Marcos mulls extending PNP chief Marbil's term

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is considering extending the term of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rommel Marbil, who is set to retire on 7 February upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56, as the country prepares for midterm elections.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Marcos said it would not be good for stability to change the command of the national police in the middle of an election period.

“Well, there is a very strong argument that it would not be good for stability, especially to change the chief of the PNP in the middle of a campaign period and approaching an election period,” he said.

The President added that the administration is studying possible next steps in this case.

“I think that is probably a very strong argument to keep him on, at the very least, until after the elections,” Marcos said.

Earlier, Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla hinted at Marbil’s extended term as police chief, citing the elections as a factor.

Remulla said Marbil's term may be extended by four months or until June, after which elected officials will assume their posts.

Marbil took on the top cop post in April 2024. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991.

He is also the 30th PNP chief and Marcos’ third since he began his presidential term in 2022.