Lacson Slams Torre; "Overstepped his Authority"

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday castigated Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III for what he described as a clear overreach of authority after Torre unilaterally relieved his deputy, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., from his post.

Lacson, a former PNP chief himself, underscored that any major movement within the PNP’s Command Group is not solely within the discretion of the chief but must undergo proper clearance from higher authorities, including the President, the chairperson of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), or the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Even during my time under the Estrada administration, when I was given wide latitude in running the PNP, I never bypassed key officials when it came to major assignments or reassignments,” Lacson recalled.

He further emphasized that the power to appoint or relieve a PNP Chief rests exclusively with the President, adding that Torre’s move undermines established protocols.

As the leadership issue unfolds, Malacañang has already stepped in. A memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has formally designated Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the new chief of the Philippine National Police

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail