PNP won't help ex-cops win in 2010 polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not extend special assistance to former or retired police and military officials who are planning to seek elective positions next year, an official said yesterday.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said the PNP as an organization “will remain apolitical” during the elections in May 2010 and reminded the PNP’s 125,000 personnel to observe the organization’s policy.

Verzosa, however, clarified there was nothing wrong for former or retired police officials to run in the upcoming polls.

“Upon retirement, they will become one of the civilians, they have their own decisions. We are a free country with political liberty,” he said.

Verzosa said former or retired police officials benefited from their years in public service and this “would make them better leaders.”

Reports have it that among those running in May 2010 are retired Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who is the current director general of the Presidential Management Staff, as congressman in Pangasinan province’s sixth district; retired police Deputy Director General Arturo Lomibao, currently Land Transportation Office chief, as Pangasinan’s fourth district representative; and Director Silverio Alarcio Jr. 

Other police officials reportedly running for mayoralty posts in Pangasinan province are retired Deputy Director General Ismael Rafanan, in Villasis town; and retired Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, in San Nicolas town.

Another Pangasinense, Director Leopoldo Bataoil, who heads the PNP Directorate for Police Community Relations, is retiring this year and has reportedly expressed his intention to run for mayor in Lingayen town or congressman in the province’s second district.

Retired police generals who are now mayors are Reynaldo Velasco of Sta. Barbara and Marcelo Navarro Jr. of Bani, both in Pangasinan. Retired Chief Inspector Ricardo Revita has been mayor of Rosales town for two terms.

In Metro Manila, retired PNP chief Avelino Razon has expressed his intention to run for Manila mayor. – Cecille Suerte Felipe