DILG warns cops vs accepting gifts

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde yesterday admitted he also received gifts from people but these were only food during public events.

“Pagkain of course. I will not be a hypocrite, hindi ako ipokritong tao. Kumain din ako ng lechon,” he told reporters at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Albayalde made the revelation days after President Duterte said that police officers could accept gifts if they are given out of gratitude or generosity so such could not be considered bribery.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday warned police officers that accepting gifts is a violation to their oath of service and the laws. 

This developed as Albayalde’s predecessor, former PNP chief and now Sen. Ronald dela Rosa had also admitted receiving gifts not only lechon but expensive Lacoste shirts from his friends when he was still the country’s top cop.

Albayalde said lechon or roasted pig and other food are commonly donated by individuals during events such as anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas parties.

“During anniversaries we all accept food. Mga pagkain, mapa lechon,” Albayalde said, noting that a roasted pig is more expensive than a branded shirt.

Asked what was the most expensive gift he has received as a police officer, Albayalde said he no longer recalls as his wife buys items for him.

“I could hardly buy expensive things for myself. It’s always my wife na bibili kasi sya ang magpipilit sa akin,” he said.

The anti-graft law or Republic Act 3019 states that government workers should not accept gifts in exchange for favors. Presents of small or insignificant value, on the other hand, are exempted.

Albayalde said the problem is that the law does not specifically state the exact amount or price of a gift which could be considered small or insignificant.

It will depend on the person’s integrity and sound judgement whether they will accept gifts from benefactors.

“Kung binigay nya ay meron syang hinihingi, that’s a form of corruption,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde believes that President Duterte is not fomenting corruption within the bureaucracy given his stand on illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.

“I’m sure the President will not entice or encourage corruption,” he said.

While gifts of small or insignificant value given as tokens of gratitude are exempted under Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the services of government workers are already fully paid by the people through their taxes. 

Año said it is for this reason that accepting gifts in exchange for favors or form of bribe is not allowed. 

As a matter of policy, Año said employees under the DILG, incuding officers and personnel of the PNP, are held criminally and administratively liable if they receive or solicit gifts of monetary value from people they serve or transact with in connection to their duties. 

“It has been my practice in my own office that I do not accept gifts from local government officials or other functionaries and any such gift sent to my office is immediately returned to sender,” he said in a statement. 

The President has been criticized for saying it is alright for police officers to accept gifts given out of generosity or gratitude. 

However, Año said Duterte was referring to small or insignificant gifts given as tokens of gratitude. 

“It is in this context that the President’s statement must be appreciated,” he said. 
Año vowed that they would be relentless in ridding the police force of misfits.