Duterte on Sinas amid mañanita controversy: Ako yung ayaw na malipat siya

President Rodrigo Duterte has defended National Capital Region police chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas following the controversy involving the cop's mañanita on his birthday.

"Ako yung ayaw na malipat siya. He is a good officer, he's an honest one. Hindi niya kasalanan kung may mangharana sa kanya sa birthday niya," Duterte said in an address that aired well into Wednesday morning.

Sinas had come under fire over a gathering during his birthday amid the COVID-19 quarantine. Photos shared in the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Facebook account went viral as it showed members of Sinas' team getting together, drawing criticism for violating quarantine rules such as social distancing and mass gatherings.

"Siyempre may mga meryenda yan may pagkain, alangan naman kainin nila yung mask," Duterte said in defense.

Sinas has apologized for the incident, but maintained that attendees practiced social distancing during the event. He also claimed that photos that circulated online were edited, even as the NCRPO has removed the Facebook post.

Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Gamboa has said Sinas would not be relieved of the NCRPO job, even as the PNP filed a criminal complaint against him and 18 others.

Duterte said Sinas won't be removed from his post amid the controversy.

"Sabihin mo the law is the law well... akin na yun. He stays there," the President said.

"Kailangan ko yung tao. Mas kailangan ko yung tao dito sa trabaho niya," Duterte added, while acknowledging Sinas' seniority.

"It is his time to be there. I do not believe in just firing him just because kinantahan siya ng happy birthday." —JST, GMA News