The clash between incoming Davao City Vice Mayor Baste Duterte and newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III continues to intensify, following Duterte’s criticism of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint Torre as the new head of the PNP.
Duterte publicly questioned the President’s move, expressing concern over what he described as a lack of merit-based promotions within the current administration. He argued that more senior police officials with stronger credentials were overlooked in favor of Torre.
“The government now is not based on merit. Look at what happened. You have a Chief PNP that jumped up three ranks to become Chief PNP. It’s because this is not [a] merit-based promotion,” said Duterte, the son of former President and Davao City Mayor-elect Rodrigo Duterte.
The rift between Torre and the younger Duterte stems from the former’s controversial role in the arrest and transfer of Mayor-elect Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Netherlands—an action that triggered national debate and political backlash.
Torre, who previously held the rank of police major general (two-star), fired back during a Palace press briefing, citing precedent set by the former President himself.
“The first Chief PNP of his father is a one-star that became an automatic four-star. Did he ask that? Did he question that?” Torre retorted, referring to then-President Duterte’s appointment of Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as PNP Chief in 2016 while he was still a one-star general.
As of writing, Senator Ronald dela Rosa has yet to comment on Torre’s statement.
The ongoing dispute adds to the mounting political tension as the Marcos administration navigates appointments and reforms in key government institutions.