ILOILO City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas expressed dissatisfaction and dismay over some city police officials last Christmas who were allegedly accepting money from major politicians.
"I am a little bit disappointed with the Icpo (Iloilo City Police Office), especially the station commanders and their chief. They should be professional and not succumb to the lure of gifts," Treñas told members of City Hall press corps Tuesday.
There were reports that the Icpo officials received money from a political kingpin last December 23, 2009 by calling them for a conference at his residence in Jaro district.
Treñas admitted that a reliable source informed him about the meeting, where the gift giving took place. He said he never knew that the police officials would go to that extent.
The city mayor said that under the Constitution and the local government code, he is mandated to have direct control and supervision over the local police force.
As city mayor, Treñas said that he fully supports the city police office with their needs, such as multicabs, patrol cars and firearms given last year. Each city policeman and traffic aides and other law enforcers were also given cash gifts by the city last Christmas as included in the supplemental budget.
Similarly, the City Government also increased the monthly allowance of each city policeman from P800 to P1,200 starting January 2010, as included in the 2010 executive budget, Treñas said. (LCP)