PNP chief given ultimatum to attend Senate hearing on modernization bill

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Grace Poe has given Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima an ultimatum to attend the public hearing of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs regarding the police modernization bill.

“We wanted to hear directly from PNP chief Alan Purisima. We were expecting him at least to give us a plan on where the PNP is heading in light of the current crime situation in our country and to defend the institution,” Poe said after suspending the public hearing yesterday.

“He has gone far too long relying on his spokespersons to speak for him,” the senator said.

“The hearing is suspended until Purisima personally appears before the committee and explains the status of the peace and order situation in the country,” Poe said.

At the start of the public hearing, Poe asked the police officials who attended why Purisima has been a no-show.

Nobody from the heads of the PNP directorates and other top officials were able to provide any answer for the PNP chief’s whereabouts and the reason why he was unable to attend the hearings.

At this, Poe blew her top. “He should be able to assure those in the PNP that they can rely on him, that he has plans for them and that he is on top of the situation,” she said.

Under the proposed modernization act, the priority areas of modernization include organizational development, manpower buildup and training, manual and doctrine development, infrastructure development, equipment acquisition and modernization, and financial development.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) director, said Purisima did not snub the Senate hearing yesterday but the confusion was due to mere miscommunication.

The PNP chief had assured the senators that he would attend the next public hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order.

Sindac sad the Senate invitation for the hearing that was received by the office of the PNP chief indicated that “you or representatives,” that made them believe that Purisima could just send other police officials who are equally competent to discuss the modernization plans of the PNP with the senators.

“PNP chief Purisima did not snub the hearing. There was some minor miscommunication but he will definitely attend in case there will be another invitation,” said Sindac.

– With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran, Rey Galupo