Erap plays Santa to 4,000 Manila cops

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada yesterday played Santa Claus to members of the Manila Police District (MPD) by giving them their long-withheld allowances.

At least 4,000 members of the MPD got an early Christmas treat from Estrada when he turned over a check for P28,427,500 for their allowances.

“Erring cops with pending criminal or administrative cases will not receive allowances,” he said.

The mayor earlier said he would give an additional P2,500 monthly allowance for members of Manila’s Finest.

He said he will release the Christmas bonuses of policemen and non-uniformed personnel of the MPD next month.

On top of the allowances, Estrada also distributed 10 new motorcycles for the MPD. Non-uniformed personnel were given orange cards that would make them eligible for free hospitalization.

He earlier donated 10 mobile patrols and more than 50 Segway scooters for police visibility patrols.

He said the vehicles were bought using the special activities funds of the city government.

Estrada warned members of the MPD not to engage in crimes and other illegal activities.

“I will not tolerate abusive police officers. I request all of you to serve and protect the public,” he said.

For its part, the MPD presented to the mayor its accomplishments in the anti-crime drive, including the list of recovered vehicles and captured fugitives.

MPD chief calls Erap ‘Asiong Aksaya’

The event held at the MPD headquarters turned into an exchange of jokes after its chief introduced Estrada as Asiong Aksaya.

The audience broke into laughter after MPD acting chief Senior Superintendent Rolando Nana immediately corrected himself and called the mayor Asiong Salonga, the character in one of his movies.

Estrada did not read his prepared speech during the event.

“You introduced me as ex-actor, ex-mayor, ex-senator, ex-vice president, and ex-president. But you forgot to introduce me as ex-convict,” he said in his speech, to laughter.

Estrada was detained while on trial for plunder in 2007 after he was ousted as president in 2001. – Aie Balagtas See, Jose Rodel Clapano