House Speaker Endorses New Police Leadership
House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed strong support for the appointment of Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief on May 29. Romualdez highlighted that the “record speaks for itself,” emphasizing Torre’s proven leadership and integrity.
“General Torre is stepping into this role with a record that speaks for itself. He is a principled and fearless officer, the kind of leader the PNP needs to restore credibility, enforce the law without fear or favor, and protect the Filipino people with professionalism and respect,” Romualdez stated.
The House Speaker, who also serves as president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), described Torre as a no-nonsense leader with the courage and operational expertise required to guide the police force during these critical times.
Key Achievements and Leadership Qualities
Torre gained recognition for his significant role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte earlier this year. He collaborated with Interpol agents in March to facilitate Duterte’s capture in the Philippines amid charges of crimes against humanity linked to the controversial war on drugs, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.
Despite facing intense public scrutiny and political pressure, Torre maintained a firm commitment to upholding the law while executing high-profile operations. “General Torre’s steady hand in critical situations shows he is not only unafraid to act, but also committed to doing so within the bounds of the law. That kind of leadership is rare, and exactly what the police force needs today,” Romualdez added.
Institutional Reform and Public Trust
Romualdez sees Torre’s appointment by President Marcos as a clear sign of a renewed push for institutional reform within the PNP. The appointment addresses ongoing calls for internal cleansing and modernization of the police force.
“With General Torre at the helm, the PNP gains a chief who understands the urgency of reform from within, but who also brings the operational experience to crack down on crime, dismantle syndicates, and restore public trust,” Romualdez remarked.
Torre, a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1993, has held important positions such as district director of the Quezon City Police District and regional operations chief of the National Capital Region Police Office. He is known for his approachable leadership style and clean governance.
Support from the House of Representatives
The House, led by Romualdez, pledged full support to Torre’s leadership by ensuring the PNP receives the legislative tools and resources necessary to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“We are fully behind General Torre’s vision of a PNP that is professional, transparent and people-centered. The challenges ahead are immense, but with the right leadership, we can build a safer, more just Philippines,” the Speaker affirmed.
Torre will take over from Rommel Marbil as the country’s top police official.
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