Senator Ronald ‘’Bato’’ dela Rosa on Friday, April 22 said it is up to President Duterte whether or not he would allow Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dionardo Carlos to simply retire mandatorily on May 8 or extend his services.
The law mandates the retirement of officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) upon reaching the age of 55.
The PNP is mandated by law to ensure peace and order in the country, particularly in the forthcoming May 9, 2022 national and local elections.
‘’Extension would mean less disruptions in the execution of PNP plans and programs in the upcoming national elections,’’ Dela Rosa, himself a former PNP chief, explained.
Dela Rosa, however, cautioned that ‘’changing horses in the middle of the race would entail disruptions".
‘’But if the President has decided to forego the extension then I see no problem since I am sure the successor is up to the challenge.
Dela Rosa emphasized that the PNP as an organization has been engaged in all the past elections so everything is routine.