Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima pleaded “not guilty” for a graft case before the Sandiganbayan on Monday.
Purisima is accused of graft over a gun license courier deal entered into by the PNP in 2011.
Prosecutors said Purisima connived with other police officials to award a gun license delivery deal with WerFast Documentary Agency, Inc. They said this was done illegally, without public bidding and due process.
They said Purisima, a four-star general, authorized the deal.
On May 18, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division ruled there was sufficient ground to hold Purisima on trial.
On May 20, officers took custody of Purisima at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 shortly after he arrived from a trip to Butuan City. Purisima was taken directly to the office of the sixth division clerk of court where he was booked. He posted a ₱30,000 bail.
In June last year, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered Purisima’s dismissal from his post as Director General of the PNP. Ten other police officials were also sacked.
In her consolidated decision, Morales found substantial evidence to hold Purisma and other police officials liable for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and grave abuse of authority for entering a contract with WerFast.
Aside from dismissal, other penalties were also ordered for the police officials, including: forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, a ban on taking civil service examinations, and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in government service.
CNN Philippines Correspondent AC Nicholls contributed to this report.
