Escudero presses PNP chief on ‘LP generals’

PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez. SCREENGRAB FROM PNP PIO VIDEO.

Vice Presidential bet Francis “Chiz” Escudero hit Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez for so far refusing to relieve four police generals who were reported to have attended a political meeting with supporters of Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Mar Roxas.

In a press conference, Escudero said Marquez could be accused of having a “double-standard,” citing that he was quick on the draw in relieving a police chief in a municipality in Abra for the same infraction—perceived political partisanship which is prohibited among government officials, including the police.

“He (Marquez) explained that the Abra police chief was relieved because there was a complaint. I have filed a complaint against the generals and I am waiting for the same action,” said Escudero.

Escudero wrote a letter of complaint to Marquez against PNP director for Intelligence Generoso Cerbo Jr., Chief Superintendent Renier Idio from  Cagayan Valley, Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz from Western Visayas, and Ronald Santos from Southern Tagalog who were spotted in a Quezon City hotel meeting with LP supporters.

The four generals denied they attended a political gathering, explaining it was a personal get-together with a retired military officer who happened to be in the Roxas camp.

“I have a high respect for General Marquez and I hope he won’t fail me.

It’s important that we keep the polls credible and fair,” said Escudero.

In his letter to Marquez, Escudero said: “Unscrupulous police officers bent on exercising partisan political activity for personal gain and self-aggrandizement have no place in the [PNP]. Their actions undermine the series of internal reforms you have done.”