MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang said it respects the decision of a Senate committee asking the Office of the Ombudsman to pursue charges against Philippine National Police Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima.
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs asked the Ombudsman to file plunder and graft charges against the PNP chief for alleged unexplained wealth and corruption.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Malacanang will respect the decision of the Senate committee and will let “the legal process take its course”
“Meron na po yata ding private individuals na nagsampa ng kaso,” she told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan. “This will afford the Chief PNP the proper venue and forum to answer the allegations against him.”
Asked if she thinks the PNP chief has to take a leave of absence to handle the cases, Valte said its up to Purisima if he will temporarily vacate his post.
Some quarters have raised concerns saying the charges might affect Purisima’s job as PNP chief at a time that the country is preparing to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.
“‘Pagdating naman diyan sa isyu kung magli-leave ang Chief PNP, we leave that to his discretion. However, may assurances naman ang Chief PNP that he will remain focused on the job despite these issues against him,” Valte said.
Purisima is being accused of plunder for his alleged involvement in a multi-million gun license delivery deal. He is also implicated in an alleged hidden wealth issue in Nueva Ecija. (with a report from PND)
