Senators are glad that Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar was chosen as the next head of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Malacañang and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed on Wednesday, May 5, that President Duterte appointed Eleazar to replace outgoing PNP chief Debold Sinas, who is set to retire on May 8.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III agreed with the President's choice, saying Eleazar is the "best" man for the job.
Gen Guillermo Eleazar- Best Choice ever as PNP Chief ! A Noble Man!
— Tito Sotto (@sotto_tito) May 5, 2021
"Gen. Guillermo Eleazar - Best choice ever as PNP Chief ! A noble man!" Sotto tweeted on Wednesday night.
He even likened Eleazar to his colleague and former police chief Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson.
"We would probably see another Ping Lacson," he later said in a text message sent to reporters.
Lacson also said Eleazar is a "good pick".
"Aside from being the most senior, his long experience as a hardworking police officer makes him eminently qualified to lead the police organization especially during these challenging times," he said.
Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who is Duterte's first PNP chief, said the President made an "excellent choice" in appointing Eleazar.
"The PNP is in good hands. Gen. Eleazar has the leadership qualities that would further elevate the level of professionalism in the PNP," Dela Rosa said.
Before rising as PNP's number 2 rank, or as deputy chief for administration, Eleazar led the National Capital Region Police Office, which, under his helm, got its first "Best Police Regional Police Office" award. Before this, he was regional director of the Calabarzon police.
He also served as Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, and the head of the PNP's Anti-Cybrecrime Group.