DBM releases P300 million for PNP housing

MANILA, Philippines – Amid accusations that the budget for the housing project for policemen has been diverted to the controversial national broadband network (NBN) program, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had released an initial amount of P300 million to the fund.

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. has instructed Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, to organize a project management team composed of a legal officer, an engineering officer, a logistics officer, and a personnel officer that will monitor five housing projects. Verzosa is the chairman of the PNP Housing Board.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said part of the fund will be used for the ongoing project in Bicutan, Taguig City; San Miguel, Bulacan; and Baras, Rizal.

“The project manager of the PNP Housing and Quartering Project will later present an updated report on the progress of these projects as well as the proposed utilization of the funds initially released for the purpose,” Bartolome added.

He said that the initial fund is part of the P1.7 billion requested by the PNP from President Arroyo for three priority projects to address the housing problem of 57 percent or roughly 67,400 policemen who need decent and affordable housing for their families.

Two more housing projects are planned in Camp Panopio in Quezon City and in Camp Castañeda in Silang, Cavite. These projects, however, will require a presidential proclamation that would amend an earlier proclamation to provide for the multiple-use of these government real estate properties.

Senate witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. said the PNP budget for housing that was allocated from a loan from the Chinese government was allegedly diverted to secure funds for the NBN project deal forged by the government with ZTE Corp. of China.