NAPOLCOM charges PNP general over P70,599 shoes
The National Police Commission has filed an administrative case against a retired police general for using footwear worth P70,599.75 while in uniform.
Police Brigadier General Jezebel Imelda Medina, the first woman Igorot police general, was administratively charged with conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
On Jan. 6, NAPOLCOM released a statement announcing the formal filing through the commission's Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service.
"The formal charge cites the public display of an allegedly extravagant luxury item, specifically footwear with an estimated value of P70,599.75 while wearing the PNP uniform," the statement read.
While it complied with the PNP's requirement of black footwear, the pair's monetary value was nearly equivalent to one month's basic salary of a brigadier general in the PNP.
"This act raises serious concerns on modest living and ethical conduct, standards required of all public servants and most especially of senior police officers whose actions set the tone for the entire organization," NAPOLCOM said.
PNP personnel are required to wear black footwear in canvas, leather, nylon, or cotton, regardless of brand, as long as the price is within the ethical parameters of the PNP.
In an interview with TV Patrol, Comr. Rafael Calinisan, vice chairperson and executive officer of NAPOLCOM, said the issue was not the luxury brand of the pair of shoes, but its price.
"Dapat po tayong maging mas sensitive sa taong bayan. E kung naka-uniporme po kayo at naghuhumiyaw naman na sobrang mahal ng kasuotan mo at meron ka na ngang corruption issues, ay hindi naman puwedeng pikitan ng NAPOLCOM 'yung mga ganyang bagay," Calinisan said.
"Hindi po ito sapatos lang. May pinahuhugutan po itong mas malaki, may corruption issues po na inaallege ng iba-ibang complainants, and that's why we had to dig deep," he added.
Medina is also charged with less grave neglect of duty. While serving as Director of the Health Service, Medina allegedly failed to submit a psychiatric and psychological examination report of a QCPD patrolman who was supposedly involved in seditious vlogging activities. This, despite repeated directives from NAPOLCOM.
According to Calinisan, the charges are part of a deeper investigation into anomalies within the PNP Health Service, of which Medina was director before she retired in December 2025.
Calinisan cited reports from numerous police officials, some of whom were from the health service itself, regarding mismanagement in the department.
"This case underscores the Commission’s firm resolve that rank does not shield anyone from accountability, and that any act that erodes public trust in the police institution will be investigated and addressed in accordance with the law," wrote NAPOLCOM.
The charges against Medina were filed before she retired. NAPOLCOM said the case will continue despite her retirement.
