President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima during the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) Conference at the Luzon Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on Tuesday (May 13, 2014). (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday recommended that Philippine National Police Chief Director General Alan Purisima take an administrative leave while investigations against him are ongoing.
Addressing Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas during the budget deliberations at the Senate, Poe said: “We appeal to you as the head of DILG… to make a strong recommendation to the President… I hope that the very least, without saying that anybody’s guilty, administrative leave [for Purisima] would set a good message,” Poe said during the budget deliberations at the Senate.
Poe cited the three senators who were suspended so as not to influence the trial.
The detained senators are Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada, and Juan Ponce Enrile. They are facing plunder and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the multi-billion pork barrel scam allegedly orchestrated by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.
Poe said the PNP as an institution was implicated in the controversies that Purisima is facing.
Purisima is currently in hot water as he faces plunder, bribery, and graft charges in connection with a mansion in Nueva Ecija and the renovation of the PNP chief’s official quarters inside Camp Crame.
Next week, Purisima is expected to attend a Senate hearing led by Senator Poe. He was asked to bring his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and explain his multi-million properties.
“The [PNP] institution itself is worth saving in terms of the morale of police officers,” the senator said.
For his part, Roxas said he will look into Poe’s recommendation, adding that he will bring up the matter with President Benigno Aquino III once he arrives from his five-day US trip.
“Darating ang Pangulo bukas, at unang bagay ito sa aming kumbersasyon… Maselang bagay ito… Darating din sa katotohanan ang prosesong ito,” Roxas said.
“It is unfair for the PNP that the topmost person is not able to defend the institution,” Poe added. (MNS)