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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Not a good choice,' says Estrada on 'arrogant' Torre's appointment as PNP chief

'Not a good choice,' says Estrada on 'arrogant' Torre's appointment as PNP chief

Published May 31, 2025 02:07 pm
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Saturday, May 31, expressed his disappointment over the appointment of Police Major General Nicolas Torre III as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), as he called the incoming top cop “arrogant” and at the same time questioned his qualifications for the role.
New PNP Chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III (Santi San Juan)
New PNP Chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III (Santi San Juan)
“For me, kung ako ang tatanungin, that's not a good choice. Ngayon lang tayo magkakaroon ng napaka-aroganteng Chief PNP (For me, if you ask me, that’s not a good choice. This is the first time we’ll have such an arrogant PNP chief),” Estrada said in an interview on DWIZ, as he criticized what he described as Torre’s demeanor and conduct.
Estrada openly questioned Torre’s achievements, rhetorically asking if his record included the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Asked if he thought this earned Torre the top PNP post or if it was a reward of sorts for what he has done, Estrada said: "Your guess is as good as mine."
The senator was also asked what he expects from Torre’s leadership.
“I do not know. That remains to be seen. If he will continue his arrogant ways in governing the police force, I don’t know what will happen,” he replied.
When asked what message he would give Torre if given the opportunity, Estrada said: “Hinay-hinay lang. Huwag masyado mayabang (Take it easy. Don’t be too arrogant)."
Estrada frowned over the declining public trust in the PNP.
He recalled that the force’s ratings were higher during his father, former president Joseph Estrada’s administration, especially under then-PNP chief and now Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson.
He acknowledged, however, that Torre has the confidence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who appointed him.
“May tiwala sa kanya ang Pangulo, so be it. Eh di sana mag-perform siya na maganda. Sana huwag niya sirain yung pagtitiwala ng Pangulo sa kanya (The President trusts him, so be it. I just hope he performs well. I hope he does not betray the President’s trust in him),” Estrada said.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced on Thursday, May 29, Marcos' decision to appoint Torre, who oversaw two high-profile police operations leading to the arrests of Quiboloy and Duterte.
Torre will be replacing outgoing PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil. He will officially take over the helm of the PNP on June 2, Bersamin said.
Despite only being a two-star general, Marcos still chose Torre. Bersamin said this decision of the President should be respected.
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