PNP spent P1.3M for 3 days of Estrada trial

CABANATUAN CITY - Director Thompson Lantion, Philippine National Police chief for police-community relations, said over the weekend the PNP has already spent P1.3 million solely for security matters involving former President Joseph Estrada.

Lantion said PNP spent P455,000 for each of their three trips to the Sandiganbayan courthouse where the former president is being tried for plunder and perjury for allegedly concealing his wealth in an official declaration of assets.

Estrada’s corruption trial started last Oct. 1, making him the first Philippine president to undergo criminal trial.

"This trial is costly indeed on the part of the PNP and it is a drain on our resources," Lantion moaned.

He said that the amount spent, which was sourced from the PNP’s maintenance and operating funds, has so far covered food allowance, fuel and transportation of some 2,000 policemen deployed to secure the route between the hospital and the anti-graft court. — Manny Galvez