Amid talks of 'non-duty' status, it's work as usual for PNP chief Bartolome, spokesman says

Published November 12, 2012 9:29am

Amid talks of a non-duty status for him, it is still work as usual for National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, the spokesman for the police organization said Monday.

A report by radio dzBB's Tuesday Niu quoted PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. as saying that Bartolome is not making so-called farewells to various provinces in the country. Cerbo was quoted in the report as saying that Bartolome's provincial visits, including one to Davao City last week, were not an opportunity for him to say goodbye to police personnel nationwide.

Speculation of Bartolome stepping down before his retirement date in March 2013 stemmed from President Benigno Aquino III's plan to place Bartolome on non-duty status. “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 in Vientiane last November 6 when he attended the 9th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit. A police personnel on non-duty status means he or she is still a member of the police organization who is just waiting for his or her retirement to come. Those on non-duty status are not given specific positions or functions while awaiting their retirement. 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. A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1980, Bartolome is scheduled to retire on March 16 next year when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. Aquino had said that he wants the leadership transition to take place at an earlier time, noting the date’s proximity to the elections in May.

Bartolome had said that he doesn’t mind being relegated to “non-duty status” in order for Aquino to appoint his successor at an earlier time.

“The latest I am hearing is that the president might ask me to consider an early retirement or non-duty status, so I am open to the idea, I am open to it. Whatever the president desires I will follow,” Bartolome told reporters at a press briefing in Camp Crame last week. Bartolome likewise said that it would not be the first time that a PNP officer will be placed on non-duty status. Without mentioning names, he said a number of police generals had opted to go under non-duty status to give way to younger officers.

Aquino had wanted to name Bartolome's successor early so the PNP can have a smooth transition in ensuring peace and order in the run-up to the May 2013 elections.

But Cerbo said that until Bartolome is actually placed on non-duty status, Bartolome will continue discharging his duties.

He also said that if Bartolome is placed on non-duty status, the PNP will announce it. — RSJ, GMA News

Tags: nicanorbartolome, philippinenationalpolice,