PNP chief denies accusation he is taking for granted retirees’ welfare

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Monday denied that he took for granted the welfare of his retired colleagues.

Dela Rosa said he received information that some retired police officers were accusing him of excluding them in the pension increase.

“Mayroong nagsasabi na ang mga retiree pinabayaan ni Bato (referring to himself). Nag-submit daw ng position paper sa Malacañang na hindi isama ang retirees sa increase next year,” he said during the PNP flag ceremony.

Dela Rosa said they are crafting a position paper but they have yet to submit it.

“Pinag-aaralan pa what is the best option na lahat tayo makinabang sa intention na madoble ang sweldo, at the same time kino-consider ang DBM [Department of Budget and Management] na hirap silang isama lahat,” he said.

He said if he would have his way, he wanted not only to double the salary of police officers and retirees but even to triple or quadruple it.

“Kung ako masunod triplehin ko 'yan. Hintayin niyo akong maging Presidente. Baka quadruple ko pa ‘yan. Hindi maganda na pinapakalat nila na kami daw ay pinabayaan ang retirees,” he said.

He added that he cannot take for granted the welfare of retirees as he is set to retire in January 2018.

“Iparating niyo na ako ay magre-retire next year kaya hindi ko pwedeng balewalain ‘yan. Whatever benefits they will be receiving, makikinabang din tayo,” he said.

Dela Rosa asked his personnel to help him reach out to the retirees and tell them that he is not against the increase in their pension. —KG, GMA News