Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to “step in” on the alleged involvement of police officers in politics in Cebu City.
“Cebu City is a case of the PNP dipping their fingers into partisan local politics,” Lacson wrote on Twitter, a week before the midterm elections on May 13.
“The incumbent mayor has his hands full in dealing with his rival candidates and the city’s own police force. Comelec should step in before things get out of hand,” he added.
Cebu City is a case of the PNP dipping their fingers into partisan local politics. The incumbent mayor has his hands full in dealing with his rival candidates and the city’s own police force. Comelec should step in before things get out of hand.
— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) May 5, 2019
The senator made the remark following reports that police were being used for “political purposes” in Cebu City.
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier said that he would report to President Rodrigo Duterte the possible involvement of police in the strafing of a barangay chief’s home last April 4.
READ: Osmeña: President Duterte will hear about the police being used for politics
“I have always respected President Duterte. He is tough with crime. Never in the 30 years I’ve known him did he use the police for politics,” Osmeña told reporters in an interview.
“But this is what is happening here in Cebu. It is very clear that the police are being used for politics,” he added.
The mayor also said that he had received reports that some habal-habal drivers caught for traffic violations were told to get campaign stickers of his opponent in exchange for not being cited for infractions.
In response, Police General Oscar Albayalde said he would investigate the claims of Osmeña.
READ: PNP chief to Osmeña’s claims of cops being ‘used by politicians’: Give us proof
INQUIRER.net tried to get the Comelec’s comment on Lacson’s call but the elections body has yet to issue a reply. /cbb