Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 13) — President Rodrigo Duterte’s choice of top cop admitted to accepting gifts from supporters during festivities in a show of gratitude for his public service.
Speaking to reporters, Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said Tuesday that he accepts consumable items of “insignificant amount” such as roasted pig or lechon, just like his predecessor Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, as long as it is allowed under existing provisions and laws.
“Yes, of course, during anniversaries we all accept mga pagkain [food items], lechon,” Albayalde said.
The PNP chief also appeared to have received a branded shirt in the past.
“Kung minsan talagang nagbibigay ng ganyan [shirt]. Yung brand [Lacoste] na sinasabi mo I don’t think sobrang mahal naman na ‘yun,” he said.
[Translation: Sometimes, there are people who give shirts. The brand you’re talking about [Lacoste], I don’t think it costs too much.]
Republic Act 6713, the Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, provides: “Public officials and employees shall not solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”
He noted that it depends on the “sole discretion and sound judgment” of the civil servant as to what constitutes bribery or corruption. He said officers are not above the law and erring employees would be punished, as he noted that police officers who were found guilty of bribery or corruption have been penalized.
Accepting bribes should not be tolerated, Albayalde said, echoing Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año and Civil Service Commission (CSC) Commissioner Aileen Lizada’s reminders.
“The PNP remains to be bound by rules that govern our conduct under any given situation including existing laws against graft and corrupt practices and the Code of Ethical Standards for Public Officials,” he said.
This admission came days after President Rodrigo Duterte said it is okay police officers to receive gifts from the grateful public out of sheer gratitude.
“Hindi ko kayo iipitin. Basta kung bigyan kayo, tanggapin ninyo,” Duterte was quoted as saying during the 118th Police Service Anniversary event of the PNP.
[Translation: I won’t sanction you. If they give you something, then accept it.]
Former PNP general, Senator Dela Rosa reportedly admitted he also accepted a branded shirt and lechon (roasted pig) during festivities such as Christmas, police anniversary celebrations and birthdays.
