EDITORIAL - Deterrent

The highest-ranking official implicated in the case, together with three of his co-accused, died before judgment could be rendered, but nine other retired officials of the Philippine National Police received prison terms ranging from six to 10 years yesterday for non-existent or ghost PNP purchases amounting to P38.2 million. They were also ordered to indemnify the government of the same amount.

The corruption scandal, involving ghost purchases of police combat clothing and equipment in 1992, marked a sordid start for the PNP, which replaced the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police in January 1991. Among those indicted was the first chief of the PNP himself, Cesar Nazareno. But the wheels of justice in this country move at such a glacial pace that he died before judgment could be rendered in his case. And it would take the Sandiganbayan another five years after his death – and 19 years after the offense was committed – to hand down its verdict.

The nine officials could still appeal their case, but for now, perhaps their conviction could serve as a deterrent for more corruption in the PNP. With no one being sent to prison, it seems no lesson is learned. Twenty years after its creation, the PNP is embroiled in several major corruption scandals involving the purchase of three second-hand helicopters at brand-new prices totaling P104.9 million, the procurement of P131 million worth of patrol and rubber boats as well as P5 million worth of coastal craft, and anomalous repair fees amounting to P409 million for 30 armored personnel carriers.

That kind of impunity arises from the belief that one can get away with crooked deals in the PNP. Yesterday, after nearly two decades, the Sandiganbayan finally handed down a guilty verdict for Everlino Nartatez, retired director of the PNP Logistics Command; former Logcom procurement center chief Obedio Espena; former service store system administrator Alejandro Espiritu Jr., and former PNP materials director Alejandro Camello.

Also found guilty were former PNP purchasing officer Leo Marsan, former inspector for comptrollership Ramon Lihaylihay, and former acceptance committee members Jose de Vera, Adolfo Pamplona Sr. and Lloyd Cawan. Former PNP comptroller Belinda Abedendario, supply accountable officer Tomas Flores and another accused, Ernesto Pillado Sr., died before the trial ended last year. Nazareno died in 2006.

The Commission on Audit found that the P38.2 million, taken from the PNP’s Personal Service Fund, was used for ghost purchases. Perhaps seeing former officials landing behind bars would spur a long overdue, thorough housecleaning in the PNP.