Bato dela Rosa assured of challenging job after retirement

MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of his retirement next month, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa is expected to assume the post of the “most challenging agency in the government where everyone failed.”

Dela Rosa said President Duterte has revealed to him that another position would be waiting after his retirement on Jan. 21 next year.

“The President told me to take over the most challenging job in the government where everyone failed. He said ‘I expect you to succeed.’ Imagine that he is giving me the most difficult job, “ Dela Rosa when asked about his retirement plans.

However, Dela Rosa refused to reveal what position the President had offered to him.

Reporters told Dela Rosa that he might get the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of Customs, as chief of the Metro Rail Transit or the Department of Transportation, all faced with huge problems.

Dela Rosa laughed out loud. “The President said everyone failed in (those agencies). I cannot comment on that but I told him ‘yes Sir. I’m at your disposal,” he said.

At the same time, Dela Rosa did not contest reports that President Duterte has indicated intention to appoint his deputy chief for administration, Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario, as his successor.

“If the President said it, so be it,” he said.

Dela Rosa said his last year as PNP chief was a “roller coaster ride.”

Last June, he noted the time when he was so happy as he received a compliment from the public for the PNP effort to improve law and order.