No need for loyalty check among cops – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police does not need to conduct a loyalty check among its ranks amid rumors of grumblings from senior officers after President Marcos extended the term of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. until March next year.

The response of police officials to Acorda’s term extension has been positive, PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo maintained yesterday.

“There is no need for a loyalty check. Iisa lamang ‘yung loyalty natin: that is our loyalty to the
police organization, to the administration and to our country,” Fajardo told reporters at a news briefing.

Fajardo made the statement after text messages circulated that some senior PNP officers were seeking clarification on why Acorda was still in his post even after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Sunday.

Fajardo said the extension of Acorda’s tour of duty has legal basis.

“It is the President’s directive – a decision that should be respected,” she said. “Only the President has the prerogative to choose the chief PNP. In this case, to extend the term of PNP chief Acorda.”

On Monday, the Presidential Communications Office announced that Marcos extended Acorda’s term by four months or until March 31, 2024.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his inspection of places of convergence in Quezon City following the bombing in Marawi, Acorda vowed to work harder to show that he deserves the President’s trust and confidence.

“It’s a challenge. I have to prove that I deserve this term extension,” Acorda said.