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) — Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima insisted his conscience is “very, very clean” as he slammed what he called “rabid” attacks from the media.
In a press conference, Purisima described as “tenacious and rabid” allegations on his supposed wealth.
He said the descriptions made in several news reports seemed to inflate the actual physical status of his property in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. He said the property has a market value between P2.337 million and P4 million, contrary to what has been widely reported.
“The total floor area [of the house] is only 204 square meters only. Based on the tax declaration of real properties in Nueva Ecija, it is worth P818,260, with a market value of P2,337,900,” he said.
Depending on the transaction, Purisima believes the property – which totals 4.7 hectares land area – may reach P3 million to P4 million.
“The aerial shot they took does not show what is on the ground. The gazebo they mentioned is a simple nipa hut worth P17,890. The garage is worth P52,630. The guard house and guest house is worth P510,420,” he said.
He added the swimming pool, which was described in a report as Olympic-sized, is only 7.5 meters by 15 meters.
“I’m inviting [the members of the media] to come. Let’s have a picnic by the swimming pool. There is an Arowana [fish] there,” Purisima said.
Purisima admitted he also has a property on the Palayan side of the province, “which I acquired from the farmers there at a low price because they could not finance the land anymore.”
He said he does not know if it was declared in his statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). “I will check,” he added.
‘Bullet-proof land cruiser not mine’
On the imported, bullet-proof V8 Land Cruiser GXR he is using, he said, “it’s just being lent to me because I could not afford one. It’s being provided to me because of my enemies who want to ambush me.”
Asked if there was no conflict of interest with the use of the private vehicle, he insisted: “They have no contracts with the PNP.”
Purisima dodged more questions from the media, saying he has a meeting in Malacañang.
President Benigno Aquino III earlier vouched for Purisima’s integrity.
Earlier in the press conference, Purisima thanked Aquino for his support and trust.
He said his relationship with Aquino is purely professional. “I was appointed PNP chief with the view that I would help him in his straight path mission.”
Purisima said he will continue to focus on his job amid all the accusations.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” he said, when asked who is behind all the supposed smear campaign.
He said there is a truth to the saying “it is lonely up there,” but stressed he has also gained supporters and friends who have expressed their support. (MNS)