Erap eyes lifestyle checks for gov’t workers

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada wants all policemen, employees and officials of the local and national government to undergo a mandatory lifestyle check.

He made the proposal in the face of an increasing number of policemen and government personnel and officials involved in the trafficking of drugs.

Estrada said it is the best way to detect whether they are involved in illegal activities.

He cited the case of Police Officer 2 Jolly Aliangan, a resident of Manila but not assigned to the Manila Police District, who was arrested for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

“There are many policemen who are arrested in the series of anti-drug operations conducted by the police,” he said.

“It’s alarming because the future of the youth is at stake. All must be subjected to a mandatory lifestyle check. No one should be spared.”

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation raided Aliangan’s house early last week after receiving a tip that he was involved in reselling illegal drugs seized by the National Capital Regional Police Office’s anti-illegal drug unit.

NBI agents recovered packets of crystal methamphetamine, also known as shabu, and weighing scales in Aliangan’s home in Sampaloc, Manila as well as P6.9 million in cash from a vault in his bedroom.