Give Purisima chance to defend himself, says Palace

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – “Everybody enjoys the presumption of innocence,” Malacanang said Wednesday following President Benigno Aquino III’s defense of Philippine National Police (PNP) director general Alan Purisima.

“Let’s give General Purisima also a chance to defend himself,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during Palace briefing.

He said media should also wait for Aquino to return to the Philippines to get his full reaction on the allegations of bribery and ill-gotten wealth against Purisima, who is said to be the president’s close friend.

“I saw (read) somewhere that he (Aquino) is holding judgment right now. His priority right now is to attend the international commitments,” Lacierda said.

The Palace official also explained that Aquino and Purisima’s closeness should not be an issue.

“I think we have shown in this administration that friendship is not a hindrance when there is a call for impartial investigation,” he said.

He added that it is up to Purisima if he will take an administrative leave.

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