PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. (Inquirer.net).
Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa evaded the question when he was asked from which government fund did President Duterte source his Christmas bonus, estimated to be worth millions of pesos, for top police officials.
“Huwag na kayo magtanong kung saan galing. Basta hindi ’yan galing sa drugs (Don’t ask where it came from. Just know it didn’t come from drugs),” Dela Rosa said in a press conference at Camp Crame on Monday.
Dela Rosa, however, made a guess and said, “Galing siguro ’yan sa intelligence fund ng Presidente (It may have come from the President’s intelligence fund).”
He then said that at least, the President’s intelligence fund, which is supposed to be used in major intelligence operations, “could be felt by the police.”
Before the press conference, Dela Rosa, during a Christmas party for Crame-based officers and their family, announced that President Duterte would give key PNP officials a bonus of from P50,000 to P400,000.
Being the only PNP official with a four-star rank, Dela Rosa said he will receive P400,000. Francisco Uyami and Ramon Apolinario, who both have ranks of Deputy Director General, a three-star rank, will receive P300,000 each. All officers with Police Director or two-star rank will receive P200,000.
Chief Superintendent or star-rank officers in the PNP directorial staff, regional and provincial directors and heads of national support units down will also receive P100,000 each.
Key officials with ranks of Senior Superintendent below will each receive cash above P50,000.
A police official, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, told INQUIRER.net that the distribution of cash gifts to police officials would be unfair for lower-ranking officers who directly take part in operations against drugs.