THE free legal assistance recommended by President Rodrigo Duterte for policemen will not include those with cases that arose from abuses and other wrongdoings.
This was the assurance to the public given by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar.
“Nang itinulak ng ating Pangulong Duterte ang free legal service sa kapulisan, nakakatiyak ako na hindi kasama ang mga abusadong pulis sa usapan,” PGen. Eleazar said.
“Ito naman ay matagal nang patakaran ng PNP dahil meron tayong mga investigating bodies at pool of expert lawyers na nagre-review ng mga kasong isinampa sa mga pulis,” he added.
The Chief PNP was reacting to the statement of Rizal 2nd District Representative Fidel Nograles that free legal aid should not be given to abusive police officers or those who are facing charges.
He reiterated that the organization has intensified its efforts against police scalawags who only taint the image of the entire police force.
President Duterte pushed for providing free legal assistance to cops in the performance of their duties during his last State of the Nation Address last July 26.
PGen Eleazar admitted that there were indeed harassment cases being filed against policemen wherein the intention is to get back at policemen for arresting people, especially those with money and with connections, or disrupting their illegal activities.
Former PNP chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has vowed that he will author and sponsor the bill himself.
The PNP has thanked the President for his call, saying that this will be a big help to all police personnel.