MANILA, Philippines — San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora is eyeing to build a new Eastern Police District (EPD) headquarters by 2021.
According to Zamora, the new eastern police command center he is planning to construct in San Juan already has a budget of P200 million – half coming from his office and half coming from Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
Zamora made the announcement during EPD’s 45th founding anniversary and 118th police service anniversary on Thursday at the EPD Multi-Purpose Hall in Pasig City.
He said the new EPD headquarters can be considered a gift to outgoing EPD director Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan and incoming director Brig. Gen. Johnson Almazan.
“General Bathan, as a parting gift, bibigyan ko kayo ng bagong district headquarters sa San Juan. Bibigyan ko ang susunod na district commander, bibigyan ko ang Eastern Police District, hindi ‘yung hiram na district headquarters,” Zamora noted.
It was only last June when Bathan assumed office as director of EPD, which covers the cities of Marikina, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and San Juan.
San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora talks to the media on the sidelines of the Eastern Police District’s 45th founding anniversary and 118th police service anniversary at the EPD Multi-Purpose Hall in Pasig City. Photo by Krissy Aguilar/INQUIRER.net
“Meron akong nilagay para sa isang bagong Eastern Police District headquarters, P100 million galing kay Congressman Zamora. Nakakuha pati ako ng P100 million kay former police director general at ngayo’y senador Panfilo “Ping” Lacson,” Zamora said.
Should officials of EPD process the approval of his proposal, Zamora said the city of San Juan is ready to start the project immediately.
“Nasa sa kanila [ang desisyon]. They have to go through a process of approvals, but matagal ko na sinabi sa district na meron akong pera, meron akong lugar, nakausap ko na yung anak kong si [San Juan Mayor] Francis [Zamora], handa sila tanggapin ang Eastern Police District sa San Juan,” he said.
“Kami, kung sabihin ni General Bathan, o ang papalit sa kanya si General Almazan, sabihin na handa na sila, it only takes a few days for us,” he added.
Zamora said they have been told by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that it may only take a year and a half to build the planned EPD headquarters.
“Ang sabi samin ng DPWH they can do that in a year and a half’s time. Palagay ko pag nasimulan this year, middle of 2021,” Zamora said. /kga