Dela Rosa to new PNP chief Sinas: 'May the force be with you'

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Monday congratulated Police Major General Debold Sinas who was named as the next Philippine National Police chief.

"Congratulations and good luck! May the force be with you!" Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, addressed Sinas in a text message to GMA News Online.

He added that Sinas should "continue the internal cleansing program and sustain the gains of the PNP's anti-drugs and anti-criminality campaign."

Sinas was a "good choice" and has a "proven track record," according to Dela Rosa. He added that "nobody is perfect in this world."

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano previously said three names were submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte as candidates to replace outgoing PNP chief Police General Camilo Cascolan who is set to retire on November 10.

Malacañang on Monday announced that Sinas was chosen by the President.

Sinas got entangled in the "mañanita controversy" which happened during the enforcement of strict lockdowns in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte, meanwhile, defended Sinas and refused to remove him from his post as National Capital Region Police Office chief.

"He is a good officer, he's an honest one. Hindi niya kasalanan kung may mangharana sa kanya sa birthday niya," the President said.

Meanwhile, opposition Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Duterte's decision to promote Sinas was not surprising at all.

"With all due respect, hindi na sorpresa na ang mga kakampi o kaalyado na nasasangkot sa mga kaso o katiwalian ay hindi pinaparasuhan, kinukunsinti o 'di kaya ay promoted pa," he said, claiming that the same treatment were given by the President to former Customs commissioners Nicanor Faeldon and Isidro Lapeña, as well as Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who had been allegedly involved in various controversies.

Prior to the announcement regarding Sinas' appointment, Senator Panfilo Lacson, also a former PNP chief, said that those who were shortlisted for the post are "all qualified and fit" but underscored that "trust and confidence will always play a major role in the appointment" of the country's top cop.—AOL, GMA News