Palace denies Purisima’s hand in appointment of Marquez

DOWNPLAYING rumors that resigned Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima was behind the endorsement of Police Director Ricardo Marquez for the top PNP post, Malacañang on Tuesday said the latter was appointed because of his skills and qualifications.

Asked about Purisima’s alleged involvement in Marquez’ appointment, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said President Benigno Aquino III based his decision on whom he thought was the most deserving and competent to lead the 160,000-strong police force.

“Ang batayan ng Pangulo ay kung sino ang pinakamahusay at kung sino ang may pinakamataas na kuwalipikasyon para sa posisyon. Kaya’t iyan ang batayan sa paghirang kay Director Ricardo Marquez bilang incoming PNP chief,” Coloma said in a press briefing.

Marquez, former head of the PNP directorate for operations who led the Special Task Force “Papal Visit 2015,” will formally assume office as PNP chief in a change of command ceremony on Thursday.

Marquez himself denied Purisima’s rumored endorsement, saying that he was “very busy” heading the National Joint Task Force for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, which the Philippines is hosting this year.

READ: Marquez named as new PNP chief

“Ang pagpili ng Pangulo ay batay sa kuwalipikasyon at kung sino ang pinakamahusay na puwedeng gumanap sa tungkulin ng PNP chief,” Coloma stressed.

Marquez is set to replace officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, who assumed office in December following the dismissal of Purisima over a questionable P100-million deal with a gun courier service firm in 2011.