Albayalde asks for copy of Senate executive session

October 4, 2019

The head of the Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Friday said he asked for a copy of the executive session during last month's Senate hearing as it will explain what happened to shift the topic from the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law to ninja cops.

"As I always said, I asked myself why only now when I am about to retire (did they bring up this issue)? This has something to do with something else... First day that I appeared in the Senate, my first statement was to ask that the executive session made to be public, so probably from that executive session we will know what's going on," Police General Oscar Albayalde said in a TV interview.

"That's my appeal, it should be made public and I be given a copy. Actually I wrote the Senate committee chairman to give me a copy so you will see probably from there on what really is the motive here after six years why all of a sudden somebody remembered oh Albayalde had administrative lapses," he added.

He reiterated the issue could be related to his coming retirement.

"This can be related on who wants to be the next chief PNP and this could also their way on how they will destroy my reputation and integrity so when I endorse to the president (Rodrigo Duterte), that's a kiss of death already because I cannot see any motive," he said.

Albayalde said he wrote a letter to Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, to ask for a transcript of the executive session where Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong revealed an officer is part of the ninja cops.

"I don't know what's inside that executive session that's why we need to see what else did they talk about during that time," he said.

Albayalde said the PNP is being affected because of the issue.

"Because it's the father (of the PNP) and very unfair if the majority of the PNP (when)...we have this improved level of satisfaction, level of respect and confidence," he said.

"I feel the morale of my men ( is affected)," he added.

Albayalde said it is up to the president on what will be his fate. Duterte is currently in Russia for a state visit.

He also said Magalong, who opened the topic of ninja cops, is the only person who can say why he reopened an old issue.

"Deep in his heart he knows the reason why. I know this person if he as he always say, he loves his country so much... we should know what is his motive. I cannot find anything after six years," said Albayalde. 

Asked if he stands on the testament of the 13 cops involved, Albayalde said it will depend on the Department of Justice's review.

"I will respect the decision of the DOJ there. I cannot comment because the case is under review," he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS