Aquino vows new equipment for police

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III promised on Monday that equipment that would be bought under his administration would be brand new and not overused by the so-called rulers.

“Bibili tayo ng kagamitan para sa kapulisan, kapag sinabing bago, hindi yung pinagsawaan ng mga naghahari-harian [We we will buy new equipment for police, and not those that have been overused by so-called rulers ],” Aquino said in his speech at the PNP’s 110th founding anniversary.

“Kapag sinabi nating bibili tayo ng bago, hindi ito pinagsawaan ng kung sinumang herodes[We say we will buy them new and not those overused by just anyone],” Aquino said.

The PNP has been hounded with allegations over the controversial purchase of second-hand helicopters that were sold with as brand new.

Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was tagged as the owner of the choppers, but he denied the accusations.

Aquino also thanked Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, PNP chief General Raul Bacalzo, and whole police force for supporting his government’s strong anti-corruption advocacy.

Aquino congratulated the PNP as well for its successful campaign against hijacking and illegal drug trafficking, benchmarking their current record against last year’s statistics.

He likewise pointed out that 4,000 of the 21,800 houses earmarked for police and military personnel have been distributed to beneficiaries.

With the help of the Department of Budget and Management, the purchase of new equipment and training for the police force has been funded as part of the PNP’s capability enhancing program, Aquino said.

Originally posted at 12:46 pm | Monday, August 08, 2011