Metro Manila. Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it has recommended to the president the official appointment of PLTGen Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, not just in an acting capacity.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla relayed this to senators during deliberations on his agency’s proposed 2026 budget, which includes the PNP.
“According to our DILG secretary, they have forwarded already to the Office of the President yun pong for the permanent appointment of our current chief PNP,” Senator JV Ejercito, who was defending the agency’s budget, said in a Senate session on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
He made the statement in response to a query from Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, himself a former PNP chief.
“Is there still a plan to reconsider General [Nicolas] Torre to be recalled as chief PNP that’s why General Nartatez is still acting?” Lacson asked.
Lacson said he had not discussed the issue with Nartatez but was wondering why the latter remained acting PNP chief three months into his appointment as officer in charge and later as acting chief.
Nartatez replaced the controversial Torre, whom President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. relieved for allegedly defying a National Police Commission order involving senior officials, including reinstating Nartatez as then-deputy chief for administration.
Lacson said Nartatez’ three-star rank was not an issue.
“There’s no legal impediment… ngayon kung tinetest pa nila si Tateng [now if they’re still testing Nartatez] I have no question anymore,” he said.
