Comelec clears PNP chief’s term extension

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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday cleared the possible term extension of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil amid the prevailing ban during the election period for the May national, local and Bangsamoro polls.

Marbil, who was appointed PNP Chief in April 2024, is set to retire on February 7 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991.

In a brief message, Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said there is no need for an authorization from the poll body before the term of Marbil is extended beyond February 7.

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“An extension is not considered as ‘transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service’, which is prohibited and requires prior approval of the Comelec to be valid,” said Laudiangco.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, it is considered a prohibited act for “any public official, who makes or causes any transfer or detail whatsoever of any officer or employee in the civil service, including public school teachers, within the election period, except upon prior approval of the Commission.”

The election period for the May 12 polls is from January 12 to June 11.

The Comelec issued the statement after President Marcos Jr. said on Monday that the term of Marbil could be extended “until after the elections.”

The President yesterday said there is a “strong argument” to extend the term of Marbil at this time to maintain stability in the country amid the preparations for the May elections.

In an interview at the launch of the Tesla Center in Taguig City, Marcos said: “So, we are studying it. But I think that is a very strong argument to keep him on, at the very least, until after the elections.”

Comelec Resolution 11059, issued in September 2024, prohibits the appointment, hiring of new employees, creation of new positions, promotions, transfer or detail of civil service employees, and suspension of elective local officials in connection with the May 12, 2025 elections. – With Jocelyn Montemayor

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