PNP chief Dionardo Carlos yesterday said it is up to President Duterte if his tenure as the country’s top cop would be extended beyond May 8 when he reaches the retirement age of 56.
“I just follow orders but I am on schedule. All my plans are based on what is allowed by the law,” said Carlos, who took over as PNP chief on November 12 last year, vice now senatorial candidate Guillermo Eleazar.
Carlos said he has made preparations for his retirement, adding he has ordered his subordinates to prepare for his retirement honors and turnover of command two days before his 56th birthday, which falls on May 8, a Sunday.
“Come May 9, I am going to vote as Mr. Carlos. That is my plan,” Carlos said.
Carlos said the PNP, under his leadership, has made all the preparations to ensure honest, orderly, and peaceful elections.
“I live it up to the commander-in-chief,” Carlos said on whether his term would be extended. “I just like to work and I believe I made all the preparations (for the elections).”
Carlos said he has complied with the directive of higher authorities to “make the necessary contingency plans after May 9, onwards (and) a good transition to the next leadership of this country.”
“We made sure that the Philippine National Police will perform professionally for a peaceful election which means people will be able to come out to vote, their votes not bought, without any fear and on their free will,” said Carlos.
He said the PNP is well-prepared for the elections. “We’re just looking at what’s happening on a day-to-day, tweaking the (security) plans if needed,” Carlos added.
Last April 17, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said there was still no guidance from the President whether that tenure of Carlos would be extended.
