Names of 2 candidates for PNP OIC post submitted to Duterte, says Año

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday said he has submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte two candidates for acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief position.

In a radio interview, Año said he considered seniority and competence in choosing the candidates. He did not identify the two police officials.

“Nakapag-submit na ako ng aking recommendation last Tuesday sa ating Pangulo [I have submitted my recommendation to our President last Tuesday],” he said.

“Two senior police officials ang pangalan na ibinigay namin at maaaring mamili ang pangulo kung sino ang itatalaga niya dito pero ito ay in an acting capacity lang o OIC lang,” he added.

(We submitted the names of two senior police officials and the President may choose between them who he would appoint to head the PNP in an acting capacity only.)

Citing Article 7 Section 15 of the Constitution, Año said the president can only order temporary appointments within 60 days before the national elections.

He added that it would be up to Duterte if he would consider his recommendation.

Earlier, the PNP assured the public that it can still secure the 2022 elections despite its change of leadership a day before Election Day.

Current PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos is set to retire on May 8, 2022 — a day before the national and local elections — upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Carlos was appointed PNP chief — the seventh under the Duterte administration — on November 12, 2021. —KBK, GMA News