Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, chief of the NCRPO. INQUIRER.net file photo / NOY MORCOSO
MANILA, Philippines — The appointment of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Police Major Gen. Debold Sinas as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) earned mixed reactions from senators on Monday, with one saying this would “definitely raise a lot of eyebrows.”
Despite facing a case for violating quarantine protocols when a party was held for his birthday in May, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Sinas as the country’s new top cop.
But for Senate President Vicente Sotto III, there are other concerns that should be addressed instead of the “petty mañanita issue” involving the police official.
“For one, he (Sinas) should start by reorienting the police force, [e]specially the anti-carnapping group,” Sotto said in a message to reporters.
He cited as an example the shooting in Cavite that led to the killing of a police officer.
“Ayaw magbigay ng papeles, dapat inaresto agad. Naunahan pa silang bumunot ng baril. PNP pa namatayan all because they were tentative in arresting the suspects,” the Sotto said.
“Just because there is a navy uniform hindi na pwedeng arestuhin agad when the violations are obvious?” he also asked.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former PNP chief, believes Sinas is a “good choice” for the position.
“Barring any controversy that MGen Sinas got entangled with in the past, he is a good choice for the top PNP post,” Lacson said in a statement.
“I’ve known him as a performer, always mission-oriented and undoubtedly will lead the police institution the way it should be led,” Lacson added.
Nevertheless, the senator expressed hope that Sinas was able to learn from the infamous “mañanita event.”
“The birthday mañanita event was a hard lesson that I hope he has learned from, and which he will surely remember whenever he will be confronted in making decisions affecting the PNP as well as his personal reputation,” Lacson said.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Sinas’ appointment would be a chance for him to prove he is “the best man for the job.”
“This appointment will definitely raise a lot of eyebrows. Despite that, Gen. Sinas should demonstrate his sincerity to continuously clean up the ranks of our police force starting by leading by example at all times,” Gatchalian said in a separate message to reporters.
“This is a chance for him to show us, the Filipino people, that he is the best man for the job and he has the heart to serve the nation,” he added.
On the other hand, Senator Francis Pangilinan said he is no longer surprised that Duterte would appoint Sinas in such a position.
“With all due respect, hindi na sorpresa na ang mga kakampi o kaalyado na nasasangkot sa mga kaso o katiwalian ay hindi pinaparasuhan, kinokonsinti o di kaya ay promoted pa,” Pangilinan said.
He mentioned the names of former Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Corrections (BOC) chief Nicanor Faeldon, former BOC commissioner Isidro Lapeña, and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who have been embroiled in controversies involving their respective agencies.
‘More meritorious choice’
Senator Risa Hontiveros said the President could have made a “more meritorious choice” for the next PNP chief.
“While Debold Sinas was my late husband’s underclassman and an old friend, unfortunately, the poor manner in which the PNP has acted on the waves of violence as well as minimized the risks of the coronavirus pandemic under his previous commands betrays his level of competence for this new role,” she said.
For his part, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said there should be “certain standards and qualifications that should be considered before one is considered, before one is appointed to head a very important organization.”
“They should be conscious that confidence of the people in the institution is very critical,” Drilon said in an online interview with reporters.
“They must make a judgment as to whether or not the pendency of that case will erode the confidence of the people in the PNP,” he added.
Another PNP chief-turned-lawmaker, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, earlier hailed the appointment of Sinas as the nation’s next police force boss.
READ: ‘Bato’ hails Sinas’ appointment as new PNP chief
Like Lacson, Dela Rosa said Sinas is a “very good choice” for the position.