PNP general faces raps over P70,599 footwear

MANILA, Philippines — For allegedly refusing to follow lawful directives and wearing expensive footwear, a retired Philippine National Police (PNP) general is facing administrative cases, the National Police Commission announced yesterday.

The Napolcom’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service filed cases of less grave neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against former PNP-Health Service chief Brig. Gen. Jezebel Imelda Medina.

Medina allegedly failed to comply with repeated directives from the Napolcom to submit the psychiatric and psychological report of a patrolman assigned with the Quezon City Police District.

The QCPD officer, a vlogger, posted seditious remarks online when Medina was Health Service director.

The second basis for the filing of the complaint was Medina’s alleged display of a luxury item, particularly a pair of footwear valued at P70,599.75 or nearly equivalent to one month’s basic salary of a brigadier general.

The act, according to Napolcom, raised concern about modest living and ethical conduct required of all public servants, most especially senior PNP officials.

Medina reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 last Dec. 25.

She is a respected member of the PNP, being the first Igorot woman general in the police force.

A dentist by profession, Medina entered the PNP in 1993 and rose from the ranks.

A graduate of the University of Baguio, Medina has received numerous awards, including dental officer of the year and best regional administrative unit chief.

She spearheaded programs, which provided quality health services not only to PNP personnel but also the marginalized service.

Among these is the Kalinga ni Ina, Abot ng Makakaya and One-Time, Big-time Pangkalusugan Program, which improved access to health services of the poor.