President Duterte has yet to pick a successor for Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, although such decision is imminent.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this clarification Monday, Nov. 8, amid whispers from some quarter that Duterte has already annointed the next "top cop".
"Wala pa napipili, mayroon lang pong short list (Nobody has been chosen yet, there is only a short list)," Roque said in a virtual press conference.
"Pero syempre po, kinakailangang i-anunsiyo naman yan bago magretiro si General Eleazar (Of course, an announcement would have to be made before General Eleazar's retirement)," he added.
It was earlier reported by the Manila Bulletin that five names have been listed as Eleazar's possible replacements.
On Nov. 13, the popular Eleazar will turn 56, the mandatory retirement age for the PNP chief.
Eleazar, a four-star general, took over as PNP chief only last May, replacing the controversial Gen. Debold Sinas.
The Palace said last month that, if it would have its way, it would keep Eleazar at the helm of the national police force "for life".