Miriam: PNP chief directly confessed to bribery

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Friday lambasted Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima for receiving donations for the construction of his official residence at Camp Crame.

Speaking at the annual convention of the Philippine Real Estate Boards Inc., Santiago said Purisima committed bribery when he accepted the help of at least three private donors to shoulder the expenses for the P11.4 million "White House" at the PNP national headquarters.

"He does not deny it. Inaamin niya. Sabi niya 'Pinaayos ko, pinaganda ko 'yung aking tirahan sa loob ng kampo militar. Pagkatapos binigyan ako ng pera ng kung sinu-sinong mga tao para mabawi ko 'yung ginastos doon sa bahay na iyon'," Santiago said in her speech, which was shown on television reports.

"That is a direct confession and admission to the crime of bribery. Ang lakas ng loob niya," she added.

Santiago also criticized Purisima for not temporarily vacating his post amid the allegations against him and a government probe.

"He refuses to go on leave of absence, thus igniting suspicions that he will use all the powers and prerogatives of a PNP chief to silence his critics," Santiago said.

The senator then advised President Benigno Aquino III to just give Purisima another position in the government so that he will leave the PNP.

She said Purisima can be appointed as a member of the National Police Commission or as an assistant secretary of the interior and local government or national defense.

Purisima can also be given a position considered by law as "incompatible" with his present office at the PNP, Santiago said.

"That is the best way under the circumstances to get rid of a suspicious character," the senator added.

Purisima is facing plunder and graft charges before the Ombudsman for allegedly misdeclaring the true value of his house in Nueva Ecija. He is also accused of indirect bribery in connection with the PNP White House.

Last month, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II identified the individuals who contributed funds for the renovation and construction of the controversial PNP property.

Roxas identified Carlos Gonzales of Ulticon Builders, lawyer Alexander Lopez of Pacific Concrete Corp. and Christopher Pastrana of CAPP Industries as the donors and PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima as the recipient of the renovated official residence.

He said the receipt of donations would be appropriate as long as it was not for the personal use of an individual.