Gatchalian: DILG should consider Senate report for admin raps vs Albayalde

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agency National Police Commission (Napolcom) should consider the recommendations of the Senate committee on the “ninja cops” investigation to file administrative charges against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde.

This was what Senator Sherwin Gatchalian told reporters on Wednesday in an interview.

“They should consider the recommendations of the Senate, the issue was exhausted, I think it [had] more than nine hearings from the beginning,” Gatchalian said.

In the committee report, it recommended the filing of drug charges against Albayalde in relation to the controversial 2013 Pampanga drug raid

Gatchalian was one of the 19 senators who signed the panel report.

READ: 19 senators sign Senate panel report on ‘ninja cops’ probe

However, Napolcom Vice Chairman Rogelio Casurao said the testimony of retired Brig. Gen. Rudy Lacadin against Albayalde, as well as other pieces of evidence, were the basis of the Napolcom to prove that is no substantial proof to file administrative charges against Albayalde.

READ: Napolcom: Ex-general said Albayalde’s phone call ‘did not mean anything’

“Our senators asked the toughest questions, and in my analysis, dapat itong [13] mga pulis ay nasibak at naparusahan [the 13 police should’ve been fired and charged],” Gatchalian said.

For Gatchalian, he thinks that Albayalde should face graft charges, adding that he will not “close the doors” on the filing of charges in relation for the violating anti-drug law as well.

Asked if Albayalde should face both administrative and criminal charges, Gatchalian answered: “Definitely admin for now, the criminal [case] will be proven during the course of the court hearing.” /jpv