Favoring Purisima’s gifts and favors

DURING the stint of then DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, the Undersecretary for Peace and Order, Rico Puno, was reporting directly to President BSA3. He was the “eyes and ears” of the president. This situation led to a two-hydra set up in the DILG. Puno resigned on September 7, 2012, after several issues that were made public and put the appointing authority again in the spotlight because of the so-called KKK.

Upon the death of Robredo, observers thought there would be a change with the new leader having supervision and control over the PNP. Secretary Mar Roxas took over the post on August 21, 2012. The 17th PNP Chief, Nicanor Bartolome (PMA Class 1980), was appointed by BSA3 on September 7, 2011 and should have served the position until March 16, 2013. By November 2013, BSA3 announced that Bartolome was to go on a “no duty” status before the end of 2012 to give way to a new PNP head for purposes of the May 2013 elections and the supposed battle against private armies.