Eleazar urges voters: Check, assess track record of candidates

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate and former national police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has urged voters in the May 9 elections to check and assess the track records of the candidates aspiring for a government position.

The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief made the call during a campaign rally in Antipolo, Rizal where he joined presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and vice presidential bet Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

Eleazar told the crowd that those who hold positions in the national and local government should not abuse their power and authority.

He said as public servants, they should provide the needs of the public, especially the poor.

“Maybe you know me as a former official of the PNP who was always confronting erring and abusive policemen, right? Anyone in government service, whether elected or appointed, should not be abusive. In fact, they should provide care to our countrymen, especially the less privileged,” Eleazar said in Filipino.

He said that while many of the candidates may have already made the same promise in the their campaign, the public must still check what they have actually done for the society.

“Please closely examine the track record of candidates to find out if they can really be trusted in leading the nation,” he added.

Eleazar, known to be a strict disciplinarian, initiated aggressive reforms in the PNP to fight corruption and the padrino system. One of his reforms is the adoption of a QR Code system to address the culture of corruption and palakasan in the PNP recruitment system.

He also initiated reforms to regain the trust and confidence of the public in the PNP through his Intensified Cleanliness Policy.

He retired in November last year with the PNP gaining the biggest jump in trust and approval ratings.