Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 11) — Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II is returning to the Duterte administration, this time as commissioner of the National Police Commission.
Malacañang on Monday confirmed President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Aguirre’s appointment as NAPOLCOM commissioner, representing the private sector.
“Mr. Aguirre served as Department of Justice Secretary during the early years of the Duterte Administration. This bodes well in his new position to make the police service competent, effective, credible and responsive to our people’s needs,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.
Aguirre was DOJ chief for the first two years of the Duterte administration, before resigning amid controversies hounding the department. Before Aguirre left his post, the DOJ drew criticism over several decisions, including the dismissal of charges against alleged drug lords Peter Lim and Kerwin Espinosa, and the provisional admission of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles to the Witness Protection Program.
Last year, he was tagged by columnist Ramon Tulfo as protector of the “pastillas” bribery scheme, which allowed Chinese nationals to pay their way for easy entry to the Philippines. Aguirre has repeatedly denied this allegation, saying he knew nothing of the scheme before it was exposed.
In a statement, Aguirre thanked the President for his “continuing trust and confidence.”
“My appointment to the NAPOLCOM carries with it the challenge to address the concerns and the stumbling blocks toward a better police force that will serve and protect our countrymen,” he said. “Our countrymen have my solemn assurance that all my God-given talent, time, effort, and sacred honor will be invested toward this effort.”
