The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
— Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley
BEFORE we move on to our topic for today, let me first greet our beloved former Philippine National Police chief retired General Guillermo Lorenzo ‘Guimo’ Tolentino Eleazar a happy birthday this November 13.
Graduating cum laude from the Philippine Military Academy, Eleazar joined the Philippine National Police in 1987 and after 19 years of distinguished service, he became the director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
The in May 2018, he became the chief of the National Capital Region Police Office and hence was promoted to three-star general. He was also assigned as the leader of protection against Covid-19 from March until November 2020.
On May 5, 2021, Eleazar became Chief PNP and immediately instituted policies related to the pandemic and other pertinent concerns. His tenure was relatively supported by government officials and multiple senators.
* * *
THE Philippine National Police, under the leadership of acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has once again reaffirmed its role as a pillar of integrity and justice in government service.
During the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) High Command Conference held yesterday, November 12, 2025, Nartatez emphasized that the PNP’s duty extends beyond law enforcement because it also carries the responsibility of upholding the truth and protecting public trust.
The conference, which gathered top officials from the Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice (DoJ), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the PNP, focused on exposing and addressing ‘ghost projects’ in public infrastructure.
In a statement, he disclosed: “As protectors of the law and defenders of truth, it is our duty to ensure that every investigation is conducted with integrity and fairness. We will not yield to any influence or compromise because every step we take must be guided by honesty, accountability, and justice for the Filipino people.”
With his steady leadership, Nartatez underscored the PNP’s proactive involvement in the joint investigation, ensuring that the police organization provides intelligence, forensic, and investigative support to strengthen the government’s case against corruption.
“The PNP is not just an enforcement agency. It is a partner in building a nation founded on accountability and truth. Our men and women are dedicated to ensuring that no wrongdoing escapes the reach of Justice,” he pointed out.
DPWH secretary Vivencio ‘Vince’ Dizon commended the close coordination among agencies, noting that inspection teams composed of engineers, lawyers and technical experts have been deployed nationwide to verify the legitimacy of infrastructure projects. Several nonbailable cases involving more than forty individuals are expected to be filed soon before the Sandiganbayan.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño reiterated the PNP’s full commitment to the initiative, stressing that the organization’s investigative and intelligence units are working closely with ICI and other partners: “(We) remain steadfast in strengthening investigative efforts. Each piece of information we gather brings us closer to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.”
And for Chief Nartatez, integrity is not a slogan; it is a standard. His leadership reflects the guiding principles of the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas, where public service is not only efficient but also sincere and deeply felt.
Together with the ICI, Office of the Ombudsman, DoJ, NBI, AFP and DPWH, the national police force strengthens the government’s drive against corruption and under its present leadership, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding justice, accountability and the trust of the Filipino people.
* * *
FOR your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email at cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171656792 or 09171592256 during office hours from Monday to Friday. Thank you and mabuhay!
