Vice President Sara Duterte Questions PNP Chief Appointment
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed strong doubts about the recent appointment of Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief. She described the decision as “too sketchy,” raising concerns over the officer’s background and recent Senate findings. This keyphrase “PNP chief appointment sketchy decision” highlights the core issue Duterte emphasized.
Speaking to reporters outside a detention center in The Hague, Netherlands, where she visited former President Rodrigo Duterte on June 3, the Vice President referenced a Senate investigation led by Senator Imee Marcos. The inquiry revealed alleged legal violations involving Gen. Torre, prompting Duterte to question why he was chosen to lead the national police force. “Mayroong recent findings ang Senate of violations of law of this police officer. So, bakit mo naman gagawing Chief of Police? So, masyadong sketchy yung decision,” she said.
Background on Gen. Nicolas Torre’s Role
Gen. Torre played a significant part in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant and Interpol assistance. President Marcos appointed Torre as the PNP chief, attending his formal turnover ceremony on June 2.
Aside from handling the former president’s arrest, Torre also led the capture of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City. Quiboloy faces serious allegations including child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, and is known as an ally of the Duterte family. Following Quiboloy’s arrest, Torre was promoted to head the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Vice President’s Initial Reaction and Concerns
Initially, Sara Duterte laughed off Torre’s promotion but later voiced her unease after reviewing the Senate’s findings. The Vice President’s remarks suggest deeper political tensions surrounding the appointment, especially given Torre’s controversial actions involving her family.
House Speakership Controversy
Beyond the PNP leadership, Duterte also criticized the continued hold of Speaker Martin Romualdez in the House. She hinted at her preference for her brother, Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte, to seek the speakership instead.
Duterte questioned the wisdom of having Romualdez, who is linked to a U.S. bribery case, remain as House Speaker. “Well, I do not think magiging mas maayos or mas maganda ang ating bansa… bakit ka naman pipili ng Speaker of the House of Representatives na implicated in a bribery case,” she said. The Vice President emphasized that such a record should disqualify Romualdez from leadership roles. “Parang pag alam mo kaagad na ganun, hindi mo i-up, hindi mo susuportahan yan,” she added.
Implications for the Country’s Progress
Sara Duterte’s statements reflect her worries about the country’s direction under current leadership choices. She implied these controversial appointments could hinder national progress and governance.
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