Philippine News
Ombudsman should handle PNP chief’s case – Pimentel
MANILA – Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said yesterday that the case of the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima must be handled by the Office of the Ombudsman.
“I signed the committee report. The basis is to let the ombudsman take over. The committee found inconsistencies in his statements,” said Pimentel, in a dzBB radio interview.
He added that Purisima should be given the chance to defend himself and answer the graft and corruption charges before the anti-graft court.
“It’s a fact-finding inquiry. He should answer the charges as part of the processes,” Pimentel added over dzBB radio.
On the issue of whether or not the PNP chief should resign from his post, he added that the decision is for Purisima to make.
“Well, there is no rule or law on this. We are merely suggesting for him to take a leave since (he is) under investigation,” Pimentel said.
“It depends on the ombudsman, their rules once public officials are being investigated. As far as I know, they don’t suspend a public officer once a complaint is filed,” he added.