Palace defends PNP chief

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda

MANILA – Following allegations of corruption, Malacañang on Wednesday defended Director General Alan Purisima adding that his testimonies are “truthful” and that he still had the “moral ascendancy” over the Philippine National Police.

“My point is he appeared before the Senate. He answered those questions truthfully and whether one [believes him or not], it depends on how one assesses his testimony and we’ll leave it to those who listened to the Senate investigation,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

“We have to hand it to General Purisima that he answered all those questions truthfully,” he added.

He also added that the decision on taking a leave of absence while the hearings are still ongoing may be up to the chief.

Sen. Francis Escudero, however said that Purisima may still be held accountable for the huge discount he obtained for the purchase of a sport utility vehicle last year.

Several anticrime groups already filed cases of plunder and indirect bribery complaints against Purisima in the Office of the Ombudsman.

This is following the alleged renovation of his official residence dubbed as “White House” in Nueva Ecija.

Several parties were already reported to have called for Purisima’s resignation if he could not explain the allegations against him.

Purisima, however, remained firm on his decision not to resign from office.