House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez has reiterated his call for the resignation of Philippine National Police chief Director General Roland “Bato” M. de La Rosa, saying that the police organization needs a new leader who could command utmost respect from everybody in the force.
Alvarez’s call won swift backing from a senior administration lawmaker as an opposition stalwart pinned the blame on the kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo to President Duterte.
“President Duterte gave cops blanket authority to do what they want in the name of his war on drugs. Without his orders – no one would go to jail and a pardon would await those who are prosecuted – this impunity by rouge police officers would have not happened,” said Akbayan Rep. Tomas Villarin in a press statement.
However, ACT Teachers partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio backed Alvarez’s call for De la Rosa’s resignation, stressing that the PNP needs leadership change to drive home the point that Duterte is serious in his anti-criminality campaign.
As far as Alvarez is concerned, blame should fall squarely on De la Rosa’s inability to command complete respect from his men.
The House leader stressed that Duterte’s serious concern in winning the war against illegal drugs requires a strong PNP leadership that can guarantee success. (Ben R. Rosario)