A PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) official denied on Wednesday that he personally knows the men's magazine model who allegedly escaped penalty for a traffic violation by flashing his business card.
Chief Superintendent Alexander Ignacio, chief of the PNP Directorate for Plans, said he does not personally know FHM model Alyzza Agustin who posted on Facebook the official's business card with "dedication" and signature to avoid getting traffic citation.
Ignacio is currently attending the Asean National Police (Aseanapol) conference in Malaysia.
"The card which she posted is not an official PNP business card representing my office, my rank, and my designation. I am a Chief Superintendent (1-star rank) and not a Director (2-star rank). She is not my Executive Assistant and there is no such position in my office," he said.
Ignacio said that he does give his business card to those who request for it "but it goes with the implied condition that it will not be used to violate laws, to shorten prescribed procedures, and for illegal gain."
"I will not tolerate the use of my business card, the facilities of my office or the privileges of my rank for unlawful purposes," said Ignacio, who was identified by Agustin in her Facebook post as "Boss Alex".
On Tuesday, Agustin claimed Ignacio's calling card excused her from being fined for violating the number-coding scheme.
"Nahuli nanaman ako dahil coding but because of you Boss Alex wala ng huli huli. Thank you so much sa napaka useful mong card with matching dedication pa #happykid," the caption of a photo collage posted on Agustin's Facebook account read.
At the back of the card was a handwritten note from Ignacio, saying, "Pls. assist my EA, Allyzza Agustin."
Agustin immediately deleted the said photo and deactivated her Facebook and Instagram accounts after the post became viral in social media.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Wilben Mayor reminded all police personnel to exercise "due diligence and discretion" when giving away business cards.
"Business cards are purposely designed as essential tools for effective communication and should never be used for any other purpose, much more, to get away with a traffic citation, to peddle influence or to seek special favors," he said.
"In case of doubt, law enforcers who will be confronted in a situation involving a name-dropping traffic violator should simply do their job of enforcing the law," he added. (Sunnex)