Drilon denies LP meddling in PNP promotions

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon on Thursday debunked claims that the Liberal Party is meddling in the promotions and assignments of top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP), apparently in preparation for the 2016 presidential elections.

"The PNP has developed to be a professional organization. They look at promotions based on the merit," Drilon said.

Drilon, vice chairman of the Liberal Party, belied claims by Representatives Lito Atienza of the Buhay party-list group and Jonathan de la Cruz of the Abakada party-list group that the LP is manipulating promotions of certain PNP officials.

"I do not know what this talk is all about. That we are interfering, personally I can tell you that I have not talked to anyone for the promotion of anyone or the PNP chief," Drilon said.

The lawmakers made the call following reports of a revamp in the PNP starting next month until 2015.

Atienza and De la Cruz said they were worried over persistent reports of intervention in the PNP promotion system by top administration officials that could seriously spoil professionalism in the police service and set off serious demoralization problems.

Atienza asked Malacañang to ensure the PNP is shielded from politics.

“I am sharing the apprehension that political interest can intervene in (PNP) assignments. This reshuffle and review is long overdue with the miserable performance of the present setup,” he said.