Sinas' promotion won't affect criminal charges over mañanita —Palace

Police Major General Debold Sinas’ appointment as the next head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will not affect the criminal charges filed against him for alleged violations of quarantine protocols, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Sinas is facing criminal charges before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office over his birthday celebration in May, which was held despite the prohibition against mass gatherings, including parties, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The appointment of course will have no bearing on the decision of the Taguig Prosecutor’s Office,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

He also said the administrative charges against Sinas have not been dismissed.

Roque said on Monday that President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Sinas, the outgoing Metro Manila police chief, to lead the PNP because of his contributions to the war on drugs.

The Palace official also appealed to the public to give Sinas a chance to prove his worth.

“And let’s see after six months [if] he will inspire people,” Roque said.

Sinas was expected to assume the leadership of the PNP on Tuesday afternoon, replacing the retiring Police General Camilo Cascolan.  —KBK, GMA News