Outgoing PNP chief Bacalzo clueless on replacement

Not even outgoing Director General Raul Bacalzo knows who will replace him as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) when he bows out of service on September 15. Bacalzo, appointed to the position in September last year, is set to turn over the leadership of the PNP on Friday, six days before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. "Actually, wala pong sinasabi ang ating Pangulo kung sino ang papalit sa akin. But definitely, I will be turning over the leadership of the PNP on Friday," Bacalzo said on Tuesday. "I hope the President will soon announce it." Bacalzo, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1977, said President Benigno Aquino III did not consult him regarding the next PNP chief. "It's really the prerogative of the President to select the chief PNP... There are about 95 of them (candidates) and the President has the prerogative," he said. Pressed to name Bacalzo's successor, Aquino on Monday said he can't divulge it yet, adding that Bacalzo and the replacement still need to "tidy up their affairs." Asked if he would accept any offers for another post in the Aquino administration, Bacalzo said, "I'll just cross the bridge when I get there." He said no such offer has been made yet. "[For now], I foresee a long vacation with my family," Bacalzo said when asked on his plans after retirement. On his legacies as PNP chief, Bacalzo said he took initiatives to institute reform in the police force, and advised his successor to carry on with the programs that he started. "Ito na lang ang aking maiiwan sa PNP... harness the forces, promote yung morale yung welfare at kapakanan ng PNP," he said. Bacalzo said it was his "personal request" to hold the turnover ceremonies ahead of his retirement since September 9 is already the closest Friday before his birthday. "Ang birthday ko po ay Huwebes. Kung hihintayin ko pa po yung susunod [na Biyernes] ay naka-civilian na ako noon," he said. Bacalzo also said he wants an early turnover ceremony because he also promised his family that he will be with them on his birthday. — KBK, GMA News