No free legal aid for erring cops — Eleazar
PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar assured the public that rogue members of the force won’t get any free legal assistance since President Rodrigo Duterte wants only those who are getting harassment suits in the performance of their duties to be provided with defense lawyers.
The top cop emphasized that the free legal assistance being pushed by President Duterte does not include policemen whose cases would stem from abuses and other wrongdoings specifically those involved in illegal drug activities, rape, murder and other grave misconduct.
“Nu’ng itinulak ng ating Pangulong Duterte ang free legal service sa kapulisan, nakakatiyak ako na hindi kasama ang mga abusadong pulis sa usapan,” Gen. Eleazar said.
“Ito naman ay matagal nang patakaran ng PNP dahil meron tayong mga investigating bodies at pool of expert lawyers na nagre-review ng mga kasong isinampa sa mga pulis,” he added.
The PNP chief issued the statement in reaction to a statement from Rizal 2nd District Representative Fidel Nograles that free legal aid should not be given to abusive police officers or those who are facing charges.
Gen. Eleazar said the organization has intensified its efforts against police scalawags who only taint the image of the entire police force.
“Kasama sa ating agresibong reporma ang pagtutuwid ng mali at pagdidisiplina sa mga nagkamaling pulis kaya nakakatiyak ang ating taumbayan na pauloy nating ipapatupad ito dahil hindi lamang ang PNP ang makikinabang dito kundi lalo na ang ating mga kababayan na aming pinagsisilbihan,” he said.
President Duterte pushed for providing free legal assistance to cops in the performance of their duties during his final State-of-the-Nation-Address last July 26.
Gen. Eleazar admitted that there were indeed harassment cases being filed against policemen wherein the intention is to get back at policemen for arresting people, especially those with money and with connections, or disrupting their illegal activities.
Former PNP chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa vowed he will author and sponsor the bill himself.
The PNP thanked the President for his call saying this will be a big help to all police personnel who are being slapped with criminal cases in court as a result of their performance of duty.
