IN PHOTOS: The new PNP 'White House'

MANILA, Philippines – On instructions of newly-appointed Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, police officials conducted a media tour of the controversial new “White House,” the top cop’s official residence, on Friday, July 17.

It was the first time for the new White House to be shown to the media since then PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima had it built in 2013.

The house itself was not opened to the media, for security reasons. The tour was limited to the exterior of the house and the compound grounds.

The construction of the new White House generated controversy as it reportedly cost P25 million, but PNP officials had said it is less than half the amount, or nearly P12 million.

Last year, senators grilled Purisima over the funds used for the construction of the house. (READ: Who funded the PNP chief’s ‘White House’?)

Purisima had said that construction materials were donated by “benevolent persons and organizations” whom he later identified as Carlos Gonzales of ULTICON Builders, Alexander Lopez of Pacific Concrete Corporation, and Christopher Pastrana of CAPP Industries later.

The new PNP chief, who was installed on Thursday, July 16, authorized the media tour for transparency purposes. Marquez is expected to move into his official home over the weekend.

GAZEBO. This gazebo was built to entertain guests of the PNP chief.