Albayalde admits receiving gifts but only food

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde admitted that he also received gifts but only food during police events.

“Pagkain, of course... I’ll not be a hypocrite. Hindi ako ipokritong tao. Kumain din ako ng lechon,” Albayalde said during a press briefing on the sidelines of an event in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Tuesday.

“‘Yung pagkain, during anniversaries we all accept food, pagkain, mga lechon...,” he added.

Asked what was the most expensive thing he had received in line with police duties, he said he no longer remembers as his wife often buys items for him.

“Pinakamahal na bagay na natanggap ko? Hindi ko na alam kasi most of my things ‘yung wife ko nagbibigay eh. Dahil ang hirap ‘pag ikaw ang bibili. It’s always my wife,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde’s remark came a day after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, former PNP chief himself, admitted that he had received gifts from generous benefactors.

Aside from food, the Dela Rosa bared that he had received a posh shirt and a watch.

Albayalde said accepting gifts from stakeholders and benefactors depend on the integrity of the person.

“Wala kasing sinabi ang batas kung ano ang puwedeng masabing maging siyang form of bribery of form of corruption,” Albayalde said.

“But there is that clause na sinasabi niya insignificant value. But the thing is hindi nga naka-define so this depend solely on the discretion and sound judgement of the person,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the Department of the Interior and Local Government warned that police who are receiving gifts of monetary value may be criminally and administratively held liable.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte said policemen are free to accept gifts from generous benefactors. 

But Senator Panfilo Lacson, also a former PNP chief, said receiving gifts may start off “insatiable greed” among cops.

Civil Service Commission (CSC) Commissioner Aileen Lizada said RA 6713 prohibits public officials from soliciting or accepting gifts directly or indirectly. — RSJ/KG, GMA News