‘Missing’ papal visit funds: PNP to cooperate in Senate probe
THE Philippine National Police said on Thursday it would cooperate with the Senate in probing the alleged missing funds for the food allowance of police officers detailed on the ground during the Papal visit in January.
This was after Senate Blue Ribbon committee chairman Teofisto Guingona asked PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina to give an update on the investigation.
Espina earlier ordered a probe on the alleged discrepancy in the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG)’s release of allowance to its personnel.
“The PNP will fully cooperate with the probe and will comply with the orders of the Senate once there’s a directive to appear before them,” Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, said in a press briefing.
This stemmed from a complaint of a Police Security and Protection Group officer who claimed that he and his colleagues did not receive in full the P2,400 allowance the government promised to the 25,000 PNP personnel deployed during Pope Francis’ visit from January 15 to 19.
The police officer said they only received two tranches, P200 and P700, of the budget, on the first two days of the Pontiff in the country.
At the height of the controversy, the PNP also ordered the relief of PSPG budget officer Superintendent Evangeline Martos.
Police Director Ricardo Marquez, PNP directorate for operations head, led the task force for the papal visit.
Guingona’s request came amid speculations that the choice for the top PNP post has been narrowed down to Marquez and Deputy Director General Danilo Constantino. Marquez is said to be the strongest contender.
Asked if Marquez had direct control of the funds, Mayor said: “If we would go on the structure, being the task force commander, he’s the head. But as to the particulars, the task force is also divided into units with different commanders.”
“In this situation, unit commanders are in charge of the funds. The concerned officers will explain the details in the Senate,” he explained.
