President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has extended a new government role to former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas Torre III, this time focusing on anti-graft initiatives, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed on Wednesday.
In an interview featured in Mariz Umali’s exclusive report for 24 Oras, Remulla emphasized that Torre’s removal as PNP chief was not due to personal issues but rather a policy disagreement with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) over senior police assignments. Remulla, who also serves as the ex officio chair of NAPOLCOM, explained that while Torre was relieved from his previous post, the President continues to value his expertise and commitment to public service.
“It has something to do with anti-corruption. So, I’m telling you… The President still really believes in General Torre,” Remulla said. “It is still enough that he be offered a position to fight corruption and to investigate corruption.”
The Interior Secretary stressed that Torre’s reassignment highlights how differences in opinion should not automatically translate to fractured relationships. “I think that shows you that a difference of opinion does not necessarily mean an end of a friendship, an end of a working relationship. It was just that,” he added.
Remulla made the remarks during the eighth monthly meeting of the Consular Corps of the Philippines, where he was the guest of honor and keynote speaker. The consular corps, composed of both career officers and honorary consuls, serves as a platform to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster deeper understanding among its members.
The offer to Torre comes at a crucial time when the Marcos administration is doubling down on its anti-graft campaign. Observers note that Torre’s decades of law enforcement experience could bolster ongoing investigations and reinforce institutional reforms within government agencies.
While Torre has yet to issue a public statement on whether he will accept the position, political analysts suggest that his reassignment could be a strategic move to retain his expertise while avoiding further friction within the police organization.
For now, the President’s gesture underscores his willingness to keep Torre in government service, particularly in a role aimed at addressing corruption—an issue long seen as one of the Philippines’ most persistent challenges.