MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the suspension meted out against former Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima in 2014 over allegations of graft in a questionable contract with courier firm Werfast.

The offense is the basis of graft charges pending before anti-graft court Sandiganbayan.

Purisima filed a petition for review before the SC, questioning the decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) in 2015 which affirmed Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ suspension order.

The suspension was for 6 months and without pay. In June 2015, Morales dismissed Purisima and subsequently found probable cause to charge him of graft.

Purisima was found to have still participated in the botched Mamasapano operations in January 2015, or while he was serving his 6-month suspension. For that, he was charged of graft and usurpation of public functions.

“The High Court held that the Ombudsman acted within her powers and that the same is explicitly authorized to issue a preventive suspension order under Sec. 24 of RA 6770 (Ombudsman law) when conditions are met,” the SC said in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 30.

Purisima argued before the High Court that his right to due process was violated because Morales suspended him even before he can file a counter-affidavit. 

“The Court held that the Ombudsman may issue a preventive suspension order prior to the filing of an answer or counter-affidavit, considering that the same is but a preventive measure,” the SC said. 

The SC added: “Ultimately, it should be borne in mind that the issuance of a preventive suspension order does not amount to a prejudgment of the merits of the case. Neither is it a demonstration of a public official’s guilt as such pronouncement can be done only after trial on the merits.” 

Purisima is facing a P29.2 million forfeiture case for allegedly amassing the amount during his term as chief of the PNP. – Rappler.com