Albayalde’s resignation won’t stop moves to seek accountability from him — House members

The early resignation of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde will not stop moves to seek accountability from him over allegations against him for his supposed role in a "drug recycling" incident involving "ninja cops," House lawmakers said Monday.

In a statement, Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago said Albayalde's resignation does not put an end to the "deadly negligence and corruption" in the Duterte administrations' war on drugs, which she said was worsened by the discovery of the so-called "ninja cops."

"This won't appease the youth's call for truth and liability over the PNP chief's alleged involvement in the recycling of seized illegal drugs," she said.

"Beyond his resignation, we demand an end to the drug war's murderous rampage; we demand justice and accountability," she added.

Earlier in the day, Albayalde said he would be going on a non-duty status which will be effective Monday ahead of his scheduled retirement on November 8.

"After careful thought and deliberation, I have come to the decision to relinquish my post as Chief, PNP effective today and go on a non-duty status. I have submitted my letter of intent to [Interior] Secretary [Eduardo] Año which he accepted and favorably endorsed to the President," Albayalde said.

He said this would pave the way for "the appointment of his replacement should the President so desire."

Albayalde has denied allegations he had been involved in the recycling of illegal drugs.

But Bayan Muna party-list Representative Ferdinand Gaite believes that Albayalde's resignation is only a "smokescreen" to conceal the real corruption on the administration's campaign against illegal drugs.

"They are trying to minimize the damage that Gen. Albayalde's involvement had done which is why he was let go earlier. Malacañang officials may have talked to Albayalde over the weekend for him to resign and 'take one for the team' as they say," Gaite said.

"As late as last Friday, Albayade was adamant that he would not resign but what transpired over the weekend that he changed his mind? Apparently he became too hot to handle and the Senate investigation has further exposed the bogus character of the drug war of Pres. Duterte," he added.

Malacañang, however, said it did not pressure Albayalde to step down from his post.

"Perhaps he has had enough of the accusations, innuendos, about his involvement in the drug case, given that his family is suffering from according to him, unfair and false allegations against him,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in an interview on ANC television.

ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro, meanwhile, said Albayalde's resignation is not enough as he should still be held liable for his supposed involved in the "ninja cops" incident.

"Dapat tuluyang managot si General Albayalde at ang lahat ng sangkot sa mga korapsyon sa ilalim ng tinuturing na giyera kontra droga na ilang beses nang napatunayang palpak, peke at mapanlinlang," she said.

For his part, Muntinlupa City Representative Ruffy Biazon said believes that Albayalde only did the right thing.

"For men in uniform, it should always be the Institution they represent above self. More so with those in leadership positions. Preserving the integrity of their unit and insulating it from controversy is part of the sacrifice they should be willing to make," she said.

"PNP Chief Albayalde has done this with his resignation from the post. He can best defend his innocence from the allegations now because he will no longer be hampered by the responsibility of leading the PNP with a serious allegation related to his duty being thrown at him," he added.

Magdalo party-list Representative Manuel Cabochan III said he respects Albayalde's decision and hopes that this will spare the PNP from being dragged further in the "ninja cops" controversy.

"However, this should not mean that Police General Albayalde is already off the hook from his alleged role in the drug recycling involving the police," he said.

"I hope the authorities will pursue the cases regarding this issue which will also provide Police General Albayalde the proper venue to answer the allegations against him," he added.

Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas, meanwhile, said the PNP fiasco only shows the importance of Congress oversight on the executive branch in order to keep the public's trust in the government.

"On the ground, mahalagang may tiwala ang publiko sa ating Pambansang Pulis dahil sila ang takbuhan ng mga mamamayan lalo na kapag mayroong krimen," he said.

"Hindi dapat kinakatakutan ng mga taong masunurin sa batas ang mga pulis. Mga kriminal lang dapat ang matakot sa pulis," he added.

In order to do this, Vargas said Congress should pass a new law on whistle-blowers, further strengthen the National Police Commission and Peoples Law Enforcement Boards, and establish audit systems within the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. — RSJ, GMA News