|
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Report on 'euro generals' out Monday
MANILA -– The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would complete on Monday its investigation into the “euro generals” mess that is now being investigated by the Senate.
The controversy broke out after former PNP comptroller Eliseo dela Paz was held at the Moscow International Airport last October 11 for carrying 105,000 euros or P6.93 million, much bigger than the required amount of money a person can bring to Russia.
What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers
Dela Paz was a member of the PNP delegation to the 77th Interpol General Assembly in Russia.
PNP spokesman Nicanor Bartolome said: "By Monday we expect to finish the report."
He dismissed as "speculation" all the criticisms thrown at the PNP following the scandal.
Bartolome said the PNP will continue to do its job, including securing a global forum on migration in Manila, starting this Monday.
"Our focus is on our job, public safety services and law enforcement. We cannot let these issues affect us, especially since most of it is based on speculation," he said.
Dela Paz earlier denied any wrongdoing in the cash caught from him, but admitted a mere lapse on his part.
He regretted his decision not to declare the cash he was carrying, and apologized to the Filipino people for causing an international embarrassment to the Philippines.
According to him, the cash represents the cash advance for the PNP delegation.
PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa, in his letter last Friday to the Senate foreign relations committee that is looking into the scandal, said the P6.93 million was part of intelligence funds, and meant to acquire intelligence equipment.
"This explanation only muddled the picture further. Instead of clarifying it, the explanation only opened more questions)," Senator Manuel Roxas II, vice chairman of the investigating panel said.
"Is this how they buy arms and intelligence equipment? Cash? No bidding? Do they really allow a retired official to buy sensitive equipment?" Roxas asked.
Verzosa also requested an executive session in the next Senate hearing on the matter.
But Roxas said they agreed to reject the PNP chief's request. According to Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairperson of the investigating panel, the Moscow incident did not involve national security issues for an executive session to be accommodated.
"The people are waiting for the PNP Chief to be a vanguard of the truth, not the protector of falsehood," said Roxas.
He said the public should be informed of the circumstances surrounding the issue.
"Any and all information related to this case must be shown and be made known to the public. What is there to hide from the public when it concerns public funds and public time?" Roxas stressed.
He said the Senate hearing is "necessary because of the security implications of the circumstances surrounding the incident." (JMR/Sunnex)
(October 26, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
