Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicanor Bartolome strongly refuted the accusations made by retired General Raul Villanueva, calling them malicious and damaging to one's dignity.
In an interview on Dos Por Dos on Monday, Bartolome emphasized that Villanueva should clarify whether the former PNP Chief he referred to was still in active service when allegedly receiving a "monthly payroll."
"'Yon din ang dapat ipaliwang ni retired General Villanueva dahil 'yunhg kaniyang sweeping accusation ay talaga namang malisyoso at nakakasira sa dangal at integridad ng mga naging dating hepe ng PNP," bartolome said.
Bartolome added that Villanueva’s claim would only burden him, especially since the information was still unverified but had already been disclosed to the public.
"Inamin naman niya ito na wala siyang kakayahang ipaliwanag itong intelligence info na sinasabi niya, e napakahaba po na proseso ang intelligence hindi po ito basta basta sinasabi kung very raw at hindi pa ito verified," said the former police Chief.
Bartolome expressed his disappointment, noting that Villanueva came from the same military school as him, but his statements do not reflect the values instilled by their alma mater.
To ease the impact of Villanueva’s statement, Bartolome suggested that Villanueva clarify his claims during the Senate hearings.
"Kung hindi niya pa rin ma-substantiate ay mag-public apology para ma-clear ang mga pangalan. If he fails to do that, pag-uusapan ulit namin kung ano ang pwedeng legal action dito," Bartolome remarked.
