If Malacañang would have its way, it would let Gen. Guillermo Eleazar remain at the helm of the Philippine National Police (PNP) "for life".
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque had this to say Thursday, Oct. 14, when asked in a virtual press conference about Eleazar's upcoming mandatory retirement.
"Ayon nga po nakakalungkot na may retirement age si Chief Eleazar. Sana panghabambuhay nang chief si Eleazar 'no (It's saddening that Chief Eleazar has a retirement age. We wish Eleazar would remain the chief for life)," he said.
On Nov. 13, the popular Eleazar will turn 56, the mandatory retirement age for the PNP chief.
"Pero syempre po, mayroon naman pong short list ang Malacañang, hindi ko nga lang pupuwede sabihin kung sinu-sino to (But of course, Malacañang has a short list of replacements, it's just that we can't reveal their names)," Roque noted.
Eleazar took over as PNP chief only last May, replacing the controversial Gen. Debold Sinas.
Eleazar, a four-star general, is the 26th chief of the national police force.
Last September, Sinas was appointed as an undersecretary in the Office of the President.