Ano says mananita case will not have effect on Sinas appointment as PNP chief

November 10, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano on Tuesday said the case of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major General Debold Sinas over his birthday celebration will not have an effect after he was chosen by President Rodrigo Duterte as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a radio interview, Ano was asked if Sinas’ appointment will have an effect on the case filed against him by the PNP- Internal Affairs Service (IAS).

“It will not (have an effect) because it’s a separate (matter). The case filed (against them) is under preliminary investigation,” he said.

“It has not yet reached the court so we cannot say that it is a pending case,” he added.

Sinas and 18 other police officers are facing cases for violating  the Bayanihan Act and city ordinance of Taguig after his men surprised him with a mananita, a traditional celebration among police officers, last May.

Ano also said there is no need for President Rodrigo Duterte to explain his decision since he has absolute authority to choose among the PNP generals.

“If the president said my trust and confidence is with this person let's give that person a chance,” he said.

Outgoing PNP chief General Camilo Cascolan will formally pass on the command saber and symbol of leadership to Sinas in a  change of command ceremonies in Camp Crame on Tuesday afternoon.

When asked who will be the next NCRPO chief, the secretary said the deliberation is ongoing but it will most likely be Calabarzon chief Brig. Gen Vicente Danao Jr. Ella Dionisio/DMS