Sinas on mañanita reprieve from Duterte: ‘Natuwa ako at nahihiya’

MANILA, Philippines — Newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Monday said he is happy but at the same time embarrassed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest defense for the mañanita birthday serenade held for his birthday last May. 

“I’d like to thank the President for the trust and confidence. Ako po ay, parang nahihiya na ako kay President. Lalong dinepensahan po niya ulit ako tungkol po doon sa mañanita,” Sinas said in his first speech as PNP chief during the flag raising ceremony at Camp Crame.

(I am also somewhat embarrassed that he defended me again on the mañanita issue.)

“I have mixed feelings. Natuwa ako pero (I am happy but) at the same time nahihiya (embarrassed) . I am very happy for the support of the President for me as his Chief PNP. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Rest assured of our best in police service,” he also said. 

On Saturday, Duterte said Sinas will be pardoned if he will be found at fault for the mañanita controversy.

He said it was not the fault of Sinas that his men at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), where he previously served as regional director, threw a surprise celebration on his birthday.

Sinas and 18 other police officers are facing criminal and administrative complaints due to the controversial birthday serenade, held when Luzon and some parts of the country were still under enhanced community quarantine that banned mass gatherings.

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