PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, April 4, 2024 at Heroes Hall, Malacanang Palace. Yummie Dinging, PPA pool/File 

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is inclined to extend the term of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil for another six months to ensure stability during the midterm polls, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday.

Marcos earlier said that he was studying the possible term extension of Marbil, who is set to retire this February at the mandatory age of 56.

“He is inclined [to extend Marbil’s term]. Inclined lang ang word na ginamit niya,” Remulla said.

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He brushed off concerns that keeping Marbil for another 6 months could cause grumblings among the senior leadership of the Philippine National Police.

“Six months lang naman ang extension at most so I don’t see any reason. Mas importante iyon stability ng institution lalong-lalo na during elections,” he said. 

“Kasi ngayon, tapos na ang reassignment ng mga tao eh so kung magkakaroon ng bagong PNP Chief, hindi rin siya makaka-reassign ng tao. So, might as well keep the status quo for… after the BARMM elections tapos pipili na ng bago ang Pangulo.”

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The official revealed that the President already had a list of contenders for Marbil’s successor.

“Oo naman, mayroon na. Mayroon na at alam ninyo rin naman kung sino iyong mga iyan, iyong mga contenders. Siyempre nasa top sila ng hierarchy so it’s the President's prerogative to announce kung sino ang choice niya,” he said.

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