Roxas vows to end corruption in PNP

MANILA -- A week after formally assuming his post, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II made his first official visit to the Philippine National Police (PNP) with a promise to restore integrity and trust in the institution’s tainted image.

In his speech during the PNP's flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame on Monday, Roxas said he will dismantle the "image of abuses and corruption" of the police force and erase the people's doubts and worries on the organization.

"There will be no bata-bata system during my watch. If you perform and deliver, you will have my support. That is the basis of my leadership," he added.

Roxas said the PNP will implement a system wherein the upright employees will be rewarded while those who violate their mandate will be punished. He urged the members of the organization to immediately correct any police misconduct.

Roxas even dared the members of the PNP to report to him personally any shady action that they see in the institution.

He vowed to investigate and resolve cases against erring policemen and file cases against them if evidence warrants.

Roxas vowed to change the image of the PNP amid the corruption issues that recently hauled the police force. Last month, reports of an overpriced rifle deal surfaced and raised questions on the procurement process of the organization.

Also last month, several Metro Manila policemen were dismissed from service due to allegations of extortion.

Exactly a week ago, losing bidders in the P1.2-billion pistol deal filed graft charges against top officials of the PNP, including its chief, Director General Nicanor Bartolome. The organization has since denied the allegations that the accused officials abused their authority during the bidding process.

Roxas's statements also came several days after the Office of the Ombudsman indicted retired PNP chief Jesus Verzosa and seven other PNP officers for the anomalous purchase of 75 defective police rubber boats in 2008.

After these controversies, Roxas said the integrity and principles of the policemen will be tested again in the upcoming 2013 midterm elections.

He said he hopes policemen will reject offers from politicians and remain committed to their job as law enforcers.

"Nasa sa atin kung paano natin gagawing permanente ang bagong mukha ng kapulisan (The responsibility to maintain the clean image of the police lies upon us)," he added. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)