The ANC Brief: Albayalde on the ropes

Some candidates for the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief have been revealed. Here are the big stories making the headlines on ANC today:

And then there were 3…
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has endorsed to President Rodrigo Duterte 3 names for the post of PNP chief. But the President is allowed to choose a new PNP chief from among police officers with star ranks. Meanwhile, the revamp at the PNP over the weekend is still raising eyebrows. Is it a way for the present leadership to consolidate its hold on the organization? PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa told DZMM the revamp was urgently needed. The Palace thinks the revamp is a good thing.

Charged
Former PNP chief, Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde, faces charges for his alleged involvement in the anomalous 2013 drug operations in Pampanga. Also, 3 “ninja cops” or cops who recycled drugs when they were subordinates of Albayalde in 2013 were ordered dismissed from the service for their alleged involvement in a drug operation in Antipolo this year. Sen. Dick Gordon said a suspected drug lord freed by Albayalde’s men in 2013 is now back in the country using another passport.

Fashion faux pas
President Duterte left for Japan Monday night to attend the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito. Other world leaders and members of foreign loyalty will also attend the event. Guests will be treated to 2 banquets. The last time Duterte was out of the country to meet world leaders, he was criticized for some fashion faux pas.

Possible crisis
Metro Manila faces a possible water crisis due to dipping water levels in Angat Dam. Also, reports said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the controversial Kaliwa Dam project. An ECC is one of the requirements for the China-funded project to proceed. The other is consent of indigenous communities affected by the project.

Leaving a legacy
Nene Pimentel was the political visionary who rightly foresaw the role of strong but independent local government units (LGUs) as pillars in a restored democracy. ANCX traces the arc of the former senator, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 85.