By John Clifford Lintao
THE big bold police general claims to feel uncomfortable every time President Rodrigo Duterte comes to his rescue over the controversies he’s into.
During the first flag ceremony he attended since being appointed as the country’s top cop, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas expressed gratitude to the President for defending him anew over the mañanita controversy.
According to Sinas, he has mixed emotions over Duterte “pardoning” him over his birthday celebration last May as strict quarantine measures were being observed in Metro Manila.
“I’d like to thank the President for the trust and confidence. Ako po ay parang nahihiya na ko kay President lalong [dinepensahan] na naman po niya ulit ako tungkol po doon sa mañanita, ilang araw pa lang na ganon,” Sinas said.
“I have mixed feelings. Natuwa ako pero at the same time nahihiya. I’m very happy for the support of the President for me as his chief PNP,” he added.
Over the weekend, Duterte said the mañanita issue was just a “small thing.” He said it was not Sinas’ fault if his men surprised him on his birthday.
“Alam mo kasi ‘yang mañanita, it’s a religious, almost a religious ritual. Nakaugalian na talaga ng mga Pilipino. Hindi kasalanan ng pobreng Sinas na ‘yan na pumunta sila doon, hindi naman niya alam,” Duterte said.
“At kung may kasalanan siya doon, pardon na siya. Wala akong nakitang kasalanan na masama na may moral implications, may kasamang malisya, wala,” he added.
Sinas earlier urged the public to move on from the issue, saying that the decision on the criminal complaints filed against him is already in the hands of the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office.