Purisima to answer charges 'in proper venue'

MANILA, Philippines - Embattled Philippine National chief Director General Alan Purisima will answer the charges of corruption against him only before the Office of the Ombudsman once official complaints are filed, the spokesman of the PNP said Saturday.

“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 Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor.

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

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

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

Apart from good moral character and sound mind, the panel said Purisima should exude moral uprightness.

“The members of law enforcement are demanded a higher sense of good character,” it added.

The Senate panel reiterated that the PNP chief “is exacted highest qualifications and a sense of honor, a granite commitment to uphold the law and the strictest discretion to pursue order.”

The panel also asked the ombudsman to look into the disparity between Purisima’s assets listed in his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) and reports of his other assets.

It added the panel 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.”