No power play in PNP reshuffle

As the Philippine National Police faces yet another reshuffle of its ranking officials, its spokesman debunked yesterday reports that some groups within the PNP are threatening to impeach President Arroyo once she implements a "revolving-door policy" for the top post.

"We cannot impeach the President. It is up to the legislators," PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao said in reaction to reports of a campaign hatched by some groups attempting to ensure that PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. finishes his term in December.

Goltiao issued the statement a day after a group of police officers warned Mrs. Arroyo that placing senior police officers with less than six months left in the service is an impeachable offense.

Affected by this six-month rule are PNP deputy director for administration Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay and directorial staff chief Director Enrique Galang, who are set to retire ahead of Ebdane.

Ebdane’s camp raised a howl over reports prior to Mrs. Arroyo’s inauguration last month that she will implement a revolving-door policy at the PNP after she gets a fresh mandate. Ebdane immediately junked the idea, saying he was in favor of putting police officers who have more than six months left in the service in the post of PNP chief.

Goltiao also denied talk of a power play at the PNP, reportedly caused by top police generals eagerly trying to get Mrs. Arroyo’s nod for the top police post.

"Wala naman (power play). There could be some jockeying para bumagsak sa kanila ang post," he said, refusing to comment further.

Goltiao conceded that Mrs. Arroyo has the last say on whether or not a major revamp, including the top police post, will be implemented in the 114,000-strong police force.

This early, highly placed PNP sources said Mrs. Arroyo has been hounded by reports from her security officials of coups and counter-coups to be launched within her term.

"She needs a very reliable ally at the police force because the situation remains unstable. That is also probably why she appointed Secretary Angelo Reyes to the post of interior and local government to watch over the PNP," said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.

Mrs. Arroyo was swept into power in January 2001 after the police and military backed the popular uprising against then President Joseph Estrada over plunder charges.

Her "mandate" then was based on the support of top police officials but sources said "right now, the President needs a stable police and military leadership to be able to overcome any attempt at destabilization in the next six years, and deliver her 10-point agenda as she vowed during her inaugural rights last July 1."