MANILA, Philippines – Senator and former police chief Ronald Dela Rosa defended the appointment of Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas as the new head of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Sinas earlier became controversial for breaching COVID-19 quarantine rules after he had a mañanita party for his birthday last May. President Rodrigo Duterte defended Sinas and said that he should not be blamed for the birthday party because it was intended to be a surprise for the official.
Dela Rosa said Sinas' track record has been proven and that he is a good choice to lead the PNP.
"He is a good choice. He has a proven track record," Dela Rosa told reporters in a text message.
He went on to say that everybody has imperfections and advised Sinas to continue 'cleansing' the system.
"Nobody is perfect in this world. My advice to him: Continue the internal cleansing program and sustain the gains of PNP's anti-drugs and anti-criminality campaign," he said.
"Congratulations and good luck! May the force be with you," Dela Rosa added.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año previously said three candidates were submitted to the President to replace outgoing PNP chief Police General Camilo Cascolan who is set to retire on November 10.
Malacañang announced that Sinas was chosen by the President on Monday.
Senators react on appointment
Several senators already expressed their reaction on Sinas' appointment.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said there are more pressing concerns that Sinas should be focused on than the "petty mañanita" issue. For one, he cited how Sinas needs to re-orient the police force, especially the anti-carnapping group. He mentioned the recent shooting in Cavite that led to the killing of a police officer.
Like Dela Rosa, Senator Panfilo Lacson, also believes Sinas is a “good choice” for the position.
“Barring any controversy that MGen Sinas got entangled with in the past, he is a good choice for the top PNP post,” Lacson said.
Meanwhile, opposition Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said he was not surprised that the police officer was appointed even if was involved in a controversy. "Hindi na sorpresa na ang mga kakampi o kaalyado na nasasangkot sa mga kaso o katiwalian ay hindi pinaparasuhan, kinokonsinti o di kaya ay promoted pa," he said.
— Sally, The Summit Express
Sinas earlier became controversial for breaching COVID-19 quarantine rules after he had a mañanita party for his birthday last May. President Rodrigo Duterte defended Sinas and said that he should not be blamed for the birthday party because it was intended to be a surprise for the official.
Dela Rosa said Sinas' track record has been proven and that he is a good choice to lead the PNP.
"He is a good choice. He has a proven track record," Dela Rosa told reporters in a text message.
He went on to say that everybody has imperfections and advised Sinas to continue 'cleansing' the system.
"Nobody is perfect in this world. My advice to him: Continue the internal cleansing program and sustain the gains of PNP's anti-drugs and anti-criminality campaign," he said.
"Congratulations and good luck! May the force be with you," Dela Rosa added.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año previously said three candidates were submitted to the President to replace outgoing PNP chief Police General Camilo Cascolan who is set to retire on November 10.
Malacañang announced that Sinas was chosen by the President on Monday.
Senators react on appointment
Several senators already expressed their reaction on Sinas' appointment.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said there are more pressing concerns that Sinas should be focused on than the "petty mañanita" issue. For one, he cited how Sinas needs to re-orient the police force, especially the anti-carnapping group. He mentioned the recent shooting in Cavite that led to the killing of a police officer.
Like Dela Rosa, Senator Panfilo Lacson, also believes Sinas is a “good choice” for the position.
“Barring any controversy that MGen Sinas got entangled with in the past, he is a good choice for the top PNP post,” Lacson said.
Meanwhile, opposition Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said he was not surprised that the police officer was appointed even if was involved in a controversy. "Hindi na sorpresa na ang mga kakampi o kaalyado na nasasangkot sa mga kaso o katiwalian ay hindi pinaparasuhan, kinokonsinti o di kaya ay promoted pa," he said.
— Sally, The Summit Express
