PAGCOR VP apologizes for unverified claims about ex-PNP chief

PAGCOR senior vice president Raul Villanueva apologized on Tuesday for releasing unverified information about a former Philippine National Police chief's involvement in the escape of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo.

During a Senate hearing last week, Villanueva had suggested that reports were being validated regarding a former PNP chief's alleged role and connection to monthly payments to the former mayor, but he clarified during Tuesday’s Senate panel that his statement was based on rumors without any verified data.

Former PNP chief-turned-lawmaker Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa confronted Villanueva after reading a statement from retired PNP chiefs who criticized the official's comments as baseless accusations.

Villanueva reiterated his apology, emphasizing that he did not want to malign former police chiefs and expressed regret if they were offended by his initial remarks.

PNP CIDG chief Police Major General Leo Francisco confirmed on Monday that Villanueva had told him the statement about a former PNP chief was just a rumor and lacked basis.

Dela Rosa thanked Villanueva for his apology, noting that as someone from an intelligence unit, he should have been more cautious with unverified information to avoid affecting innocent individuals.

Former PNP chiefs called on Villanueva to specifically name the alleged former top cop involved in Guo's escape, while police chief Rommel Marbil said they are investigating all 24 former PNP chiefs to determine involvement.