No more admin case vs. Albayalde after his resignation, says Panelo

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde will not be facing administrative cases after he relinquishes his post, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Tuesday.

“Sa administrative, wala na kasi wala na siya sa PNP [If it’s administrative, there’s none since he is out of the PNP],” Panelo said in a press briefing when asked if Albayalde is absolved of an investigation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) since he already relinquished his post as PNP chief.

Albayalde stepped down as PNP chief Monday ahead of his retirement amid allegations of protecting police offiers who supposedly sold illegal drugs seized from a 2013 drug raid in Pampanga.

READ: BREAKING: Albayalde steps down as PNP chief

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he would wait for the investigation and recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) after the Senate finishes its probe on the controversial “ninja cops” before deciding on Albayalde’s fate.

READ: Duterte on Albayalde’s fate: Let Senate finish the investigation first

Panelo said the ex-PNP chief, however, may face criminal charges if there is “probable cause” determined by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Kung merong probable cause [If there’s a probable cause]. That will be determined by the prosecutor…DOJ, syempre. Kasi diba ang either magrecommend ang Senado for prosecution o yung DILG. Bahala na DOJ,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, Senate blue ribbon committee chair Sen. Richard Gordon earlier said it would be a “national disappointment” if the Duterte administration would not file administrative and criminal charges against Albayalde.  /muf

READ: ‘Disappointment’ if no cases filed vs ‘ninja cops’ – Gordon