SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go yesterday shrugged off the allegations of Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido linking him to a supposed reward system for cops who killed drug suspects during the Duterte administration and said these are part of a grand design to malign him.
“Parte na naman ito ng zarzuela na niluluto ng ilan upang mamulitika at manira — pilit na nag-iimbento ng istorya na lilinya sa narrative nila upang pinturahan kami ng itim at sila ang pumuti (This is part of the politicking of some groups to malign me — they are inventing stories that will align with their narrative to paint us dirty so they can look clean),” Go said in a statement.
Go issued the statement after Espenido testified before the House of Representatives’ quad committee hearing on Wednesday that former PNP chief and now Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a staunch ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, allegedly ordered him to liquidate drug suspects but protected drug lords like the late Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa and son Kerwin.
Espenido also said Go, who was Duterte’s former special assistant, was involved in the reward system for policemen who were able to kill drug suspects using intelligence funds and money from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Go said Espenido’s allegations against him were all hearsay.
“Si Jovie Espenido na mismo ang umamin noong hearing sa HOR na wala siyang direktang impormasyon o ebidensiya na makapagsasabi na may kaugnayan ako sa anumang POGO-drug war links. In other words, hearsay lamang ang isinaad niya kaya nakapagtataka kung bakit naging parte pa ng kanyang affidavit ang aking pangalan (Jovie Espenido admitted during the House hearing that he has no direct information or evidence that will back his claims that I have any POGO-drug war links. In other words, it is only hearsay. That’s why I am wondering why my name was included in his affidavit),” the senator said.
“I can categorically say, kailanman ay wala akong kinalaman sa anumang POGO at sa sinasabi niyang reward system sa drug war (I can categorically say that I have nothing to do with any POGO hub and in the reward system in the drug war),” he stressed.
Go said POGOs were still not operational when Duterte launched the all-out war against illegal drugs in 2016, so it was impossible that proceeds from the POGO industry were used to bankroll the supposed reward system for cops.
Go said that he has been vocal against the continued operations of POGOs since it has adverse effects on the country’s peace and order situation.
Go called on members of the House to thoroughly analyze the testimony of Espenido and not accept it hook, line and sinker.
“Paalala rin sana sa aking mga kapwa mambabatas na maging mapanuri sa kanilang imbestigasyon. Parte ng tungkulin natin na alamin ang katotohanan at gumawa ng mga batas na po-protekta sa karapatan ng bawat Pilipino — hindi para manira o mangdawit ng pangalan ng ibang tao base sa tsismis lamang (This is a gentle reminder to my colleagues to be analytical in their investigation. Part of our job is to determine the truth so we can craft measures for the benefit of every Filipino — not to malign or implicate people based on hearsay),” he said.
He also warned his detractors that they will be slapped with appropriate cases for implicating him on various issues.
“Huwag na sana nilang piliting iugnay sa akin ang mga bagay na wala naming katotohanan. Malisyoso ito at paninirang puri. At hindi ako mag-aalinlangan na gawin ang anuman legal na hakbang laban sa mga nangdadawit sa akin upang protektahan ang aking pangalan (Don’t implicate me in things that are not true. This is malicious and slanderous. I will not hesitate to file charges against anyone if only to protect my name),” he said.
‘SADDENED’
The PNP yesterday said it was saddened by the false accusation of Espenido that the police force is the “ biggest crime group in this country.”
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, police spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo said Espenido’s “sweeping” allegation casted doubts on the integrity of the PNP.
“We were surprised and at the same time saddened by the member of the PNP when he said the PNP is the biggest crime group (in the country),” said Fajardo.
“It (allegation) casted doubt, shadow on the integrity of the PNP. We are not talking about one single PNP (that was affected) but the entire organization,” she also said.
During his testimony before the House quad committee, Espenido said: “From my experience, I can say that the PNP is the biggest crime group in this country. I did my job faithfully, but I could not be promoted because I am always in some derogatory list.”
Fajardo said the PNP is “curious” what evidence Espenido has in making his statement.
Asked if the police officer will be held accountable, Fajardo said: “Well, he has to answer for his claims, that is for sure. Meaning, we are going to ask him about his accusation.”
“Accusation is one thing but proof is another thing,” she said, adding that it would have been prudent on the part of Espenido to approach the PNP leadership before making the allegation.
Asked if Espenido will be investigated by the PNP, Fajardo repeated: “Like I said, accusation is one thing, proof is another thing.”
In a statement, the PNP acknowledged that a “small percentage” of PNP personnel may have strayed from the right path but maintained that “they do not represent the majority of our dedicated and honorable police officers.”
It also said that the PNP’s internal disciplinary mechanisms are working, citing the dismissal and suspension of erring policemen. — With Victor Reyes
