CA upholds suspension of ‘foul-mouthed’ cop

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed a 30-day suspension meted in 2009 on a Manila Police District (MPD) station commander for cursing at a police officer in 2005.

In a decision released recently, the CA’s Special Fifth Division denied for lack of merit a petition filed by Superintendent Ferdinand Quirante questioning a Manila court’s decision to dismiss his plea for a writ on the order issued against him by the Philippine National Police (PNP). The decision was penned by Justice Ricardo Rosario.

The PNP found Quirante, then commander of MPD Station 8, guilty of slander and conduct unbecoming of a police officer and suspended him for 30 days in 2009 for allegedly cursing at Police Officer 2 Erwin Payumo of the Bacood, Sta. Mesa police precinct.

Quirante said yesterday that Payumo has been dismissed from the service. He said Payumo was arrested in Quezon City several years ago for reportedly threatening people while drunk and name-dropping police officials based in Camp Crame.

He said his lawyer had filed a motion for reconsideration and will pursue the case up to the Supreme Court.

Case records show Quirante conducted a surprise inspection of the precinct at dawn on Oct. 2, 2005. He allegedly confronted Payumo, who was one of those manning the precinct, for not bringing his flashlight.

Quirante reportedly pushed Payumo and forcibly took his service firearm. He later suspended Payumo for gross insubordination and conduct unbecoming a police officer, but Payumo in turn sued him.

The CA ruled that it did not see any error when the Manila court denied Quirante’s petition and when the PNP dismissed his motion for reconsideration.