President Duterte has refused to fire or transfer National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas over his controversial birthday gathering, saying he needed the police official in the post.
In his public address late Tuesday night, the President said Sinas will stay in his post until further orders, believing that he is a “good” and “honest” police officer.
Duterte came to the defense of Sinas a few days after the filing of a criminal complaint against him for alleged violation of quarantine protocols during his birthday celebration.
“Ako ‘yung ayaw na malipat siya. He is a good officer. He is an honest one at hindi niya kasalanan kung may magharana sa kanya sa birthday niya,” the President said in his remarks aired on state television.
Duterte said he studied the “merits and demerits” of the case and decided he would not just fire Sinas.
“Kailangan ko ‘yung tao. Mas kailangan ko yung tao dito sa trabaho niya. They are all competent but you know seniority. It is his time to be there and I do not believe in just firing him because kinantahan siya ng ‘Happy Birthday,” he said.
On allegations that Sinas and his guests were not wearing face masks during the gathering, Duterte argued that it was natural to remove such covering since they were eating.
“Sabi mo the law is law, well akin na ‘yun. It’s my responsibility but I will not order his transfer. He stays there until further orders,” he added.
Duterte also believed that Sinas would not oppose the gathering if he knew beforehand about the “mañanita” or the traditional birthday welcome by his colleagues.
“I’m sure kung alam ni Sinas ‘yan, hindi siya pumayag. Pero kung nandiyan na rin, mañanita nga,” he added.
Sinas recently drew criticisms after photos of his “mañanita” or early morning birthday serenade last May 8 surfaced online. The birthday event attended by dozens of cops occurred despite the government’s strict quarantine rules, including a ban on large gatherings.
Sinas has apologized for the incident but argued that they followed physical distancing and other health precautions during the celebration. (Genalyn Kabiling)
