APEC cops’ meal allowance: Senator eyes probe

CEBU, Philippines -  Senator Antonio Trillianes is eyeing to push for a Senate inquiry into the alleged anomaly in the food allowance for policemen tasked to secure delegates attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings here.

However, Trillianes, who was in Cebu for a press conference yesterday, said that before he does that, he will first ask the leadership of the PNP and the Department of Interior and Local Government give their side to know what really happened and why.

“We will inquire first, pagka hindi nag-react ‘yung leadership and if we are not satisfied with the answers that they will give us, mag-conduct tayo ng investigation,” Trillianes said.

Trillianes added that he will make them accountable as to where the funds went.

“I heard pati mga sundalo ganon din yata ang nangyari,” the senator added.

Earlier a policeman said that PNP chief Ricardo Marquez told them that they would receive P500 per day but only P150 reached them, and not in cash but as packed meals.

Trillianes also reiterated his plan to run for vice president in the 2016 national and local elections.

“Nitong 2016 ako po ay tatakbo sa pagka-vice president at ‘yan po ay tuloy-tuloy na. I will be running as independent,” Trillianes said.

He said that although he is a member of the Nacionalista Party and is still waiting for the decision of NP, his individual declaration is to run for vice president.

Trillianes added that the majority of the 600 Magdalo leaders nation-wide  chose to support Senator  Grace Poe if she runs for president.

“I believe she will run for president eventually,” he said.

Trillianes was in Cebu yesterday as part of his nationwide rounds and consultations with the Magdalo leaders and businessmen to gauge his level of support here.

“Based on the feedback ng leaders ng grupo while very encouraging ‘yung base of support ng Magdalo, marami pang room for growth and room for improvement,” he said.

He said the public still needs to know what he has done in the Senate.

He further said that the Magdalo leaders will conduct another consultation process once the candidates for the elections file their certificates of candidacy.

Trillianes also said that they will be conducting more hearings over the alleged anomalies of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“Si Binay hindi na tutuloy ‘yan. Pababa nang pababa ‘yung ratings niya,” Trillianes further said. — /BRP (FREEMAN)