Malacañang confirmed Friday that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has not yet decided whether he will accept the new role that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. offered to him after his 85-day stint in the PNP.
The position remains unclear at present with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla only hinting that it has something to do with fighting corruption.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro told Malacañang-based reporters that Torre has not yet responded regarding the offer. The former PNP chief, however, already ruled out speculation that it is the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) post.
“There really is an offer as we said, and as of now, there are no comments yet. Let’s just wait for General Torre’s positive reaction to this,” Castro said.
The Palace official did not disclose what position was offered to Torre, amid speculation that he was being considered to replace NBI Director Jaime Santiago, who tendered his irrevocable resignation.
Torre said he does not see himself qualified for the NBI post.
“Maybe they’ll offer him a different position,” Castro said.
Torre took the reins as PNP chief in June, replacing retired police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
His possible appointment is being closely watched, as former top police officials have often been tapped to serve in various government agencies following their retirement from the service.
In a recent interview with reporters at the House of Representatives, Torre said he respects President Marcos’ decision to relieve him, adding he remains supportive of his administration.
“I have no grudge, and I’m a good soldier. If there’s an order, I just follow it… This is not the first time it has happened in my career. It happened time and again, and I always managed to bounce back,” Torre said.
The former top cop declined to give details on his possible new role in the government and deferred any announcement to the appointing authority. He is currently on leave from the PNP.
