Editor’s note: Any opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — On a rare occasion, it appears that President Benigno Aquino III’s move on the long-awaited appointment of a new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief has not been getting flak but approval instead from some of the country’s most influential political figures – allies and non-allies alike.
Sen. Grace Poe, arguably the country’s most sought-after presidential bet — if ever she would decide to run next year — said on Tuesday (July 14) that she was happy over the appointment although she didn’t know Marquez personally.
“Ako ay natutuwa na nakapagtalaga na ng permanenteng chief PNP upang magbigay ng kinakailangang direksyon at pamumuno sa buong kapulisan,” Poe said in a statement.
[I am happy with the appointment of a permanent chief PNP to give leadership and direction for the whole police force.]
Poe, an administration ally and who was leading in recent presidentiable surveys, said the country should pray and support the new top cop for him to succeed with his new role.
Marquez will be playing a crucial role when he assumes post on July 16 as new PNP chief. His term will last until August 2016.
This means he will be at the helm of the police force before, during and well after the 2016 presidential elections.
For his part, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., — who is not exactly an Aquino admirer and whose latest tiff with Malacañan was over the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law — also welcomed the president’s choice.
Marcos said that he had been going to bat for a permanent replacement since the suspension of former PNP chief, Alan Purisima — citing that a mere officer-in-charge “lacks authority to initiate permanent policies that are crucial to the operation of the Philippine National Police.”
The lawmaker also noted that he personally knew Marquez because he once served as PNP director for Region 1 or the Ilocos Region — known to be a Marcos bailiwick.
“I am confident that he has the ability and experience to lead the PNP and that he will discharge his duty to the best of his ability,” Marcos said.
Who is Marquez?
A product of the public school system in Cavite, Marquez graduated from Tulay Elementary School and Bucal National High School before joining the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1978.
He completed the Baguio military schooling in 1982 and later, took up a masteral degree at the Philippine Christian University along Taft Ave., Manila.
Marquez held various provincial posts as a bemedaled Constabulary and police official since then.
Among his latest key roles was leading the Special Task Force Papal Visit 2015 which had 25,000 policemen securing the safety of Pope Francis during his January 15 to 19 visit to the Philippines.
For that, he received the Pope Francis Service Medal — although he was linked into an alleged missing allowance issue after some officers claimed they did not receive the full amount of P2,400.
