PNoy not yet clearing PNP chief of charges – Palace exec

Although he vouched for the good character of PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima, President Benigno Aquino III is not yet clearing the police official of plunder and graft charges.

 

At a press briefing Thursday, Aquino's deputy spokesperson, Undersecretary Abigail Valte, said the President would like to study the accusations and hear Purisima's side first before making any judgment.

 

"The President was speaking from how he personally knows si General Purisima. Actually, ang sinabi niya [noong] lumabas ‘yung isyu, hintayin nating sumagot ‘yung tao," Valte told reporters.

 

She further urged the public to give Purisima a chance to explain himself after he returns from an international conference in Colombia. 

 

"Let’s wait for him to come back because ina-certain naman na handa po silang sagutin ‘yung mga tinatanong po sa kanila," Valte said.

 

Purisima is facing plunder and graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly owning a mansion in Nueva Ecija and for supposed irregularities in the renovation of the PNP chief's official quarters inside Camp Crame.

 

In an interview with reporters in the US on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), Aquino said it would be out of character for Purisima to live in luxury.

 

The President has known Purisima since 1987, when the PNP chief served as a member of the the security group of Aquino's mom, the late President Corazon Aquino.

 

Before he left for his foreign trips earlier this month, Aquino already defended Purisima, saying the PNP chief should not be blamed for crimes involving rogue cops.

 

Senator Grace Poe earlier called on Purisima to take an administrative leave while he is being investigated. Malacañang said it will let the PNP chief decide if he will heed the senator's call. —Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News