Duterte OKs construction of P1.8-billion PNP hospital

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has approved in principle the construction of a state-of-the-art medical center in Quezon City worth P1.8 billion for the use of officers and personnel of the Philippine National Police.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Duterte granted their request for the construction of a hospital at Camp Panopio in Barangay Kaunlaran.

“It was approved in principle by the President,” Albayalde told reporters in a recent interview.

Camp Panopio, which is near Araneta Center, is the home of the Cubao police station 7.

Albayalde said there is no specific target for the construction of the hospital, adding it will depend on the availability of funds.

Asked if it will be included in the PNP’s budget next year, Albayalde replied, “I don’t think so because we requested it directly from the President.”

Albayalde on Tuesday led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a P500-million, four-story medical center at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

The hospital will cater not only to patients but also police applicants in need of neuro-psychiatric, dental and other medical requirements. It will also have a unit for breast cancer patients.

The construction of the hospital will start in July and expected to be completed by 2021. It is funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.