MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte again extended the term of Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
The chief executive announced his decision on Tuesday, in a speech during the induction of the new board of directors of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce in Malacañang.
“I still have to institute continuing reforms with the police, and the police has always been a problem…And that is why the PNP (chief) now whose supposed to retire on the 24th of April and because he enjoys my trust and confidence, I will extend his term for a little bit longer.”
This is the second time that Duterte extended Dela Rosa’s term. The PNP chief was supposed to retire last January 21, his 56th birthday. But the President, last December, announced that he would extend Dela Rosa’s term for three months.
CLICK AND WATCH a video clip of the reaction of Dela Rosa to the extension of his tour of duty, below:
During his speech, the President noted that this would be “the first time” that a PNP chief’s term would again be lengthened. But the top leader didn’t say until when Dela Rosa would lead the PNP.
“I’m sure the Executive Secretary (Salvador Medialdea) is also surprised. Because I was reviewing last night the… that’s what I do,” the President said.
“I do not read contracts, that’s not my business. I was reading the state of affairs and I said I have to…I would need somebody still to continue with the reforms. So General Dela Rosa, he’s popularly called “Bato,” will have an extended term,” he added.
