NAPOLCOM files complaint vs general over P70,599 footwear

A police brigadier general is now facing administrative complaint for less grave neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, according to the  National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). 

In a statement issued Tuesday, NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the complaint stemmed from two incidents.

First, Calinisan said Police Brigadier General Jezebel Imelda Medina, as the Health Service director, willfully failed to submit the required psychiatric and psychological examination (PPE) report of another cop in Quezon City.

The police patrolman asked to undergo the psychiatric and psychological assessment was accused of engaging in seditious vlogging activities.

“Such refusal directly undermines the Commission’s constitutional and statutory authority to exercise administrative control and supervision over the Philippine National Police,” the NAPOLCOM said.

Second, Calinisan said the complaint also cited the Medina’s alleged public display of luxury footwear worth P70,599 while wearing the PNP uniform.

The amount is nearly equivalent to a month’s basic salary of a police brigadier general, the NAPOLCOM noted.

“This act raises serious concerns on modest living and ethical conduct, standards required of all public servants and most especially of senior police officers whose actions set the tone for the entire organization,” Calinisan said.

GMA News Online trying to reach out to Medina as of posting time and will publish her side as soon as available.

For NAPOLCOM, integrity, discipline, and obedience to lawful authority are not optional as they are fundamental duties owed to the Filipino people. 

“This case underscores the Commission’s firm resolve that rank does not shield anyone from accountability, and that any act that erodes public trust in the police institution will be investigated and addressed in accordance with the law,” Calisan said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News