Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – After serving a six-month preventive suspension in connection with a graft case, resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima’s first order of business is to take a long – and paid – vacation leave until the end of July.
Purisima, who officially returns to duty on Wednesday (June 10), reportedly filed for an extended “paid leave” last week beginning Wednesday until the end of July. The said leave was approved by PNP officer-in-charge Leonardo Espina, according to a PNP official.
By “paid leave,” it means the 55-year-old Purisima, being a four-star general of the PNP, will still receive his monthly salary – which is around P108,000 including allowances.
Sr. Supt. Bartolome Tobias, PNP spokesperson, told reporters on Tuesday (June 9) that Purisima has a right to file a leave since he still have remaining leave credits.
Purisima’s six-month suspension officially ended on Tuesday (June 9) as the preventive suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman on Dec. 4 last year was only served five days later (Dec. 9).
Purisima, who does not hold any office in the PNP despite being the highest-ranking police officer, was supposed to report Wednesday before the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit in Camp Crame – with the Senior Officers Promotion and Placement Board, which Espina chairs, deciding on his fate.
Purisima was suspended due to a graft complaint filed last October 2014 against him and 11 other police officials over the alleged misuse of gun owners’ courier fees.
He stepped down as PNP chief in February after the incident in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25 where 44 Special Action Force commandos were killed.
Purisima is set to retire in November this year.
