PNP denies 'cash gifts' came from cop funds

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday fended off opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson's claim that the “cash gifts" given to congressmen and local government executives in Malacañang came from counter-insurgency funds intended for the police. This, as the PNP warned of a possible reprisal from policemen if allegations that much-needed funds for PNP’s operations is being used in politics are proven. In an interview on dzBB radio, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr, PNP spokesman, said Lacson’s allegation that cash gifts amounting to P160 million came from PNP funds was unlikely, saying the fund disbursements undergo stringent accounting and auditing procedures. Besides, taking such a huge amount away from the PNP’s budget would have been massively felt by its units. "(If it is true), it would take a big chunk of our budget and it would be felt immediately," Pagdilao said. In the interview, Pagdilao said most of the PNP's funds are channeled to wages and salaries of police personnel, and it can hardly afford to dole out money for "other purposes." "Magrerebolto ang PNP kung yan ay ipamahagi sa ibang panggagastusan. Dito sa PNP talagang napakaraming pangangailangan para sa operating and maintenance expenses kung humingi tayo ng karagdagan kung ibibigay sa iba lalo sa pamimigay sa politicians or government officials, di naman pupuwede yan (Our police personnel would revolt if they find their funds are used for bribes. Here in the PNP, we are having a hard time making ends meet just for operating and maintenance expenses. We will not like it if our funds are used to pay off politicians or government officials)," Pagdilao said. On Monday, Lacson – himself a former PNP chief – cited information reaching him that some P160 million in counter-insurgency funds for the PNP went to the bribery in Malacañang, contrary to claims that the funds came from the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s political party. Lacson said that while the money was allocated for PNP's Special Action Force and regional offices, its disbursement was "cleared" through the PNP's Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) and the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER). The opposition senator said P100 million was cleared through PACER and P60 million was cleared through the PSPO. Lacson said Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno – who concurrently sits as chief of the National Police Commission - should shed light on all this issue. - GMANews.TV