Palace: Duterte has own ‘vetting style’

President Duterte has his own “vetting style” in choosing the next top cop and chief magistrate of the country, and may not appoint someone recommended by his top officiais.

Malacañang on Thursday said only the President makes the final decision in appointing key government officials, without any outside influence.

“The President is the only one who decides. Though it is only natural that he might receive [vetting], but I doubt it’s from the Cabinet,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

He added: “The style of the President is that if someone recommends you, he will not appoint you.”

Pressed if Mr. Duterte’s trusted allies such as Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa, or even his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, give their recommendations, Panelo said the President “has his own style of vetting.”

“He has his own style of vetting … Those who know him well will not dare recommend, because they know that it’s likely that the ones they will recommend won’t get appointed,” he said.

Panelo made the remarks when asked if there are members of the President’s supposed inner circle advising him about appointing key government officials.

Mr. Duterte has yet to announce his choice for the next Philippine National Police chief and the next Chief Justice.

The PNP is currently headed by an officer in charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, following the resignation of Gen. Oscar Albayalde amid the “ninja” cops controversy.

The reported aspirants for PNP chief include Gamboa; the PNP deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan; the chief directorial staff, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar; and the Manila Police District director, Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr.

On the other hand, the position of Chief Justice will be left vacant when Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin retires today, as he turns 70.

The Judicial and Bar Council has submitted three names to the President.

The three who made it to the shortlist are Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Andres Reyes Jr.

The President has 90 days from the date of the vacancy to appoint a new Chief Justice.

Upon Bersamin’s retirement, Peralta will be the second most senior magistrate, followed by Bernabe. Reyes will be the sixth most senior magistrate.

Panelo said the President had not mentioned who would be likely appointed the next Chief Justice, but said a decision may be forthcoming with Bersamin’s retirement.

“Maybe there will be an announcement soon, if there will be a retirement on Friday. Or maybe there will be an officer-in-charge,” the Palace official said.