NAPOLCOM: Ex-general Medina’s case not about shoes

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The National Police Commission said the controversy involving retired Police Brig. Gen. Jezebel Imelda Medina is not centered on a pair of expensive shoes but on broader allegations of misconduct.

“Hindi ito kuwentong sapatos,” Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said during a press conference, adding that while the public may have heard about the PHP 70,000 Balenciaga shoes, “it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Calinisan made the statement during his first command visit as Napolcom vice chairperson to the Police Regional Office 6 headquarters at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City on Friday, Jan. 9.

For context, Calinisan said Napolcom received at least three complaints alleging corruption within the Philippine National Police Health Service, which Medina previously headed.

He said several officers from the PNP Health Service personally went to Napolcom to report alleged corruption within the unit.

“That’s why we have to act, or we will be the ones who will be negligent. So, in the context of these complaints and corruption allegations, that’s where the issue of the pair of shoes comes in,” Calinisan said.

Calinisan clarified that the administrative case against Medina was filed on Dec. 23, 2025, two days before her retirement.

“She was still an active police officer, so the National Police Commission has jurisdiction over Gen. Medina,” he said.

He also noted that Medina was wearing a police uniform at the time the issue surfaced.

Calinisan said Napolcom issues regulations on police uniforms and that officers are required to strictly comply with prescribed standards.

“At kung naghuhumiyaw naman ang kayamanan mo habang ikaw ay nakasuot ng uniform, it’s but incumbent upon the Napolcom to investigate and to call it out,” he said.

Amid the allegations, Calinisan said Napolcom has a duty to maintain integrity within the police ranks.

He clarified that Medina is facing charges of less grave neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

He said the case stemmed from an investigation involving a police officer who gained notoriety as a vlogger and allegedly issued threats against the government on social media.

Napolcom reportedly received information that the officer had persistent health issues even before joining the police service.

Given Napolcom’s administrative supervision and control over the PNP, Calinisan said it was necessary to determine how the individual was admitted into the service if mental health concerns existed.

He said Napolcom requested the medical records of the police officer involved.

However, Calinisan said the PNP Health Service refused to provide the records, citing possible violations of the Data Privacy Act.

Instead, the Health Service only submitted a certificate stating that the officer passed his medical examination.

“But it was a valid, live administrative investigation. Obviously, that’s exempt from the Data Privacy law,” Calinisan said.

Calinisan emphasized that Napolcom has oversight authority over the PNP.

“You should not, as you cannot stifle a real live administrative investigation of the Napolcom. Kaya nga kami pulis ng mga pulis eh. If we will investigate and you will just hijack our investigation, magkakaproblema tayo,” he said.

He also clarified that the case against Medina is not related to issues involving her husband, retired Brig. Gen. Remus Medina, who previously headed the PNP Drug Enforcement Group and was linked to a PHP 6.7 billion shabu controversy.

“It’s not true. They are two different people. May issues man yung isa, that’s his concern,” Calinisan said.

Calinisan said he has no personal conflict with either of them.

“Trabaho ito. It’s nothing personal. There were complainants, and we have to act on it,” he said.

He added that he could personally face the Medina couple and say that his actions were purely professional and based on official complaints.