The Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., talks to members of the media after a testimonial parade and review in his honor at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on Saturday, November 11, 2023. INQUIRER.net/Faith Argosino
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Monday thanked President Marcos for extending his term for another four months.
In a speech during the flag-raising ceremony in Camp Crame, Acorda expressed his deepest gratitude for the President.
“I am truly honored and humbled by his continued trust and confidence in my capability,” he said.
Malacañang earlier announced Mr. Marcos’ decision in a letter to Acorda: “I wish to inform you that, pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, your service as Chief (Police General), Philippine National Police, is hereby extended until 31 March 2024.”
Birthday in Marawi
On Sunday, Acorda celebrated his 56th birthday, the compulsory retirement age for PNP personnel.
The PNP chief spent his birthday in Marawi City to oversee the situation after the bomb explosion at a gymnasium at the Mindanao State University. The blast killed four people and wounded at least 50.
Acorda is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991. He was appointed by Mr. Marcos as the PNP’s 29th chief on April 24 this year.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abajos was also informed of Acorda’s extension of service in a Dec. 1 transmittal letter signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Abalos, as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, chairs the National Police Commission, which exercises administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP.
Exemplary
In extending Acorda’s service, the Office of the President cited Executive Order No. 136, series of 1999, which recognizes the power of the President to approve the extension of service of presidential appointees beyond the compulsory retirement age for exemplary meritorious reasons.
The Palace statement announcing the extension noted how Acorda “has successfully led the police force since his appointment in April this year.”
“Acorda has led the PNP to focus on an agenda for a more effective police force such as the Personnel Morale and Welfare, Community Engagement, Integrity Enhancement, ICT Development, and Honest Law Enforcement Operations,” the statement added.
Acorda has been serving in the PNP for almost 37 years. He was the head of the PNP directorate for intelligence before becoming the PNP chief.
This was not the first time that a PNP chief’s term was extended beyond the mandatory retirement age.
On Aug. 23, 2004, on the same day of his appointment as PNP chief, Edgar Aglipay’s term was immediately extended by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Aglipay’s term was supposed to end in September 2004 but he went on to serve until March 13, 2005.
The extension was met with protests and criticisms from the police force.
In 2018, then President Rodrigo Duterte extended the term of then PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa, who was supposed to retire on Jan. 21. Dela Rosa, now a senator, served until April 24 that year.