NAPOLCOM denies case-fixing, bribery allegations in cases involving cops

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) said Thursday that there is no place for corruption within the agency after a senator alleged that it can easily be bribed to fix cases involving cops.  

“The Commission emphasized that such a statement is uncalled for and unfairly casts doubt on the integrity of an institution firmly committed to competence, accountability, and integrity,” the NAPOLCOM said in a statement. 

“NAPOLCOM categorically denies any insinuation of corruption or case-fixing within its ranks”, it added.

The commission made the statement after Senator Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday said that policemen involved in cases are promoted instead of being held accountable. 

“‘Yung mga nakasuhan, at yung kaso ay hindi naman basta-basta, mabibigat, huwag naman i-promote. Insulto ‘yan,” he said in a Senate hearing. 

(Those who have cases filed against them - and these aren't minor, they're serious - shouldn't be promoted. That's an insult.) 

“Kapag after two years walang nangyari sa kaso ay pwede siyang ma-promote, ay may problema ang NAPOLCOM. Dapat bago mag-two years na ‘yan maso-solve na or alisin mo na ‘yung two years para ganahan ‘yung NAPOLCOM. Kasi pwede namang bayaran ang NAPOLCOM,” said Tulfo. 

(If nothing happens with a case after two years and he can still be promoted, then NAPOLCOM has a problem. That should be resolved before the two years are up, or you should remove the two-year period so NAPOLCOM will be motivated. This is because you can just pay off NAPOLCOM.) 

For its part, the NAPOLCOM said Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan implemented a zero-case backlog policy with all cases to be resolved within 60 days.

“While we respect the vital role of our legislators in ensuring accountability in public service, broad and unsubstantiated accusations do not contribute to good governance. Instead, they erode public trust in an institution tasked with ensuring the discipline, efficiency, and professionalism of the Philippine National Police,” said Calinisan. 

“The Commission remains open to constructive dialogue and welcomes legitimate oversight. However, it stands firm against baseless accusations and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to deliver justice without fear or favor, while protecting the trust and confidence of the Filipino people,” the NAPOLCOM added. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News