SENATORIAL CANDIDATE
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23. ELEAZAR, GEN. GUILLERMO
PARTIDO REPORMA
Guillermo Eleazar, 56, is a former chief of the Philippine National Police and general whose stint ended when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. During his six-month term as PNP chief, Eleazar’s main thrust was towards a modernized police force. He instituted reforms including an online reporting system, a QR code system for police applicants, and the usage of body-worn cameras when carrying out warrantless arrests.
Per data collated by the Third World Studies Center of the University of the Philippines Diliman, the Duterte administration’s flagship campaign against illegal drugs continued to average three killings per day as the country grappled with the coronavirus pandemic. The killings in Metro Manila tapered off once Eleazar was appointed head of the national police but continued in other areas around the country.
Soon after his mandatory retirement from service in November 2021, Eleazar filed his candidacy for senator under Partido Reforma which is fielding Sen. Panfilo Lacson as its standard-bearer for the 2022 polls.
If elected, Eleazar says he will continue to go after dirty cops by pushing for laws strengthening the PNP Internal Affairs Service, promote health and safety through programs like the National Health Map, ensure livelihood and food for each home and provide the youth with adequate protection and support.
Platform and Policy
The candidate's top priorities if elected to office, tracked against previous promises and accomplishments, if any
Select a policy profile below to view more details
Modernization of the PNP
Security
Welfare of overseas Filipino workers
COVID-19 pandemic response
Disaster risk reduction and management
Related Policy Proposal:
Urged continuity in past reforms as PNP chief, called for technological upgrades within the national police to prevent street crime
Urged continuity in past reforms as PNP chief, called for technological upgrades within the national police to prevent street crime
Previous Platform:
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
Instituted E-Sumbong online reporting system, implemented QR code system for police applicants
Instituted E-Sumbong online reporting system, implemented QR code system for police applicants
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Related Policy Proposal:
- Said the Philippines “should not hide anything” amid investigation by the International Criminal Court
- Said he would push for strengthening the PNP Internal Affairs Service
- Opposed the defunding and abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict
Previous Platform:
Tagged new PNP mechanisms as proof that abuse in the police force is promptly addressed, asserted that domestic remedies and the justice system are already working for the families of extrajudicial killing victims
Tagged new PNP mechanisms as proof that abuse in the police force is promptly addressed, asserted that domestic remedies and the justice system are already working for the families of extrajudicial killing victims
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
- Oversaw drafting of guidelines on joint operations with the PDEA, ushered in procurement, guidelines, and use of body-worn cameras for cops when carrying out arrests
- Implemented intensified cleanliness policy to purge dirty cops from PNP
- As PNP chief, welcomed probe into the arrests of activists but denied that the law was being weaponized against left-leaning activists and dissenters
Deviation from Previous Platform:
- As PNP chief, routinely urged the public to let the PNP Internal Affairs Service finish its investigations before coming to conclusions on alleged cases of human rights abuse by police officers
- As a candidate, eventually highlighted need to strengthen the justice system before imposing death penalty
- As PNP chief, routinely claimed that instances of abuse by police officers were isolated incidents
Related Policy Proposal:
Vowed to create laws that will establish more comprehensive platforms where OFWs can voice their concerns or complaints about their employers
Vowed to create laws that will establish more comprehensive platforms where OFWs can voice their concerns or complaints about their employers
Previous Platform:
As PNP chief, called on the government to provide livelihood assistance to OFWs who lost their jobs and were forced to repatriate due to the COVID-19 pandemic
As PNP chief, called on the government to provide livelihood assistance to OFWs who lost their jobs and were forced to repatriate due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
Previously urged the government to revisit the country’s labor agreements with other countries amid continued reports of abuse and neglect of OFWs
Previously urged the government to revisit the country’s labor agreements with other countries amid continued reports of abuse and neglect of OFWs
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Related Policy Proposal:
Encouraged vaccination for minors, calling it a “ticket to go out for family bonding, physical activities outside home”
Vowed support for Filipino scientists and science students to ready the country for future pandemics
Opposed the Department of Health’s decision to stop releasing COVID-19 bulletin online starting 2022, warning this would cause an “information gap”
Encouraged vaccination for minors, calling it a “ticket to go out for family bonding, physical activities outside home”
Vowed support for Filipino scientists and science students to ready the country for future pandemics
Opposed the Department of Health’s decision to stop releasing COVID-19 bulletin online starting 2022, warning this would cause an “information gap”
Previous Platform:
As commander of Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield, deployed elite PNP Special Action Forces and tanks in Metro Cebu to arrest the spread of the virus
As commander of Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield, deployed elite PNP Special Action Forces and tanks in Metro Cebu to arrest the spread of the virus
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
As PNP chief, deployed nurses and police medical staff to assist in national government’s pandemic response
As PNP chief, deployed nurses and police medical staff to assist in national government’s pandemic response
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Related Policy Proposal:
Urged amendments in Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 to allow local chief executives in disaster-hit areas to declare a state of calamity even with the absence of a damage assessment to allow them to use their calamity funds, impose a price freeze on basic commodities, and allow the entry of international aid for recovery and rehabilitation efforts
Urged amendments in Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 to allow local chief executives in disaster-hit areas to declare a state of calamity even with the absence of a damage assessment to allow them to use their calamity funds, impose a price freeze on basic commodities, and allow the entry of international aid for recovery and rehabilitation efforts
Previous Platform:
Track Record / Accomplishment; Date:
As PNP chief, routinely deployed police officers to assist in disaster risk management and rescue and relief efforts
As candidate, highlighted need to invest in research and development in the field of science as part of improving the country’s disaster response measures
As PNP chief, routinely deployed police officers to assist in disaster risk management and rescue and relief efforts
As candidate, highlighted need to invest in research and development in the field of science as part of improving the country’s disaster response measures
Deviation from Previous Platform:
Major Accomplishments
The candidate's top five accomplishments and contributions for the last 15 years or so
Public Office
Eleazar served for over three decades in law enforcement, gaining a reputation as a strict unit leader.
However, from July 2016 to December 2018, the Quezon City police which Eleazar headed as director for most of that time period killed some 407 illegal drug suspects, according to PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency data. Still, his appointment to the top cop position from May 2021 to November 2021, brief as it would be, was welcomed by many quarters, including former PNP chief and Sen. Lacson as well as Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Roberto Cadiz.
In his capacity as chief of the 220,000-strong police force, Eleazar oversaw modernization and accountability initiatives for the PNP including the passage of guidelines for body-worn cameras during operations, as well as the online complaint platform E-Sumbong to report corrupt officers. However, he also pushed back against criticisms of the war on drugs and the anti-insurgency campaign. He welcomed possible probes but also asserted that the justice system is working for victims of killer cops.
In June 2021, Eleazar initially supported President Duterte’s suggestion to arm anti-crime volunteers for their own protection. In response to concerns about a possible rise in vigilantism and an increase in loose guns due to the new policy, Eleazar stressed that the anti-crime volunteers will remain civilians, will not be provided with firearms by the government and will be required to undergo the appropriate process for licensing and permitting. He would further emphasize these limitations in July 2021, when the PNP and the interior department began operations against private armed groups in preparation for the 2022 elections, with about 130 armed groups being monitored in Mindanao alone per the National Task Force in the Disbandment of PAGs.
Eleazar also routinely claims it was under his leadership that the national police was able to shatter the culture of “padrino” in the recruitment system, which he says flushed out dirty cops from the PNP’s ranks.
PNP modernization platform
Read More
Position/Date
PNP chief, 2021
PNP chief, 2021
Status
Ongoing, adapted by next chief (PGen. Dionardo Carlos)
Ongoing, adapted by next chief (PGen. Dionardo Carlos)
Intensified cleanliness and internal cleansing policy
Read More
Position/Date
PNP chief, 2021
PNP chief, 2021
Status
Ongoing, adapted by next chief; 35,297 cases closed by PNP Internal Affairs Service from July 2016 to Jan. 12, 2022
Ongoing, adapted by next chief; 35,297 cases closed by PNP Internal Affairs Service from July 2016 to Jan. 12, 2022
High trust ratings for QCPD in surveys conducted by former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde
Read More
Position/Date
District Director, Quezon City Police District, February 2018
District Director, Quezon City Police District, February 2018
Actions and/or Proceedings
Actions and/or proceedings pending against or resolved in courts or tribunals involving the candidate, based on publicly available information
There is no publicly available information on this matter at this time. Requested information from the candidate was not provided.
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth
Also known as SALN, this document is a declaration of one's personal finances. Philippine Law requires the SALN to be submitted by all public officials and employees to the Ombudsman. Public officials and employees may opt to voluntarily disclose their SALN to the public.
There is no publicly available information on this matter at this time. Requested information from the candidate was not provided.
Campaign Details
Key details about the candidate's campaign
Alliances and Endorsements: Running under the Lacson-Sotto Senate slate
Party History:
Running under the Lacson-Sotto Senate slate
2021-present
Major Donors
Candidate's major donors and campaign funding sources
There is no publicly available information on this matter at this time. Requested information from the candidate was not provided.
Major Advocacies
The candidate's top advocacies in the last 15 years or so
Support for persons with disability
Support for persons with disability
Philippines–China relations
Education
Support for persons with disability
Vowed legislation directing local government units to ensure all establishments are PWD friendly, push for stronger enforcement of disability privileges, and establish community-based rehabilitation programs for the disability community
Urged Comelec to consider separate voting rooms or areas for senior citizens, PWDs, and other people with comorbidities
Urged Comelec to consider separate voting rooms or areas for senior citizens, PWDs, and other people with comorbidities
Position/Date
Senatorial candidate, 2021-present
Status
Earlier asserted that an 18-year-old with special needs who was shot by elements of Valenzuela City police was a suspect in an illegal cockfighting operation; also claimed the boy was simply hit by a stray bullet
Anti-open mining
Vowed to push for stiffer measures against individuals and big corporations engaged in illegal mining
Claimed he “ understands that the lifting of the ban could attract more investors”
Claimed he “ understands that the lifting of the ban could attract more investors”
Position/Date
Senatorial candidate, 2021-present
Status
Called on government to strictly regulate open pit mining to avoid abuse that can result in environmental destruction
Philippines–China relations
Pushed for a “balance of power” in Asia, suggested forming alliances, strengthening international relations, and “availing of consensus” with other countries to protect the Philippines
Position/Date
Senatorial candidate, 2021-present
Education
Vowed to push for full educational benefits to children of solo parents
Position/Date
Senatorial candidate, 2021-present
Personal Details
Basic information on the candidate's family, background and work experience
Name to appear on the ballot: ELEAZAR, GEN. GUILLERMO
Full Name: Guillermo Lorenzo Tolentino Eleazar
Birthdate: Nov. 13, 1965 (56 years old on election day)
Birthplace: Tagkawayan, Quezon
Residence: NA
Religion: NA
Languages Spoken: Filipino, English
Parents: Victor Eleazar, father, Staff Sergeant and World War II veteran
Siblings: Carlo Eleazar, an engineer by training, incumbent mayor of Tagkawayan, Quezon, 2019-present
Marital Status: Married, Lally Hernandez
Children: Four children
Education:
• Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Philippine Christian University
• Philippine Military Academy Class Hinirang, 1987
Work Experience:
• Chief, Philippine National Police, May 5-Nov. 13, 2021
• Deputy Chief for Administration, PNP, September 2020 - May 2021
• Deputy Chief for Operations, PNP, January 2020-September 2020
• Commander, PNP's Administrative Support for COVID-19 Task Force
• Commander, Joint Task Force COVID Shield, March 2020-November 2020
• Chief of Directorial Staff, PNP, Oct. 16, 2019 to January 2020
• Regional Director, National Capital Region Police Office, June 1, 2018-Oct. 16, 2019
• Regional Director, Police Regional Office Calabarzon, Apr. 18, 2018-June 1, 2018
• District Director, Quezon City Police District, July 1, 2016 –Apr. 18, 2018
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