DILG sees no problem with PNP chief’s possible term extension

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil (PNP FB PAGE)

MANILA, Philippines — The likely extension of Gen. Rommel Marbil’s term as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) would not cause any grievances in the organization, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Remulla was asked whether the possible term extension until after the midterm elections in May would result in disputes.

Marbil will reach the PNP’s mandatory retirement age of 56 this February.

“No. The extension is only six months at most, so I don’t see any reason. The stability of the institution becomes more important, especially during elections,” he responded.

Remulla added that reassignment of personnel in the PNP has already concluded.

“So if there is a new PNP chief, he won’t be able to reassign people either. So, might as well keep the status quo until after the BARMM [Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao] elections, then the President will choose a new one,” said Remulla.

Remulla said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is also “inclined” to extend Marbil’s term, although there is no formal announcement about any decision yet.

“He hasn’t announced it, but he’s indicated that he’s inclined to do it. So, there’s no final answer. General Marbil’s birthday is apparently February 7, so before that he will announce what his decision will be,” Remulla said.

In an ambush interview in Taguig City on Monday, Marcos said he is evaluating the possible extension Marbil’s term.

“Well, there is a very strong argument that it would not be good for stability, especially to change the chief PNP in the middle of a campaign period and approaching an election period,” he said.

“So, we are studying it, but I think that is probably a very strong argument to keep him on. At the very least, until after the elections,” Marcos added in Filipino and English.