Marcos names lawyer Calinisan as Napolcom vice chair, executive officer

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan as vice chairperson and executive officer of the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

This was confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday.

Asked if Calinisan’s designation does not violate the appointment ban due to Eleksyon 2025, Bersamin said it was only an “internal movement.”

“May term of office sila pareho,” he added. 

Based on a document forwarded by Calinisan to GMA News Online, Marcos signed his designation on April 15.

Calinisan replaced Ricardo Bernabe III.

In a social media post, Napolcom congratulated Calinisan over his latest appointment. He served as commissioner of the said agency.

Calinisan, in a statement, said he was deeply honored and grateful to Marcos for entrusting him to be the vice chairperson and executive officer of the Commission.

The lawyer, who has been serving as a commissioner of the NAPOLCOM, vowed to perform his new functions to the best of his ability.

He acknowledged that “much is at stake” considering that the NAPOLCOM exercises administrative control and operational supervision over the Philippine National Police.

“To our dedicated men and women in uniform, I assure you that your morale and welfare will remain at the heart of our mission.  We will continue to nurture professionalism, integrity and excellence within our ranks,” he said.

“And to the Filipino people, I affirm my continuing commitment to listen and respond to your concerns. Together, we will uphold transparency, accountability, social justice and effective service by both the NAPOLCOM and the PNP to ensure a safe nation for all.  Please help me succeed,” he added.

Calinisan said that his designation as NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer is his third presidential appointment in the past six months.

In November 2024, Calinisan became a NAPOLCOM commissioner. 

Before this, he served as a chairperson and executive officer in Quezon City’s People’s Law Enforcement Board. —AOL, GMA Integrated News