Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has clarified that his comments on the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership transition represent only his personal view and are open to correction.
In a DZRH News video posted on August 26, dela Rosa explained that Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. cannot yet hold a 4-star rank while Gen. Nicolas Torre III remains in active service, noting that the law allows only one official in the organization to carry such a rank.
“Because according to the law there should be only one 4-star rank in the Philippine National Police and that is the chief PNP,” dela Rosa said. “Ngayon na siya ang chief PNP, siya ang binigyan ng 4-star rank, hindi pwedeng magkaroon ng dalawang 4-star.”
He added that Torre, who is still more than a year away from mandatory retirement, retains his 4-star status unless he voluntarily steps down. Otherwise, the sitting or acting PNP chief may have to remain at a 3-star level until Torre’s retirement.
Dela Rosa also pointed out that Torre may be placed in a non-command role, sometimes called a “floating status,” to account for his position and salary until he leaves the service. He emphasized, however, that Torre cannot be forced into early retirement, saying this could go against the law.
On the same day, Malacañang announced Torre’s immediate relief as PNP chief and named Nartatez as his replacement.
A day later, dela Rosa reposted the video on his social media account, adding a short caption: “My opinion only. I can be corrected.”
