According to Bobi Tiglao’s post, Torre’s downfall was the result of his open defiance of Napolcom and the DILG, his actions deemed outside the bounds of civilian oversight. He was ultimately sacked as PNP Chief after Malacañang upheld Napolcom’s authority as mandated by law.
And now the President, according to DILG Sec. Remulla, is… considering him for another post?
Kung ganito ang pamantayan, bakit pa tayo magugulat kung tuloy-tuloy ang korapsyon or abuse sa gobyerno?
But here’s a spicier question:
Is Torre’s planned reassignment truly based on merit—or a move for political survival?
Could it be because Torre holds insider knowledge of backroom deals, power plays, and controversial moves like PRRD’s arrest and surrender to the ICC?
If this is about keeping him close to contain what he knows, that’s not leadership—that’s damage control.
I. DEFIANCE GETS A SOFT LANDING, NOT DISCIPLINED
Yes, his removal from duty wasn’t about Torre’s competence, but it was far from a trivial matter; it was about disrespecting civilian oversight—the very principle that keeps our police force from becoming a private army.
Pero imbes na ipakita na may disiplina at paninindigan sa gobyerno, the President is sending a message:
“Break the rules, and you’ll just get a soft landing—no real discipline.”
Ganyan ba ang leadership standard ni BBM? If rebellion against oversight has no cost, what makes anyone in power think twice about violating the law?
II. THIS MIRRORS A BIGGER PROBLEM
Torre’s case is just a glimpse of a system where corruption thrives because officials have learned they can act fearlessly. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa isang mahinang sistema, ito ay salamin ng mahina o wala talagang leadership accountability.
Think about it.
Kung ganito kahina ang pamantayan para sa isang high-profile defiance case, paano pa kaya yung mga big-ticket scandals—gaya ng multi-billion flood-control funds, budget insertions, and ghost projects?
If Torre is already being considered for another post right after being fired, can we really believe the “untouchables” behind today’s scandals will ever be brought to justice?
III. POLITICAL SURVIVAL OR PUBLIC TRUST
Is Torre’s possible reappointment part of a bigger survival strategy?
His proximity to sensitive operations and backroom negotiations—especially on PRRD’s ICC detention—makes him more than just a police officer. He’s a power player.
And in Philippine politics, keeping a man like Torre close could mean two things:
- Loyalty is being bought, not earned.
- The administration is more concerned about self-preservation than justice.
IV. LEADERSHIP BY SILENCE = LEADERSHIP BY PERMISSION
Ang totoong pamumuno demands fearless integrity—a moral authority that makes corruption hesitate.
Pero right now? Ang nakikita ng publiko ay isang administrasyong nananahimik habang patuloy ang padrino politics at korapsyon. At kapag nananahimik ang nasa taas, bumabagsak ang respeto ng mga tao at mga opisyal sa sistema.
V. THE TONE AT THE TOP IS THE ROOT OF THE ROT
When leaders send the signal that wrongdoing equals reassignment—not accountability—you don’t just weaken institutions; you invite decay.
The Torre move isn’t a neutral personnel choice—it’s a leadership statement.
And that statement is this: power protects its own.
👊 POWER PUNCH
Are we living under a government where the corrupt are fearless because they neither fear nor respect the one in charge?
If Torre’s soft landing is also a strategy to keep him—and what he knows—inside the circle, then what we’re witnessing isn’t governance. It’s survival politics.
When leaders fear exposure more than they fear God and the people, corruption becomes state policy.
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OPINION | BY ROB RANCES
Disclaimer: This commentary is based on public reports, governance analysis, and constitutionally protected opinion. Its purpose is to spark civic discourse, not to malign individuals. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and form independent conclusions.
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