PNP Chief Says There Is No Basis to Oust Marcos Jr.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said on Monday that there is no credible basis to remove President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. from office. His remarks come in the wake of comments from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief about calls from some retired officers for the military to withdraw its support from the commander-in-chief.
What Nartatez Said
During a press briefing, Nartatez addressed questions about whether active or retired officials within the PNP or wider security community were pressuring for Marcos Jr.’s ouster. He noted that there had been no confirmed conversations with his staff or regional directors about such measures, emphasizing that those most important—civilian authorities, the retired Armed Forces, and PNP officials—had not engaged in talks on this issue.
“Wala pa namang kumakausap… kasi iyan ang mga pinaka-importante, whether civilian or retired Armed Forces or PNP officials,” he said. He underscored that Marcos Jr. remains the sitting president who won more than 50 percent of the vote, indicating to him that there is no legitimate basis to remove him from office.
Context: U.S. and Internal Reactions
The comments from Nartatez follow AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr.’s disclosure on October 3 that some retired officers had called for the military to withdraw its support from Marcos. Brawner said these officers also attempted to reach out to him, their commanders, and younger officers to intervene—potentially through means that could undermine the government, including discussions of a coup or a military junta. He clarified that no such activities materialized during the protests on September 21.
Brawner described the retirees’ grievances as largely aimed at the President and noted that while the calls existed, no concrete steps were taken to effect a change in leadership. He described several potential intervention options invoked by some retirees, but stressed that they did not materialize in actual action.
PNP Morale and Duty
Nartatez asserted that the PNP’s morale remained relatively high and that the force would act according to what is proper. He insisted there is no need for loyalty checks or preemptive measures against alleged moves to destabilize the administration. His stance suggests a commitment to upholding the current government while prioritizing stability and lawful processes.
What This Means Going Forward
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between public protests over governance and the security establishment’s perspective on political legitimacy. While some retired officials and elements within the security sector have floated dramatic alternatives, the prevailing view from the PNP leadership is to respect the democratic process and avoid actions that could undermine presidential authority. Observers will be watching for any further admissions or clarifications from both the PNP and AFP regarding lines of communication with retired officers and the potential for any security implications tied to calls for withdrawal of support.
Conclusion
As inquiries into governance and corruption in flood-control projects continue to influence public sentiment, PNP leadership is signaling a cautious approach: no confirmed outreach toward ousting Marcos Jr., no active support for unilateral political change, and a focus on maintaining order and following lawful procedures. The situation underscores the delicate balance between civil governance and military institutions in the Philippines, particularly when public trust is tested by allegations of corruption and undisclosed influence.
