Duterte can still extend Gamboa's term as PNP chief –Lacson

President Rodrigo Duterte can still decide to extend the term of retiring Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Gamboa, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Monday.

"Call ng Presidente mag-extend ng [term ng] chief PNP kung wala pa siyang napipili kasi nagawa na rin ito, noong panahon ni Senator [Ronald "Bato"] Dela Rosa 'di ba na-extend siya ng Pangulo. Kung 'di pa ready ang Pangulo pumili ng kung sinong papalit, I think he can extend the service of General Gamboa," Lacson, also a former PNP chief, said in an online interview.

The COVID-19 situation and the recent bombings in Jolo could be among the reasons to defer the change in leadership.

That being said, Lacson would rather not meddle in Duterte's decision.

"Call na ng executive 'yan, 'di naman para panghimasukan namin 'yan kasi nasa prerogative and authority ng Pangulo 'yan," he said.

Gamboa will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on September 2.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque would be announcing the next PNP chief on Tuesday. — DVM, GMA News