Pasay cop, boss in hot water over ‘sideline’

The Philippine National Police has relieved a Pasay City policeman of his post for allegedly serving as an “escort” for truck drivers when off-duty, and his superior officer for allowing this “illegal” sideline.

PO3 Rommel Macaspac and Chief Insp. Genaro Peruda were transferred to the Southern Police District (SPD) Personnel Holding and Accounting Section pending the investigation.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesperson, said both officers used to be part of the Pasay City traffic enforcement unit.

“The SPD issued a relief order to the two. They are now with the SPD while the investigation is being conducted,” Mayor said in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Friday.

Macaspac was accused of acting as an escort for truck drivers when he was not on duty and interceding in their behalf when they were cited for traffic violations.

As to the other officer, Mayor cited media interviews indicating Peruda was tolerating Macaspac’s actions since these were being done outside his shift.

The PNP spokesperson said Macaspac, now disarmed and his badge seized, was being investigated for claiming he was working for a private company to fix problems encountered by its truck drivers.

“If he has previous cases (of illegal activity), we encourage the aggrieved party to come to us. The PNP chief does not tolerate policemen violating the law,” Mayor added.

Macaspac’s job as an escort for truckers may be considered illegal since it runs in conflict with his duties as a law enforcer, he stressed.

“You should be within the bounds of the law. Some policemen drive a cab or run a sari-sari store as a sideline. It does not degrade you as a police officer to support your income as long as it is legal. It’s not in conflict with your job and you are not using government time,” Mayor said.