PMA Class ’69 backs Mendoza at DOTC

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Classmates at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) of outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Leandro Mendoza have defended his appointment as the next secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Resigned DOTC Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez, whom Mendoza is set to replace, also appealed for broad-based support for the retiring police director general.

"Secretary Mendoza is still in the prime of his active life and the public should not waste away his experiences and qualifications, especially his commitment to democracy as shown during the most trying of times," Alvarez said.

He said Mendoza is attuned to the times and has a good grasp of the people’s sentiments because of his nationwide exposure at the PNP.

"Many former military and police officials have proven themselves capable of performing civilian functions, including management of complex organizations, that it would be for the country’s benefit that their skills continue to be harnessed in other areas of endeavor," he said.

Meanwhile, Mendoza described yesterday as "an old, rehashed issue" the recommendation of the Ombudsman for the Visayas that he and six other police and military officials be administratively charged for playing golf with a certain Wellington Lim in Cebu City sometime in November last year.

"Should I be summoned to any investigation, I am more than willing and ready to face it," he said.

Mendoza said the filing of administrative charges against him could be part of a "sinister plot" to destroy his reputation and derail his appointment to the DOTC.

"I will prove myself worthy of the trust and confidence of the President and the Filipino people," he said.

Former police director Thompson Lantion said the 32-member PMA Class ’69 are strongly behind the appointment of Mendoza as DOTC secretary.

"Our class is probably the most controversial and highly divided," he said. "We even clashed on principles. This time we are united for Larry (Mendoza)."

Lantion said members of Class ’69 headed by Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor will meet on June 22 to come up with an official statement supporting Mendoza.

"Mendoza (is) more than competent ... to handle such a sensitive position ... as the DOTC," he said. "We’ll guarantee you he can do the job."

Lantion said Mendoza has steered the PNP’s reins well, providing "effective leadership and competence" and professionalizing the ranks of the 113,000-strong police force.

"Compared with the DOTC, the PNP is (a) much bigger organization in terms of manpower and resources which (Mendoza) effectively handled during his watch (as PNP chief)," he said.

Other known members of Class ’69 are: Armed Forces vice chief of staff Gregorio Camiling, Central Luzon police director Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya, Philippine Ambassador to Hanoi and former Navy flag-officer-in-command retired Vice Adm. Guillermo Wong, former Army commander retired Lt. Gen. Jaime delos Santos, retired Army Col. Alexander Noble, and retired Navy Capt. Proceso Maligalig.

Cops to get pay hike in July

By next month, the lowest-ranked policemen will receive a monthly gross pay of P12,155 after the Philippine National Police (PNP) approved yesterday the full implementation of its new standardization policy.

Outgoing PNP chief Director General Leandro Mendoza disclosed this yesterday as he authorized the implementation of the new salary structure for the PNP effective July 1, one of his last major acts before transferring to the Department of Transportation and Communications following his appointment as DOTC secretary by President Arroyo.

Under the pay structure, a Police Officer 1 – the lowest rank in the PNP uniformed personnel – will receive 12 percent more in gross pay compared to last year.

Inspectors considered the lowest-ranked among police commissioned officers, will receive a monthly gross pay of P22,133.70 under the new salary scheme.

Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco, the police agency’s director for comptrollership, said support funds for the increase of salaries starting July is already in place and is one of the legacies to be left behind by Mendoza, who along with Mrs. Arroyo and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina are now regarded by the 113,000 strong police force as "champions of police welfare and development."– With Christina Mendez