Lacson endorses Verzosa as next PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Panfilo Lacson endorsed yesterday Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The appointment of the (next) chief PNP is a foregone conclusion, it’s Deputy Director General Verzosa,” Lacson told reporters in an interview after the Senate conducted a public hearing on Senate Bill 2429 which aims to amend the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998.

Lacson said he worked with Verzosa while he was still with the PNP.  “He’s a good officer. He used to be under me when I was with Metrocom,” Lacson said.

Lacson’s bill also aims to amend the provision in the PNP law that prohibits the promotion of police officers who have pending cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Lacson noted that many unscrupulous individuals are abusing the PNP law to prevent promotions of certain police officers.

The PNP Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development said there are 2,321 police officers who have pending cases at the Ombudsman.

In his bill, Lacson noted that some of the cases are baseless and filed only to hinder the chances of promotion.

Lacson said the cases end up being docketed in the agencies of government.

Lacson, who served as PNP chief from 1999 to 2001, wants the amendment of Section 38 of the PNP Law which provides that “no uniformed member of the PNP shall be eligible for promotion during the pendency of his or her administrative and/or criminal case or unless he or she has been cleared by the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB), and the Office of the Ombudsman of any complaints.”        – Evelyn Macairan