Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 6) — The chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs called for transparency in the handling of the courtesy resignations of high-ranking officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“We should really make sure that the processes, the procedure is transparent and of course above board and constitutional in order that this would not go to waste,” Rep. Ace Barbers told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word.
“We should get the full trust and confidence of the public into the organization,” he added.
The lawmaker also said there should be a credible review of the police officials’ records.
“People that would handle these resignations must show a semblance of credibility and unquestionable integrity so that when they come up with decisions, it will not be put on hold or put on question,” Barbers said.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier called on full police colonels and generals to submit their courtesy resignations in a bid to cleanse their ranks of illegal drug ties.
PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and his command group were the first to respond to Abalos’ appeal.
Abalos has said the government will form “a committee of five” that will review the records of police officials to determine if they are involved in the illegal drug trade. The five members of the committee have yet to be named.
“Those that are not involved in illegal drugs or in any way involved in protecting or coddling drug personalities must not be afraid,” Barbers said.
“Because there’s no reason for them not to be rejected when they file their courtesy resignation, meaning they will not be taken out of the organization or be taken out of service,” he added.
Marcos has expressed support for the call to submit courtesy resignations as the PNP goes through internal cleansing.
