Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte issued a sharp statement targeting former Philippine National Police Chief Torre, criticizing his recent remarks on possible arrests linked to the International Criminal Court. Duterte questioned Torre’s credibility, pointing to his short time as PNP chief.
Duterte said Torre’s tenure was so brief that the public barely recalls he once held the top police post. He described Torre’s service as an interim phase rather than a full leadership term. He added that the quick turnover raised questions among PNP officers about how someone he described as politically weak reached the position.
The lawmaker challenged Torre’s public comments on international law, saying the Philippines is not an ICC member and that Torre should be aware of this. Duterte dismissed Torre’s statements as an attempt to appear authoritative, likening it to someone trying to project importance without the track record to support it.
He also reacted to Torre’s remarks involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Duterte said dela Rosa had a long service record, while Torre was replaced before settling into the role. He characterized Torre’s public posture as bitterness rather than genuine conviction.
Duterte said credibility takes time to build and argued that Torre’s short stint did not allow him to establish any. He urged the former police official to clarify why his leadership ended so quickly instead of issuing public warnings.
The statement concluded with Duterte saying that someone who served briefly should not make strong threats tied to long-term national issues.
