Sen. Estrada: Torre not a good choice as next PNP chief

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senator Jinggoy Estrada is disappointed that Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III is set to become the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, saying that he is “not a good choice” for the position.

In an interview on Saturday, May 31, Estrada expressed his disagreement with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to promote the outgoing Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief.

READ: Nicolas Torre III is next PNP chief 

“For me, that is not a good choice. Ngayon lang tayo magkakaroon ng napaka-aroganteng chief PNP (It is only now that we will have a very arrogant PNP chief),” he said.

The lawmaker questioned Torre’s achievements, citing his role in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy.

When asked if he thinks the position was only a “reward” for those arrests, Estrada answered: “Your guess is as good as mine.”

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin earlier said Torre’s promotion is a reward “based on merit.”

Marcos picked Torre’s name among five candidates for PNP chief. Torre will be the 31st PNP chief and the third under the current administration.