MALACAÑang said President Benigno S. Aquino III “as Chief Executive has power of, control and supervision over all departments and agencies in the Executive Branch, including the
Philippine National Police.”
Presidential Communications Operations Office Chief Secretary Sonny Coloma gave this explanation in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan when asked if the President had control over PNP at the time of the hostage-taking incident last month.
“He did not bypass or override the powers of the National Police Commission when he said he is taking control of the PNP, it is within the context of the exercise of his Chief Executive power,” Coloma explained, adding that the President is not removing any power or any authority from his subordinates.
Asked why the President is taking full responsibility of the hostage incident and in effect taking the blame away from the Department of Interior and Local Government-PNP, Coloma said “this is not an absolution of any official but the President is just emphasizing that he is accountable to the people who elected him.” (PCOO/PIA)
