NBI chief optimistic despite various charges
BACOLOD CITY -- Despite various accusations against him National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officer in charge Mamerto Cortez is still hopeful that at the end of the day he will win the fight.
Cortez was charged of various criminal complaints from sexual harassment to abuse of authority as well as bribery and corruption but he still stands on his position to do his functions and responsibilities to the Negrense.
"Even the President of the Republic of the Philippines faces different charges and a simple NBI in-charge like me is not exempted," he stressed.
In an interview, he said overall 2008 was a good year for his administration.
"We apprehended a barangay kagawad from Bacolod City who was caught selling illegal drugs," he added.
It was in January of 2007 when Cortez was assigned as the new NBI chief in Negros.
During his assumption he promised to restore the image and the morale of NBI agents in the province and continue what Philip Pecache, his predecessor, started for the good of Negros and will restore the glory days of the NBI Bacolod.
Investigation of cases will be based on the rules of evidence in an impartial and neutral manner, Cortez also stressed.
Still he is asking the support from private sources for cases handled will be prohibited.
"We will live within our means as provided by our main office," he said.
There has been improvement on the clearance section of the NBI in Bacolod.
Cortez, who was born in Bulacan, understands and even speaks Ilonggo because his parents are from Capiz.