House leaders hit Purisima on P25-M PNP mansion

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers chided yesterday Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima for undertaking the construction of a P25-million “mansion” in the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame instead of focusing on stopping the worsening criminality in the country.

Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, chairman of the committee on public order and safety of the House of Representatives, said Purisima should be “a little more sensitive to the needs of the public” in undertaking controversial projects that will only result in a public backlash, and weaken the image of the PNP as well as that of the administration.

“I don’t know about the funds – I hope there’s no violation of laws or regulations or the sense of propriety – but I really hope the PNP leadership get its priorities straight,” Ferrer said.

“We’re talking about the lives of Filipinos here because the crime rate now is really high, so maybe Director General Purisima can focus on this first, and this will not only save lives (but) will be appreciated by the people,” he said.

Ferrer’s committee is currently conducting an inquiry into the missing high-powered firearms from the inventory of a private security agency, and the alleged anomalous deal entered into by the PNP with a private courier service that reportedly cost at least P100 million. The contract was ordered stopped by the Supreme Court.

A House leader and close administration ally expressed disappointment with Purisima, saying he is fast becoming a liability of the administration.

“I want to defend him but why doesn’t he just imitate his boss and be transparent? For P25 million, how many police cars or radios can the PNP buy for increased police visibility and fast response to criminal incidents?” the senior administration lawmaker said.

Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said many scandals are being attached to the PNP chief to the detriment of the safety of ordinary citizens.

“First and foremost in his mandate is wiping out criminality. What has the construction of a mansion got to do with running after criminals? Why is Purisima tying himself into a corner?” Atienza asked.

Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco asked Purisima to be transparent and explain the entire details of the project.

He said it was suspicious that Purisima could not immediately give details of the construction of the official residence of the PNP chief.

“He must make a detailed accounting of what monies – private or public – were spent,” Tiangco said.

However, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations, defended Purisima and said the PNP chief should be given the benefit of the doubt.