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Thursday, October 23, 2008
'Euro generals' asked to explain Moscow mess
MANILA -- Retired police comptroller Eliseo dela Paz and seven other police generals who joined the 77th Interpol Assembly in Russia would have to explain the controversial P6.9 million "contingency fund" mess.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who chairs the National Police Commission (Napolcom) that is looking into the controversy, said the commission has ordered the eight-man PNP top-level delegation to the Interpol conference to submit within five days all documents pertaining to the P6.9 million worth of money carried by dela Paz in Russia.
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"We have decided this (Wednesday) morning on a resolution to require all participants to submit within five working days starting today, their report on the Interpol assembly and the liquidation of their expenses," Puno said in a press conference in Makati.
Napolcom is investigating the incident involving dela Paz, who, together with his wife, was held briefly at the Moscow International Airport by Russian customs officials after yielding a big amount of money as he was on his way back to Manila.
Dela Paz, who returned to the Philippines last Tuesday, apologized and claimed responsibility for the "international embarrassment."
The PNP delegation to Russia was composed of dela Paz, Emmanuel Carta, Ismael Rafanan, Romeo Ricardo, German Doria, Jaime Caringal, Silverio Alarcio Jr., and Elmer Pellobello.
Puno said Napolcom will leave no stone unturned in its investigation.
"We will look into all the administrative aspect of the case. We are going to look into all their possible liabilities," Puno said even as he appealed to critics not to judge the entire PNP organization based on the recent controversy.
Normal procedure called for government officials who traveled abroad to file their respective liquidation report on their expenses within 30 days from their arrival, according to Secretary Puno.
He said Napolcom just wanted to expedite their probe on the issue, that's why they decided to come up with the resolution during Wednesday's en banc session.
Napolcom exercises administrative control and operational supervision over the 117,000-strong PNP. It also advises President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on all matters involving police functions and administration.
During the press conference, Puno signified his intention to appear before a Senate probe on the Moscow mess Thursday to shed light on the matter.
"I already told the media even before the call for an investigation was made that I was going to attend any Senate probe," he said.
He also challenged critics to furnish them evidence regarding allegation that the money recovered from dela Paz came from illegal sources.
"I hope the Senate can show the evidence so that we can jail any officers who violated the law," Puno said.
Napolcom vice chairman Eduardo Escueta said their probe will focus on how dela Paz was able to acquire the money when it was way above the funding approved for the trip.
Escueta said dela Paz, in his former position as comptroller, made a cash advance prior to the trip, but the amount was likely to fund the delegation and not meant to be used for his personal expenses.
He said Napolcom would give dela Paz the chance to present his liquidation of the so-called "contingency fund" and answer all questions that would be thrown at him. (AH/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Dumaguete. (October 23, 2008 issue)
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