‘Cop’s corruption starts at recruitment’

From recruitment to retirement, corruption has become a virtual way of life for members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This was the admission made by top police officials who took part in a recent anti-corruption conference in Tagaytay City.

The ubiquity of corruption in the force is also the focus of the PNP Anti-Corruption Plan submitted by outgoing chief Director General Edgar Aglipay to President Arroyo as part of the reforms he hopes his successor will carry out.

The action plan traces the course of corruption from the recruitment of police officers up to the processing of their retirement benefits.

During recruitment, some applicants resort to "undue political pressure" or palakasan to get into the PNP. The action plan also noted reports of extortion and bribery during recruitment.

Two counter-measures suggested by conference participants were the creation of an independent recruitment board and the strict observance of screening procedures.

Red tape plagues the retirement of police officers, particularly in the processing of claims. Delays in the payment of retirement benefits have forced many retired officers to deal with "fixers" who can expedite their claims.

But starting this year, the PNP hopes to release retirement claims on time by keeping its personnel files up-to-date, Aglipay told conference participants.

Another source of corruption is the giving out of "awards and decorations" to "undeserving" police officers.

Aglipay pushed for transparency in the review of nominees and validation from the Directorate of Intelligence to prevent "doctored" accomplishments from becoming the basis for an award.

The participants also proposed the observance of a merit system to ensure that political connections do not figure in the promotion of officers.

A more serious issue involves the "fixing" of the cases of officers facing administrative sanctions. As a solution, Aglipay proposed a 90-day limit on the resolution of cases.

Even the PNP Health Service is not spared from corruption. The action plan noted the cases of "ghost" patients who fake confinement and discharge reports in order to receive hospital and medical benefits.

The conference participants raised the alarm over corruption in the intelligence units of the PNP, particularly the "selling" of classified information and the "fabrication" of information for use in extortion.

The police officials said the number of cases "returned for further investigation" by prosecutors were indicators of the rackets committed by some investigators.

Irregularities in the serving of warrants, the diversion of intelligence funds, and failures in the procurement process, such as "ghost" deliveries and rigged bidding, were also named as possible sources of corruption.

Aglipay earlier proposed the activation of an independent audit office and the completion of a management information system to address questions over the handling of the PNP’s finances.

In a recent speech, Aglipay identified corruption as the "biggest drawback" in the PNP’s quest to improve its image. He urged all police officers to commit themselves to the goal of ridding the organization of corruption.

"No matter how well we are organized and how well we are supported, our efficiency will continue to suffer if our policemen are not committed," he said.