I write in response to an opinion column by Non Alquitran, published last Monday (September 19, 2022) in Pang Masa.
The opinion item identified myself as the subject of a complaint filed before the Ombudsman by Ms. Genevieve Lipura, a Non-Uniformed Personnel assigned in the PNP Internal Affairs Service, of which I am the head of the office as Inspector General.
Much as the opinion item claimed that a complaint has already been filed with the Ombudsman, my initial reaction, as a lawyer, would be to validate first if this information is factual before I issue any further comment on these serious allegations of wrong doing by a high official of the PNP who represents the disciplinary body of the police institution.
Unfortunately, Pang Masa did not bother to get my side before going to print.
I am thus, constrained to present my side of the story even if this is not really the proper forum to make this rebuttal.
In the interest of truth and responsible journalism, I trust that Philippine Star Pang Masa will give equal space and prominence to this rejoinder.
I firmly believe that all allegations of sexual harassment written about me are untrue, and fabricated and could be part of a grand design by the accuser to get back at me for the numerous administrative cases she is facing that are hindering her promotion plans.
On several occasions, I have repeatedly turned down all her requests to discuss her promotion plans by citing my commitment to CSC policies and rules governing hiring and promotion, and my non-interference with the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board.
Upon my instructions, my staff firmly refused to accept gifts from the accuser in faithful adherence to the “No Gift” Policy in government.
On one occasion, through the intercession of closest colleagues for the sake of employee welfare, I acceded to the accuser’s request for an audience to discuss her request for promotion. It was the accuser herself who made reservations to a specialty restaurant, ordered food, and wine, and paid the bill with her credit card. In that meeting, she insisted on her request for promotion and also pleaded for her case of habitual absenteeism.
The accusations, therefore, that I made actions constituting sexual harassment are entirely preposterous and bereft of truth.
I remain undeterred by this demolition job to ensure that the IAS remains a true champion of integrity. I shall squarely face all accusations against my person in the proper forum. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to issue this rejoinder in the interest of truth. —ATTY. ALFEGAR M. TRIAMBULO, Inspector General, PNP Internal Affairs Service