Purisima to reply only before ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima will answer allegations of corruption against him only before the Office of the Ombudsman, his spokesman said yesterday.

“The chief PNP will answer the charges in the proper forum – that is the ombudsman – in due time. Based on the pronouncement of the chief PNP, the PNP will continue to perform its function to serve and protect the people and will not be distracted by the emerging issues against him personally,” said PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Wilben Mayor.

Purisima is under fire for allegedly receiving donations for his official residence and obtaining a huge discount for a Toyota Land Cruiser.

The Senate had earlier asked the Office of the Ombudsman to determine if Purisima should be made to face graft and corruption charges.

The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs chaired by Sen. Grace Poe has also cast doubt on the integrity of the PNP chief, who enjoys the support of President Aquino despite his being embroiled in various controversies recently.

The panel said Purisima, as the country’s top policeman, should exude moral uprightness, and of him “is exacted highest qualifications and a sense of honor, a granite commitment to uphold the law and the strictest discretion to pursue order.”

It also stressed “members of law enforcement are demanded a higher sense of good character.”

The panel said the ombudsman should look into the disparity between Purisima’s wealth declared in his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) and his other assets reported in the media.

The committee stressed it cannot “close its eyes as to the possible violation of the PNP chief of the above-listed statues so as to eradicate all doubt in the public’s mind that our police force is being headed by a personality with questionable integrity and transparency…”

Apart from the ombudsman, the PNP Internal Affairs Service should also conduct a parallel investigation into the allegations against Purisima, Poe’s panel said.

‘Let law take its course’

Meanwhile, Malacañang emphasized it would let the legal process take its course with regard to the accusations against the PNP chief.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB it would be up to Purisima to take a leave while facing the charges against him, amid security preparations for the upcoming visit of Pope Francis and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit next year.

“There is an assurance from the chief PNP that he will remain focused on the job despite these issues against him,” Valte said.

She said the Palace respects the Senate panel’s asking the Office of the Ombudsman to expedite the investigation into Purisima.

“At least, this will afford the chief PNP the proper venue and forum to answer the allegations against him,” Valte said.

Purisima was with President Aquino and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II when the Chief Executive inspected passenger terminals for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day rush of people from Metro Manila.

Aquino had made clear early on his support for Purisima and called on his accusers to give him the chance to defend himself in the proper forum. – Aurea Calica