Newly-appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Debold Sinas thanked President Rodrigo R. Duterte for defending him yet again on the Mañanita issue.
President Duterte stated that he takes full responsibility in appointing PGen. Sinas as the PNP Chief despite the ongoing controversy regarding Sinas’ alleged violation of the minimum health protocols when he celebrated his birthday in May while Metro Manila was under strict quarantine.
The Chief Executive believes that Sinas did not do anything wrong.
“Hindi kasalanan ng pobreng Sinas na ‘yan na pumunta sila roon. Hindi naman niya alam. Mañanita nga, surprise. At kung may kasalanan siya roon, pardon na siya. (Their attendance is not poor Sinas’ fault. He didn’t know about it. It’s Mañanita, a surprise. And if he has any fault, he is already pardoned).”
Given the support of the Chief Executive, Sinas expressed “mixed feelings. Natuwa ako pero at the same time nahihiya (I’m glad but embarassed at the same time). I’m very happy for the support of the President.”
PNP Chief Sinas assured President Duterte that he will do everything in his power for the good of the police force. He also stated that he has no new policies to implement under his command and just continue the programs of the past PNP heads instead.
“Hindi ko babaguhin yung gulong para lang sabihin na sa akin. Kung ano yung policy talaga, ayon na ‘yun for continuity (I will not change the wheel just to say it’s mine. Whatever the policy is, it is for continuity).”
Meanwhile, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra disclosed that the Taguig Prosecutors Office will still finish the preliminary investigation on the complaint filed by the PNP Internal Affairs Service against Sinas due to possible violation of quarantine protocols.
Sec. Guevara pointed out that “executive clemency may come only after finding guilt. If there’s no finding of guilt, there’s no room for the application of executive clemency.”
Report from Bea Bernardo
