PNoy eyes 'non-duty status' for PNP chief Bartolome

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome may be put on “non-duty status” before the year ends to allow President Benigno Aquino III to appoint his successor in time for the security preparations for next year's elections. Aquino bared this option Monday night in Laos after Bartolome reportedly refused to go on early retirement. Bartolome is set to retire on March 16 next year when he turns 56, the mandatory retirement age for policemen. “I’ll discuss that with him. And he might go on what is called the ‘no duty status.’ We’ll discuss exactly when. That might be the end November or sometime in December,” Aquino said during a media interaction Monday night in Vientiane, where he was attending the 9th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit. Aquino’s plan will virtually put Bartolome at the backburner. In contrast, PNP directorial staff chief Deputy Director General Alan Purisima, touted as the one most likely to replace Bartolome, will get more action as commander of the PNP Task Force Halalan. Aquino expressed apprehension over Bartolome’s plan to retire on schedule on March 16 as it would mean that the PNP would be in transition at the height of the campaign period for the May 13, 2013 elections, which he said he wants to be peaceful and orderly. “Medyo ilan buwan na kaming nagtatrabaho doon sa pag-suppress, ’yung pag-aresto n’ung mga private armed groups. Medyo nabahala ako, parang ang dami kong nababasang parang incidents and violence connected with either incumbent or former government officials. So if I’m not mistaken baka may four or five months nang ongoing ‘yan at marami nang mga arrest na pinaggagawa,” he said. “So at the time when it’s most critical that the person who will be directly in charge of the peace and order situation suddenly retires at kumbaga peak n’ung tensed days ay mukhang mali naman yata ‘yon,” Aquino added. Aquino said based on information reaching him, Bartolome is not keen on early retirement because of how it would affect his pension and benefits. “Explanation nila sa akin, in particular, was ‘pag nag-retire siya before that baka may mababawas and entitled naman siya doon sa kanyang pension, benefits, etcetera. We’re checking that out,” Aquino said. He said he wants the next PNP chief to have the chance to organize and put in place the necessary people to ensure orderly and peaceful elections. He said this cannot be done if there is already a ban on the movement and appointment of government officials.   Aquino also noted possible questions that may be raised on the movements of PNP officials near election day. He said this would cause an “unnecessary irritant.” According to the Commission on Elections, the campaign period for local positions is from March 29 to May 11. Government expects election-related violence to peak at that time due to heated rivalry among political clans. The ban on the transfer or movement of civil service officials is from January 13 to June 12, 2013. The ban on the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation or filling up of new positions, and promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege is on March 29 to May 13, 2013.  — KBK, GMA News