Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. firmly stated that he fulfilled his responsibilities to uphold the nation's security.
Acorda made the statement following a Senate hearing on Tuesday, where several photos surfaced showing him with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) players and businessmen.
"Maraming tumawag sa'kin at nagulat, sinabing hindi sila naniniwala, pero thankful din ako na ipinatawag ako sa Senado at makakapagbigay ng paliwanag," Acorda said during an exclusive interview in Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.
He expressed his disappointment with how the investigation was unfolding, noting that "some would conclude otherwise" about the truth of the matter.
Acorda emphasized that he performed his duties during his tenure as PNP chief and would never compromise his values.
"Ang masasabi ko lang bilang pulis at Pilipino, ginawa ko ang lahat ng dapat kong magawa lalo na sa usaping national security. If ever I'm suffering right now because of the things na ginawa ko, I would do the same thing," Acorda stated.
"Maraming dapat malaman ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa national security. Hindi ko ipagpapalit ang aking katapatan, naging katungkulan, pagiging Pilipino, at pagiging alagad ng batas," he further added.
Acorda served as PNP Chief in 2023 under the Presidency of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., succeeding Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
On Wednesday, the Senate invited Acorda to the next Senate committee hearing to clarify the said photos.
"Wala pa akong natanggap na imbitasyon [sa Senate hearing], nasa probinsya ako at sinabihan akong ipatatawag," said Acorda.
