PNoy orders probe on Puno rifle issue

by Pauline Francisco

Despite being a known comrade of the President Aquino, resigned Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) undersecretary Rico Puno is still under the eyes of the probe team investigating the overpriced bidding of the assault rifles for the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“I would like to verify the bidding process and why it turned out this way. So all those involved in that process should be investigated to determine why it happened, particularly the rifle issue,” Aquino said.

“What was wrong with the specs in the first place? Was there any defect in the bidding process? Who should be held responsible for this? It seems to me that they are going to purchase the rifles which specs are not made for the police,” He added. The said bidding for the rifles went as high as P80,000 when in the internet it is only priced as P32,000.

President Aquino stated that as of this moment no one is clear from the issue including Puno. He further questions on how the process of the bidding went that way and orders probe on the people involved.

So all those involved in that process should be investigated to determine why it happened, particularly the rifle issue,” he added.

The PNP is about to wrap up a deal on getting 60,000 units of Glock pistols with a gun supplier. The said pistol agreement still awaits the signature of PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

Because of Puno’s involvement in the controversy, Aquino is in the thought of assigning him to another government position when the allegations are already cleared up.

Puno was believed to have a good relationship with President Aquino and was called as the eyes and ears of him but despite their friendship, Aquino still pushes through with the investigation on Puno.

“Right now, it’s under consideration but there is nothing confirmed. We’ll finish so many things but not in the DILG... if that could materialize,” he said.