IN BRIEF

Barbers slams ‘fake’ police promotion system

SURIGAO del Norte Rep.Robert Ace Barbers on Sunday expressed full support with National Police Commission vice chairperson Atty. Alberto Bernardo on the latter’s findings that the Philippine National Police (PNP) system of promotion and performance rating of anti-drug police operatives is seriously flawed.

The PNP promotion rating is said to be geared toward the number of arrests and seizures, leading to staged, fake, and fabricated “accomplishments” to the detriment of innocent people who languish in jail with trumped-up charges.

“Imagine, based on these fake accomplishments, the officers kept on being promoted until they are high up in the ladder and can control and influence the organization. They have become so accustomed to their illegal activities that they have become a big part of the whole drug syndicate. The promotion is just one part, the worst part is the reward, monetary as well as “saving” a huge chunk of the drug haul, as another form of rewarding themselves. This drug haul is called savings and ends up being recycled back in the streets,” he said. Rio N. Araja

Solon hits NGCP on delayed project fees

ANAKALUSUGAN party-list Rep. Ray Reyes on Sunday hit the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) after a recent Senate hearing that revealed that it had been charging consumers for its delayed projects.

NGCP assistant vice president Cynthia Alabanza, during the Senate inquiry, said NGCP had been charging consumers for projects that are yet to be completed.

“Charging customers for a project that has not been completed should be considered a criminal act by NGCP,” Reyes lamented. “That is not just that the NGCP continues to earn while the people have to bear the brunt of its delayed projects.” Rio N. Araja

SM Bataan eyeing to hire up to 2,000 workers

SM CITY Bataan said it is currently looking for 1,500 to 2,000 workers preferably residents, Jhoana Gatdula, assistant mall manager said.

“We hope to contribute to Bataan’s robust economy by providing jobs to residents here,” she said. Gatdula also said SM Malls is very happy for the overwhelming support of Bataan and Balanga City leaders led by Gov. Joet Garcia and City Mayor Francis Garcia.

SM Mall recently held a blessing and inauguration of the mall on May 18. Vice Gov. Cris Garcia, Bataan 2nd District Rep. Abet Garcia, Bataan 3rd District Rep. Gila Garcia, and City Vice Mayor Vianca Venzon-Gozon were present at the event. Butch Gunio

Kuwait probes Pinoy bikers’ road mishap

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Foreign Affairs

(DFA) on Sunday said the Kuwaiti government is now investigating the driver of the SUV that plowed into a group of Filipino bikers after the suspect has already surrendered to the authorities.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the driver may face charges if proven that he or she was recklessly driving at the time of the accident involving around 50 Pinoy bikers.

“The driver has surrendered. It is still unclear what was said but we think he or she is Kuwaiti. The person voluntarily surrendered to the police, so the Kuwaiti government is investigating and is reviewing the films of the accident,” De Vega said.

The DFA official said that the SUV swerved and hit the group of bikers who were reportedly on the bike lane.