Ebdane: No rift with Aglipay

Philippine National Police Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. doused yesterday reports that there is a rift brewing between him and other police officials vying for the top PNP post.

Ebdane said he and PNP deputy director for administration Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay — said to be a top contender for the PNP helm — are not at odds with each other over the issue of Ebdane’s retirement, reportedly to pave the way for Aglipay’s takeover.

"Tampuhan? Wala pa. Egay (Aglipay) and I have been together for the past three years... we were together from the time we were cadets, he was my bunkmate. I know him personally and I know his capabilities and so with the other officers," he said.

Ebdane issued the statement following reports that President Arroyo is set to announce his retirement from the PNP to pave the way for Aglipay’s assumption of office.

Saying he is ready to bow out of service any time, Ebdane added he is leaving a legacy of implemented reforms and a united PNP, despite the controversies that rocked his tenure as PNP chief.

"I think I have united the PNP. Nawala ang allegations na may grupo-grupo," he said, referring to apparent divisiveness among officers and men associated with his predecessors, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

He pointed out that the "bata-bata" system applies only because these people "work" — not because they are granted favors by the powers that be.

He said he will abide by the President’s decision as "a good soldier," adding that "if there is an order, I will go." Ebdane reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 come December, though his retirement papers are already reportedly in the pipeline.

According to Ebdane, he has been preparing himself psychologically for his retirement, saying he did not expect to be PNP chief for three more years.

"I was only given a year to be here," he said. "I still believe that we must give the chance to other young officers to prove their worth. I also believe that when the time comes for an officer to retire, he should retire – no extension whatsoever."

Ebdane said he intends to continue the six-month agenda for the PNP if he is allowed to remain at the top PNP post until December.

He also expressed satisfaction over the fact that he was able to initiate programs under the ONE PNP program, which focused on improving the competitiveness and integrity of the 114,000-strong police force. Education and training for PNP personnel were also given top priority during his watch.

Paraphrasing a line from the James Ingram song "Just Once," Ebdane said, "I have done my best, but I guess my best may not be enough," when asked to describe how he would assess his performance as PNP chief.

He lamented that the lack of a modernization program for the PNP made it difficult for him to put into motion the upgrades he felt were needed in the PNP.

Ebdane did not give any names of officers he would endorse as his replacement, saying "they are all qualified, but you have to consider their seniority, acceptability to the rank and file. The bottom line is he must be selected by the President."

Replying to queries of whether or not he would be given a Cabinet post, Ebdane said there have been no offers yet, adding that he "would be proud to accept if there is an offer... Mahirap yung mag-retire ka at naghahanap ka pa ng pwesto."

Speculations are thick that Ebdane, who is also a civil engineer, is being considered among the candidates for secretary of Public Works and Highways, general manager of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).