MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promoted a police officer who led the historic arrest of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, as part of a broader government reorganisation following a setback in recent elections.
Police Major General Nicolas Torre will head the national police force, replacing retiring chief Rommel Marbil, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a briefing on Thursday (May 29).
Torre led the arrest of Duterte in March, enforcing an Interpol warrant after the International Criminal Court sought his capture. Duterte is now detained in the Netherlands, awaiting trial for alleged crimes against humanity during his controversial war on drugs.
"Most promotions are given on merit. Let us assume that this was given on merit,” Bersamin said, when asked if Torre’s appointment was a reward for his role in the arrest.
Marcos has publicly feuded with the Duterte family over political differences, although the president has recently signaled he’s willing to reconcile. Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, is vice president of the Philippines, and May 12’s midterm elections showed the clan retains significant support.
Lawyer Darlene Berberabe has been named new solicitor general, replacing Menardo Guevarra, Bersamin said.
Guevarra, a former justice secretary under Duterte, had earlier refused to defend the government over the legality of Duterte’s arrest before the Supreme Court. His stance on Duterte’s arrest was not a factor in Marcos’ decision to accept his resignation, Bersamin said.
Marcos last week asked his entire cabinet to submit so-called courtesy resignations. He then retained his economic team, helping ease investor concern over policy continuity.
Bersamin said retained officials include Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
"Each resignation accepted is based on a careful assessment of whether the standards set by the president for efficiency and leadership have been met,” Bersamin said. "Some have delivered, others have not.”
Read: Marcos Keeps Philippine Economic Team, Replaces Top Diplomat
The Cabinet shakeup followed a sharp drop in the president’s popularity and his candidates’ underwhelming performance in the midterm Senate election early this month. - Bloomberg
