Palace backs Purisima, but…
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Malacañang on Thursday praised Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima but stressed that his accomplishments would not save him if it turns out the allegations he had amassed ill-gotten wealth were proven true.
In a briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma rattled off Purisima’s achievements since taking over the PNP in December 2012.
Coloma cited Purisima’s efforts against high-profile criminals and crime syndicates and the reforms he implemented in the PNP firearms and explosives division.
“These are important reforms,” Coloma said.
Still, his accomplishments did not mean Purisima would not be held liable for corruption in case the evidence pointed that way.
“We have always said that General Purisima is accountable under the law like any other police or government official,” Coloma said.
Lifestyle check
Purisima is facing plunder and other criminal charges in the Office of the Ombudsman. He is also being subjected to a lifestyle check following revelations he owned a 4.5-hectare property in Nueva Ecija.
Purisima has not denied owning the property, but insisted that the house on it was “ordinary.”
He is also under fire for accepting an P11-million “donation” to construct his official residence, dubbed the White House, in Camp Crame.
He also admitted receiving a huge discount on a Toyota Prado SUV worth P4 million which he was able to buy for only P1.5 million.
