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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senators give mixed reactions to Sinas as incoming PNP chief

Senators give mixed reactions to Sinas as incoming PNP chief

Published Nov 9, 2020 03:29 pm

Senators had mixed reactions on the appointment of Major General Debold Sinas as the new Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Senator Franklin Drilon (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Monday, November 9, that the controversial police official was chosen by President Duterte to lead the country's police force.

"I would like to think that there are certain standards and qualifications that should be considered before one is considered before one is appointed to head a very important organization," Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said in an online interview with reporters Monday.

"They should be conscious that confidence of the people in the institution is very critical. They must make a judgment as to whether or not the pendency of that case will erode the confidence of the people in the PNP," he added.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian shared the same view of Sinas, although saying that his appointment could be an opportunity for him to prove that he can lead by example.

"This appointment will definitely raise a lot of eyebrows. Despite that, Gen. Sinas should demonstrate his sincerity to continuously clean up the ranks of our police force starting by leading by example at all times. This is a chance for him to show us, the Filipino people, that he is the best man for the job and he has heart to serve the nation," Gatchalian said in a text message.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said President Duterte "could have made a more meritorious choice for PNP chief."

"While Debold Sinas was my late husband’s underclassman and an old friend, unfortunately, the poor manner in which the PNP has acted on the waves of violence as well as minimized the risks of the coronavirus pandemic under his previous commands betrays his level of competence for this new role," she said in a separate statement.

Sen. Ronald De la Rosa, on the other hand, congratulated Sinas for his appointment, saying: "He is a good choice. He has a proven track record."

"Nobody is perfect in this world," Dela Rosa added.

Dela Rosa, who was Duterte's first PNP chief, also advised Sinas to "continue the internal cleansing program and sustain the gains of PNP’s anti-drugs and anti criminality campaign."

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, for his part, said Sinas should start his work by reorienting members of the PNP of their protocols during operations.

He referred to the shootout between police officers and carnapping suspects who claimed to be officers in the Philippine Navy in Cavite on Sunday, resulting in the death of a member of the PNP's Highway Patrol Group.

"Ayaw magbigay ng papeles, dapat inaresto agad (They should have arrested them right away when the suspects refused to show documents). Naunahan pa silang bumunot ng baril. PNP pa namatayan (And the PNP ended up losing one member) all because they were tentative in arresting the suspects. Just because there is a Navy uniform, hindi na pwedeng arestuhin agad (you can't arrest them immediately) when the violations are obvious?" he said in a

Sinas, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, made headlines last May after he and his men held a "mañanita” to celebrate his birthday amid strict lockdown rules due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The PNP itself filed criminal and administrative charges against Sinas and 18 other cops for their breach of physical distancing and quarantine measures.

Despite the photos posted by the NCRPO Public Information Office on Facebook, Sinas maintained then that they followed health and physical distancing measures during their gathering. Duterte also defended Sinas and opted to keep him in his post.

Sinas' appointment as PNP chief will take effect on Tuesday, to succeed General Camilo Cascolan, who is set to retire.

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