Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. on Wednesday, April 26, challenged newly designated Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Major General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. to clean the organization and immediately put its affairs in order.
Revilla issued the dare after issues affecting the integrity of the PNP were unearthed and these came to light one after the other.
"Kailangang unahin ni Chief PNP Acorda na isaayos ang institusyon (PNP Chief Acorda should prioritize the cleaning of the organization)," he said. "At kasama niya kami dito (We are with you here)," he added.
"The bad elements should be weeded out immediately at panagutin (and be held responsible).” "Ilan lang 'yang mga masasama sa organisasyon at hindi na dapat lalo pang makapanira (The bad elements who were able to enter the force should not be allowed to destroy the organization),” he stressed.
Revilla was referring to the revelations in the hearings conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs chaired by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
He cited testimonies that some members of the PNP have apparently become subservient to politicians and political interests which struck a heavy blow to the national police force.
The veteran lawmaker also mentioned the upcoming inquiry of the same Senate Committee into the alleged cover-up of the P6.7 billion drug operation last year where a police officer - Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo MayoJr. - was arrested.
"Kailangan natin ibalik ang tiwala ng publiko sa ating pulisya (We need to return the trust of the public to the police force)," Revilla stressed.
"Wala namang matatakbuhan ang ating mga kababayan para sa peace and order, kaya dapat iayos natin pare-pareho at ibangon ang institusyon (Our countrymen have no one to turn to on peace and order matters except the police, that is why we should put the PNP as an institution in order) ,” he explained.
"That can only happen if there is transparency and accountability. Panagutin ang mga dapat managot (Those responsible should be held accountable),’’ he added.