Director General Alan Purisima, the country’s top policeman, last year bought for P1.5 million on government salary a sport utility vehicle (SUV) worth P4 million, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
Purisima, Chief of the Philippine National Police justified the low price, saying the car dealer in San Fernando, Pampanga province, offered him a big discount for the Prado. Purisima will be subjected to a lifestyle check like the rest of his men,
Purisima also told the Senate committee on public order last week that he accepted an P11-million donation for the construction of his official residence called the “White House” in 2013, but the actual deed of donation was signed only on Sept. 3, 2014.
His statements raised suspicions among senators about the propriety of the PNP chief’s actions. Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the committee on public order, also wondered about the valuation of Purisima’s 4.7-hectare property in Nueva Ecija province. Poe said the PNP chief should observe the proper processes. But she could not say if the people’s doubts had to be doused. “There is really a lot to be proven here. That those who made the donation have no personal interest in this, because you did not follow the proper process,” she said.
The incident recalls the joke about the judge who will not allow himself to be bribed, but will readily buy a Mercedes-Benz from a lawyer for $1.
Poe later told reporters that she did not think Purisima was telling the whole truth.
She said she found it hard to accept that Purisima would let certain things take place, especially things that defied common sense.
Poe asked about the P1.5-million Toyota Land Cruiser that Purisima bought in 2013, saying many would likely be interested in a place that offered such a discounted price for an SUV (suggested retail price of top variant: P3.857 million).
Purisima said the dealer in San Fernando, Pampanga, had offered him a big discount on the Land Cruiser.
Poe also said Purisima should have wondered about the discount.
“I’m not saying it’s your fault that you were able to get it at a discounted price. But you should have taken a second look at that big a discount…. Ask yourself, why is this being given to me at a cheaper price?” she said.
She also asked if the dealer had a contract with the PNP. Purisima said the dealer had no PNP contract.
Poe told reporters she would study if she would recommend the filing of charges against Purisima. Her committee is set to issue a report on its findings about the PNP.
The hearings she had conducted were intended to tackle the PNP modernization and the brazenness of criminal acts.
Net worth
Purisima’s 2013 SALN put his net worth at P6.56 million.
His assets amounted to P17.264 million. His real properties, aside from the Nueva Ecija property, also include three houses and lots in Caloocan City, a lot in Ilocos Sur province and a condominium unit in Cubao.
His personal properties include the Land Cruiser Prado, a Toyota Hi Lux, a Hyundai Starex, a Toyota Innova, a Toyota Alphard, with a total maximum price tag of P12.15 million. He also listed a backhoe, two loaders, bank deposits, books, furniture and appliances.
His liabilities, consisting of car and personal loans, amounted to P10.7 million. With report by Leila B. Salaverria
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