations and big discount for a luxury car.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said he had not spoken with President Aquino about the issue but noted Purisima answered all questions “with candor” and truthfulness.

“The manner by which General Purisima answered those questions and the follow-up questions by Senators Grace Poe and (Sergio) Osmeña (III), one could see candor there. Whether you would agree or not with that assessment… we have to hand it to General Purisima that he answered all those questions truthfully,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda gave Purisima credit for showing up at the Senate hearing and responding to all questions as well as the fact that the properties that were initially reported to be missing in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) were proven to be included there.

But asked whether he could categorically say that the President still trusts the PNP chief, Lacierda said “that goes to the question of whether I have spoken to the President. We have not spoken yet as of this time.”

When asked whether Purisima should take a leave of absence after the Senate investigation and the ongoing lifestyle check among police officials, Lacierda said it would still be up to the PNP chief.

“That has always been asked, whether a person should take a leave. Again, our answer to that is taking a leave is a personal matter unless one is constrained by some legal order,” he said.

Lacierda evaded questions on whether it was right for Purisima to accept the P11-million donation for the “White House,” the official residence of the PNP chief at Camp Crame, and the discount for the Toyota Land Cruiser he purchased.

“Let me ask because… I’m also new in government, so I would have to refer also to policies in civil service or some other government agency that would have… a mandate to determine those matters that you asked,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said he would have to check “all these laws on ethics” and the Civil Service Commission would have the mandate to lay down the rules and principles.

“You’re asking me after the fact but I think the issue has already been responded to by General Purisima truthfully… It depends on how one assesses his testimony and we’ll leave it to those who listened to the Senate investigation.”

Lacierda said Poe and Osmeña have already issued their evaluation on the testimony of Purisima.

He added he also could not comment on the issue over Purisima’s property in Nueva Ecija.

‘Continuing improvement’

Lacierda said Purisima had initiated reforms in the PNP and “there’s a continuing improvement on the system of reporting all these incidents of crimes, and also, I think, the discipline that he brings into the PNP.

“When he assumed office, he already mentioned that all those scalawags would beware and you can… You can rest assured that if there are any complaints against any police personnel, we can rely on General Purisima’s commitment to rid the PNP of  scalawags,” he said.

Lacierda also expressed belief Purisima still has the moral ascendancy to lead the PNP and address all the issues involving the police force.

According to Lacierda, the performance of the police force will not depend on Purisima alone.

“The performance of the police force is not measured on how one assesses General Purisima. The police force will act and will maintain its mandate of serving the public good,” he said.

Lacierda went to great length extolling the PNP under Purisima.

“There has been a great observation on the police force. But let me also state that there are many – and I think no one will doubt this – committed men and women in the police force who do their job commendably,” he said. 

Lacierda said Purisima is ready to respond to all allegations against him and his capacity as PNP chief.

“If there are issues on his leadership, cases have been filed before the Ombudsman, and he will respond to all these allegations and let’s wait for the decision of the Ombudsman,” Lacierda said.

Purisima argued the contractors who built his “White House” had no project with the PNP. He also said he was able to purchase two of his luxury vehicles, thanks to huge discounts offered by a dealer in Pampanga. Only the Land Cruiser was mentioned during the Senate hearing on Tuesday. – With Christina Mendez, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Jose Rodel Clapano