Time for the PNP chief to reconsider his stance

The issue on the so-called “ninja cops” has turned into another opportunity for a Senate inquiry into another major controversy hounding the Philippine National Police. This time, the probe centers on no less than the organization’s highest official.

As allegations of his ties to “ninja cops” when he was the Pampanga provincial police chief take center stage in the Senate investigation, there are now calls for PNP director, Police General Oscar Albayalde, to resign.

On Tuesday, Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate committees on Blue Ribbon and on justice and human rights, advised Albayalde to consider resigning. This after Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong, a former police general, accused Albayalde of being a protector of “ninja cops”.

However, Albayalde turned down calls for him to step down. For him, those resign calls are just a trap, saying only President Rodrigo Duterte or Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año can decide on his fate.

Albayalde is firm in his decision to hold on to his post until November 8, the date he retires. And since his retirement is still 35 days away, he is not really expected to resign despite the “ninja cops” allegations.

But, on the other hand, those who want him to resign have a point. Their calls for Albayalde to step down are anchored on the seriousness of the accusations he is a protector of policemen involved in the re-selling of confiscated shabu and other illegal drugs.

In other countries such as Japan, public officials involved even in a minor controversy would opt to resign immediately rather than become the subject of public condemnation and ridicule if they hold on to their posts.

And Albayalde should take a cue from them. If resignation means saving the highest police position from further disgrace over the “ninja cops” allegations, then the PNP director should reconsider his stand.