Palace: Probe will allow Purisima to give side

MANILA, Philippines - Despite the conclusions of a Senate panel that questioned the integrity of the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Director General Alan Purisima appears secure in his position.

Purisima was not available yesterday for comment. He reportedly accompanied President Aquino in an inspection of security preparations for the commemoration of the dead.

Malacañang said only that it respected the call of the Senate panel for the Office of the Ombudsman to determine Purisima’s liability for graft.

Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said the decision of the panel led by Sen. Grace Poe would give Purisima the opportunity to fully explain his side.

“We acknowledge the Senate’s prerogative to conduct investigations in aid of legislation as part of its oversight functions on government’s use of public funds,” he added.

The PNP also said it respects the recommendation made by the Senate on Purisima.

“We respect the recommendation of Senator Poe and the Chief PNP will answer charges once he is directed to do so by the ombudsman,” PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor said.

Senior Superintent Robert Po, spokesman to the Office of the PNP chief, said the national police supports transparency in the government.

“The PNP wants that all allegations of irregularities committed be investigated,” Po said.

Purisima was out of his office at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame the whole day yesterday.

The PNP chief reportedly was making the rounds and checking security preparations for today’s observance of All Saint’s Day in Metro Manila. – Aurea Calica, Cecille Suerte Felipe