PDEA chief denies discrimination claims

MANILA, Philippines - The head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) denied yesterday allegations he was singling out personnel supposedly allied with his predecessor, Dionisio Santiago.

Director General Jose Gutierrez said he initiated an ongoing investigation after receiving complaints that there was a rash of promotions just before Santiago stepped down in January.

“There were letters sent to lawmakers and even Malacañang about the alleged promotions... There were a lot who felt bad so I had to move,” Gutierrez said in an interview.

He said investigation “is nothing personal” and that he is “not singling out any of my staff members.”

Meanwhile, Gutierrez refused to comment on the allegations raised by an agent, identified only as Purigay, whose complaint is pending before the Civil Service Commission. Purigay faces dismissal after he tested positive in a random drug test, but was found negative in a subsequent test done by a private firm.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile reportedly threatened to slash by half the P679.37-million budget of the agency over the reported complaints against Gutierrez.