Dela Rosa on extended term as PNP chief: No problem
Director General Ronald dela Rosa said Wednesday he is ready to stay on as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief up to the maximum extension allowed under the law.
If that happens, dela Rosa could serve as PNP chief until January 21 next year which is just in time for the national and local elections.
Dela Rosa is rumored to run either for senator or governor in the 2019 midterm elections.
"I was surprised when that news came out. There is no problem for me, I'll just continue, continue the fight," said dela Rosa.
A day earlier President Duterte announced he would extend dela Rosa’s tour of duty “a little bit longer” saying the top police official continues to enjoy his trust and confidence.
Dela Rosa was supposed to have retired last January 21 when he turns 56. His service was extended to April 21, until the President made another announcement.
While happy that he continues to enjoy the President’s trust, dela Rosa said the two extensions also means more pressure for him to deliver.
He said he is in the middle of two tough fights, one against drugs and the other against rogue policemen.
"He (Duterte) still needs me in the fight against scalawag policemen. This is really the hardest fight, fighting the scalawags within the organization," said Dela Rosa.
As to the war on drugs, he said he believes the President is satisfied with his accomplishments of having more than 1.3 million surrenderers, 120,000 arrests and a big dent in the illegal drugs trade in the country.
Dela Rosa said he only learned about Duterte's announcement through the social media posts of some Malacañang reporters which were shown to him by his aides and fellow police officials.
"I am also happy that I will be given the chance to serve the country further," he said.
The top post of Bureau of Corrections had been promised to him after his supposed retirement on April 21.
"On the other hand, I was sad because my retirement plans are spoiled. I have already plans with my family after retirement but I am sure that they will understand it," said Dela Rosa.
"That's how it works in the kind of profession that we have. Our family is always the second priority," he added.
Dela Rosa's extended term means that police generals who are gunning for the top PNP post will have to wait a little longer.
Dela Rosa himself said he knows how it feels, noting that there are a lot of police officials who are qualified to continue what the President wants.
He added that he knows the President's decision may not be welcome news to some police officials.
"Even during the time that there was no extension announcement, I already felt some backlash. You cannot really please everyone," said dela Rosa.
He stressed that it would be highly unfair to other police officials to say that he alone has what it takes to continue the fight against illegal drugs.