By Robina Asido

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte last March 11 to be sent to The Hague, is the next head of the Philippine National Police, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced on Thursday.

In a press briefing, Bersamin said Torre will assume his new post during the change of command ceremony on Monday. He replaces PNP head Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

"The incoming PNP Chief is Police Major General Nicolas D. Torre III. The turnover of command will happen June 2nd," he said. Torre is two stars below of Marbil but Bersamina said when Torre accepts the appointment, ''he will have the four stars-- that is the regulatory rank.''

Asked if the PNP post was a reward for arresting Duterte, Bersamin relied: '' All promotions are rewards but most promotions are given on merit.''

'' So, let us assume that this was given on merit because you know it was not an easy decision on the part of the President. He considered to my recollection five names and you must probably have an idea of who those five were. But as of this time the decision was already made and it favored Police Major General Torre,'' said Bersamin.

"It’s the President’s discretion which I consider to be absolute... No one can question the use of that discretion, call it “inscrutable”. But right now, the considerations that weighed in the choice of General Torre should be respected," he added.

Torre was acting head of the Davao City Police when Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy surrendered to authorities in 2024.

As part of government revamp, Bersamin said Marcos also appointed UP Law Dean Darlene Berberabe replacing Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra.

"Dean Berberabe will enter the service as the new Solicitor General. She took her oath this morning before the President on the strengths of her broad experience as an academic and legal professional," he said.

The executive secretary said Berberabe who graduated summa cum laude in philosophy in the University of the Philippines was also the class salutatorian in 1999 of the UP College of Law.

"While she was a student, she already worked at Quisumbing Torres Law Firm. She later joined Procter and Gamble as general counsel. In 2010, she assumed as chief executive officer of the Pag-IBIG Fund and there, she became known for her transformational leadership, good governance, integrity and excellence," he said.

"Her strong philosophy background will help her use the wisdom and the ethical leadership she has gained from deep reflection and rigorous study to competently perform her tasks as the Solicitor General," he added.

Bersamin said the courtesy resignation of Commission in Higher Education (CHEd) Chairman Jay Prospero De Vera III was also accepted by Marcos. He will be replaced by CHEd Commissioner Shirley Agrupis.

"The President has also instructed the heads of Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations to submit their courtesy resignations. He has further indicated that senior officials will likewise be included in the continuing review," he said.

"Each resignation accepted is based on a careful assessment of whether the standard sets by the President for efficiency and leadership have been met. Some have delivered, others have not," he added.

Bersamin said the courtesy resignations of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. were declined by Marcos.

He stressed that the matter of the courtesy resignation of National Security Adviser Secretary Ano "is a personal thing for the President".

"It's personal, they have a personal thing on that, if the President do not want to accept, it’s up to him," he added.

In a statement, Teodoro thanked "the President for his continued trust and confidence" as the DND continued to pursue his "vision of strengthening the nation's defense, protecting the patrimony of our archipelagic nation, and promoting regional peace and stability."

Noting that the government is "grateful for the service of those who are stepping down, Bersamin said that "a smooth transition is being implemented to ensure continuity and stability in their respective institutions."

"This is not a purge, let me remind you of that. This effort is the President’s commitment to a government that works fast, delivers results and meets the expectations of the Filipino people. As the President has said, he will not hesitate to make the necessary changes to keep the government moving forward," he added. DMS