Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson INQUIRER PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA
Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday frowned on President Duterte’s “gift” to some retiring military and police officers of having them accompany him on his Israel visit next week, suggesting that a pat on the back would be more appropriate and meaningful.
“Every official presidential trip abroad must have a purpose better than just being a gift to anyone in government,” the former chief of the Philippine National Police said in a statement.
“The reason is plain as it is simple—government officials are always expected to serve their best,” Lacson said.
He said the President would be better off rewarding these officers for their merits in an official capacity.
Pat on the back
“Rewards for the more deserving come in the form of promotions, awards, even a pat on the back,” Lacson said. He said the President might have meant that the inclusion of the police and military in his travel abroad was a sign of “goodwill” rather than a gift.
On Monday, Mr. Duterte said “some of the retiring military and police officers” would join him in the state visit from Sept. 2 to 5.
“That is my gift to them for serving the country well,” the President said.
Malacañang saw nothing wrong in Mr. Duterte’s decision to bring along retiring police and military officials in his visit to Israel.
Security matters
Reacting to Lacson’s disapproval of the President’s gesture, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday said this was just part of the reason they will be joining the trip.
“Obviously, for security personnel, a trip to Israel would entail collaborating and mingling with security forces of Israel in order for our men in uniform to benefit from the experience of Israel, particularly in their drive against extremism and terrorism,” Roque told reporters.
He said there was nothing wrong in bringing the officials along even as he noted that “strengthening security cooperation is one of the matters that will be discussed in the Middle East.”
Roque said the government would shoulder the expenses of the officials, since they were still active in government.
Multitasking
Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday said this was part of Mr. Duterte’s “multitasking.”
Joining the President on the trip would allow these officials to connect with their Israeli counterparts, expand their horizons and see what is available in other countries regarding military technology and hardware, he said.
Cayetano said many of the country’s retiring officials were still strong at 56, their mandatory age for retirement.
“First of all, in a state visit, all your actions are watched,” Cayetano said.