LP denies meddling in PNP promotions

MANILA, Philippines - The ruling Liberal Party does not meddle in the promotions system of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which has grown into a “professional organization” inured to outside influence, Senate President Franklin Drilon said yesterday.

“The PNP has developed into a professional organization. They look at promotions based on merit,” Drilon said, belying claims by Reps. Lito Atienza of the Buhay party-list group and Jonathan de la Cruz of Abakada party-list that the LP is manipulating promotions of 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 in the PNP. The ruling party keeps its hands off the promotion process in the PNP to insulate it from politics,” Drilon said.

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

Atienza and De la Cruz said they were worried over reports that administration officials were intervening in the promotions process in the PNP, and that such intervention can undermine professionalism in the force and cause demoralization.

Atienza said Malacañang should make sure 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.