Representative Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-List on Wednesday questioned President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s continued silence over the dismissal of former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
According to the report by RH Milky Rigonan on "Rapido Hataw Balita," during the 2026 budget deliberations for the PNP and the National Police Commission (Napolcom), De Lima raised concerns on the lack of explanation from Malacañang regarding Torre’s removal.
"Sabi ko nga bakit hindi nagsasalita ang Pangulo and I also find some conflict in the statement, hindi ko lang po alam kung tama ang pagkakarinig ko from SILG [Jonvic Remulla], na despite his relief he still has the trust of the President," De Lima said.
"I don't understand that while you deal with your appointees especially the executive level including the PNP, it is based in trust and confidence. Now you can dismissed them for lack of trust and confidence. Ano po ba ang tama doon, Mr. President still has trust on with the Gen. Torre, tama po ba ang sinabi ni SILG? Why would he relieve somebody if he still trusts. I'm confused about the official line.
The lawmaker further argued that if Torre truly enjoyed the President’s trust, this should have outweighed the alleged overreach of his authority.
"Many were surprised about the development of sacking or relieving the former PNP chief, Torre," the lawmaker said.
"We have not heard from the president," she added.
On the part of Napolcom, Commissioner Rafael Calinisan explained that Torre’s reshuffling of certain PNP officials did not comply with commission requirements.
Calinisan added that the former PNP chief's actions also violated Civil Service laws and existing Napolcom resolutions.
The Palace earlier confirmed that Marcos has offered Torre a new position in government.
