Bartolome not yet packed, but ready to go

Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

His bags aren’t packed, but he’s ready to go.

Saying he did not want to give the commander-in-chief any problems, beleaguered Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome on Wednesday broke his silence on President Aquino’s reported plan to place him on  non-duty status ahead of his official retirement date.

Bartolome said he did not in any way resent the President’s announcing to the media that he would be asked to give up the top police post ahead of his mandatory retirement on March 16, 2013.

He said he welcomed Mr. Aquino’s decision with an open heart.

“I look at it positively. I should not be the worry of the commander-in-chief. I should not be a problem,” Bartolome told a news briefing.

“I work at the pleasure of the President. Our service (in the PNP) depends on the need for a particular period,” he added.

“So I am open to the idea (of retiring early). Whatever the President desires, I will follow. I’m ready (to accept) whatever the decision of the President,” he said.

He also agreed with the President’s assessment that giving his successor more time to prepare for the 2013 elections would allow the PNP to map out its security measures more effectively.

“I am a member of the team of the commander-in-chief. He’s our team leader. I know that a team member should be flexible,” Bartolome said.

However, Mr. Aquino has yet to formally discuss the matter with him, he said.

Neither has the President offered him any government post after his retirement, he said.

“That’s not a condition for me to either retire early or go on a non-duty status,” Bartolome stressed.

He said he expects the President to call him to a meeting in the next few days to discuss whether he should file for early retirement or be placed on a non-duty status. Marlon Ramos