“I’m still PRO-8 head, but on official leave”

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines – Chief Superintendent Asher Dolina, director of the Police Regional Office-8, yesterday said the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police has not relieved him yet from his post as regional director, and that he is presently on official leave until November 9.

In an interview with The FREEMAN over the phone, Dolina clarified that he is still the head of PRO-8, but took his official leave of office for him to have more time in working for legal remedies, such as the filing of a motion for reconsideration of the dismissal order by the Sandiganbayan against him and 18 other police officials.

Dolina was dismayed over the unfairness of some media reports saying that he is no longer the PRO-8 director.

"For the information of the public, I'm still the regional director of the PRO-8. I am still waiting for the action of the PNP national headquarters regarding the Sandiganbayan order dismissing me from the service,” he said.

The Sandiganbayan last week had order the dismissal from the service Dolina and 18 other police officials in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of 16 rubber boats, worth P4.9 million, for the PNP Maritime Group in 2009. He was the chair of the bids and awards committee at the time.

Dolina said the Sandiganbayan should carefully study the case against them and give them their right to refute the graft charges.

Months before the visit of Pope Francis to Leyte on January 17, Dolina, a native of this town, was appointed head of the PRO-8. He assailed the “biased and unfounded” decision of the anti-graft court.

Dolina vehemently denied the accusations of anomalous transaction, declaring that the procurement process had undergone the legal processes.

The Sandiganbayan maintained, however, that the boats were defective but still “accepted these as conforming to (user’s) specifications.” It also noted that the supplier, Four Petals, was not a “technically, legally and financially capable supplier.”

Dolina added he was hoping the court will listen to their (police officials) side and grant them the chance to prove that the bidding was conducted legally and above board. (FREEMAN)