Bong: Don't prejudge PNP chief on allegations

MANILA, Philippines - Detained Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. on Thursday called on the public to refrain from prejudging Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima, who is now facing a string of cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.

In an ambush interview after his bail hearing at the Sandiganbayan, Revilla called on the public to scrutinize first the evidence that will be presented against Purisima before making a judgement on the official.

"Huwag na natin siyang husgahan. Huwag nating husgahan agad si chief PNP. Kung  talaga siyang nagkasala, then siguro dapat hindi na magpatumpik-tumpik ang Pangulo, tanggalin na sya," Revilla said.

He, however, said that by now President Aquino should already know if he should replace Purisima as chief of the PNP.

Purisima is facing indirect bribery and graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for his alleged unexplained wealth.

"Siguro naman mawe-weigh na 'yan by this time ni Pangulong Aquino kung talagang karapatdapat pang manatili pa rin dyan si Chief PNP Purisima," Revilla added.

Revilla, along with senators Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile, is facing plunder and graft charges before the anti-graft court in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam.