Ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, itinanggi ang mga paratang ni ex-PCSO GM Royina Garma

Summary

In a tense exchange, the President responds to allegations raised by Colonel Garma during a Quad committee hearing. He denies calling her or seeking police officers from specific religious groups, labeling the claims as false. The President emphasizes his role and the limitations of local authority in police matters, expressing frustration over the insinuations and defending the integrity of his office. He also discusses the struggles of police salaries and personal challenges, highlighting the disconnect between their pay and the demands of their jobs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The President denies making calls to police officers regarding specific cases.
• 😀 Colonel Garma's claim about being contacted by the President is refuted.
• 😀 The President questions the motive behind Garma's allegations.
• 😀 He expresses disbelief over the suggestion of targeting specific religious groups.
• 😀 The President emphasizes that many police officers belong to various religious sects.
• 😀 He clarifies that he does not have the authority to create police units or appoint officers.
• 😀 The discussion highlights the low salaries of police officers and their financial struggles.
• 😀 The President indicates that if rewards were offered, he would prefer to help officers personally.
• 😀 There is an emphasis on the President's personal relationship with police and their challenges.
• 😀 The testimony of Colonel Garma raises questions about police operations and accountability.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the hearing involving the president?

The hearing aimed to address revelations from resource persons regarding police actions and connections during the president's time as president-elect.

Did the president confirm the call made to Colonel Garma in May 2016?

No, the president denied calling Colonel Garma, stating he does not remember such a call and questioned its purpose.

What specific allegation did Colonel Garma make regarding the president?

Colonel Garma alleged that the president sought to find a police officer who was a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo.

How did the president respond to the allegation about targeting a specific religious group?

The president rejected the notion, arguing that it would be illogical to single out a religious group when many police officers in Davao belong to various sects.

What rationale did the president provide for not calling Colonel Garma?

He suggested that it is a mystery to him why Colonel Garma would claim that he called her and expressed disbelief at the motive behind her statements.

Who is General Leonardo, and what was his role in the discussion?

General Leonardo was mentioned in relation to his appointment, which Colonel Garma reportedly recommended, but the president stated he cannot create a police unit independently.

What did the president say about potential rewards for police work?

He questioned why he would pay police officers for their work, emphasizing that it is their job, and he would prefer to assist them personally in times of need.

How did the president characterize the police officers' salaries?

The president acknowledged that police salaries are low and emphasized the financial struggles they face.

What personal issue did the president mention regarding a police officer's family?

He referenced a situation where a police officer's spouse was suffering from cancer, highlighting the personal challenges officers face.

What general sentiment did the president express about police officers?

The president expressed empathy towards police officers, acknowledging their difficult financial situations and personal struggles.