Verzosa Napolcom's sole choice for PNP chief

The National Police Commission recommended only one name as a possible replacement for outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr.

“Let me just point out that the resolution only recommended one name. Normally it would contain three names just like last year and now this resolution recommended only (Deputy Director General Jesus) Verzosa,” Razon, who is an ex-officio member of the Napolcom, said.

Razon clarified that the Napolcom recommendation remains a recommendation since the final decision will be made by President Arroyo. The President usually announces the appointment of the next PNP chief a few days before the retirement of the current chief.

“At present there’s no approval from the President, Malacañang has yet to make any announcement so we should await the announcement of the President,” Razon said.

Even Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno believes Verzosa is the strongest candidate, considering the senior linear rosters, rank and designation.

 “What we are trying to do in the PNP is to enforce the seniority rule, I think you can expect that by en large the PNP the seniority rule will be the main criterion,” Puno earlier said.

Other candidates are Deputy Director General Emmanuel Carta, the PNP Deputy Chief for Operations and third highest PNP official; Deputy Director General Ismael Rafanan, who heads the Directorial Staff and is behind Carta in rank; and Metro Manila police chief Director Geary Barias.

Sources said the office of the Presidential Management Staff has asked the PNP to submit a draft of the speeches of Razon and the next PNP chief for the turnover ceremony, initially set on Sept. 29.