Lacson wants PNP chief Dela Rosa to succeed in his job

Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that he would give constructive criticism to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa because he wanted him to succeed. (PNA photo)

MANILA—Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that he would give constructive criticism to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa because he wanted him to succeed.

Lacson, former PNP chief, made this remark after criticizing Dela Rosa for the “arrogant” way he responded to reports about a “hidden cell” at the Manila Police District Station 1 in Tondo after members of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) made a surprise inspection.

Dela Rosa reportedly said that he saw no problem with the setup as long as none of the detainees were hurt or blackmailed.

He also challenged the CHR to conduct inspections every day and not just during the ASEAN summit.

Lacson, however, said that he found Dela Rosa’s comment arrogant.

“I did not say CPNP dela Rosa is arrogant That single act, how he responded to the comments about the secret cell, what was what I referred to as arrogant. That single act. I want to clarify that. I always wanted him to succeed for obvious reasons,” Lacson said in a mix of Filipino and English.

“That’s why when I see or hear something about the way he reacts to certain issues, I cannot help but correct on the spot. Because I want him to succeed,” he added.

Lacson said that it was obvious that there was a violation.

“You can see there’s a violation, that’s plain view. It is clear in the law that secret prison cells are prohibited. So there should have been action taken against the police officers concerned,” the senator said.

“…There’s no reason for CPNP dela Rosa to defend ang existence ng secret cell. But the bottom line is, I want him to succeed, for obvious reasons because there has so much that has been done in the PNP under his leadership,” he added.