Sinas thanks Duterte for defending him, urges critics to 'move on'

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas on Wednesday expressed gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for defending him despite the controversy over his May 8 mañanita and urged his critics to "move on."

"First, I'd like to thank the President for the trust and confidence. Thank you po, Mr. President at narecognize niyo po ako... ako po ay talagang natutuwa na the President has recognized our effort," Sinas told reporters.

"'Yung iba kung nagkamali man, okay lang, tuloy lang ang trabaho. Ang guidance naman ni President, tuloy ang trabaho at ipagpatuloy ang magandang gawain. 'Yun po ang gagawin namin," he added.

Sinas said he did not have a chance to personally talk to Duterte but he admitted that he is in high morale because of the President's latest remark.

The NCRPO chief also said he would move on from the issue, hoping that his critics will do the same: "Hopefully maka-move on sila kasi ako magmo-move on na ako eh."

Duterte, in a televised press conference Tuesday night, described Sinas as a good and honest cop, saying that it was not his fault if his subordinates had surprised him during his birthday.

Duterte also said Sinas will stay in his post as NCRPO chief.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service said Duterte's pronouncement would not have any impact on Sinas' case.

The criminal and administrative complaints filed against him will push through, according to IAS Inspector General Attorney Alfegar Triambulo. --KBK, GMA News