MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Leila de Lima has called for a Senate inquiry into the alleged “palit-puri” (sex-for-freedom) scheme in the Philippine National Police, in which cops allegedly demand sex in exchange for a suspect’s freedom.
In filing Senate Resolution 930, De Lima asked the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality to investigate the alleged sexual advances by police officers against women children relatives of detainees.
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“The alarming reports of women and children having suffered in the hands of state actors must be resolved speedily, for demanding sexual favors in exchange for one’s freedom is a gross manifestation of abuse that must not be tolerated by the government,” she said.
De Lima stressed the need for increased attention about the involvement of law enforcers in abuses against women.
“In seeming culture of impunity that breeds and emboldens criminals and misfits, the authorities must remain vigilant in safeguarding the vulnerable, particularly the women and children, from those who trample upon their rights,” she said.
The filing of the resolution came weeks after the arrest of rookie police officer Eduardo Valencia over accusations of raping a 15-year-old girl whose parents were rounded up by cops in a drug sting.
The parents of the victim sought the authorities after they learned that the cop allegedly coerced their daughter for sex in exchange for freedom. A rape case has been filed against Valencia.
PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said it was “unfair” for a rights group to say that the “palit-puri” scheme is rampant among cops. He was reacting on a report quoting Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific, which said that the scheme “worsened” in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
He added that the allegation against Valencia “does not reflect… the general behavior and discipline that we have in PNP.”
The Center for Women’s Resources has documented 33 cases of violence against women committed by policemen since Duterte took office. Fifty-five cops were involved in these cases, which range from catcalling, acts of lasciviousness to rape.
The data bank and research institution for women has only documented one case of dismissal from service due to involvement in abuse against women, while the rest have either been dropped or not pursued.