MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended the term of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, Malacañang said on Thursday, February 6.
Malacañang said Marcos extended Marbil’s term for another four months, or until June, when the midterm elections are over. Marbil was supposed to retire on Friday, February 7, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“A memorandum dated February 4, 2025, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, states that the President approved the extension of Marbil’s government service beyond the compulsory retirement age of 56,” Malacañang said.
The extension of the term of PNP chiefs is not unusual. Marcos had extended the term of Marbil’s predecessor, Benjamin Acorda Jr., in 2023.
Section 1 of Executive Order (EO) No. 136, series of 1999 states: “The President shall approve the extension of services of Presidential appointees beyond the compulsory retirement age, only upon recommendation by the concerned Department Secretary, unless otherwise provided by law.”
Marbil is Marcos’ third PNP chief and the 30th top cop since the national police’s inception in 1991.
Marbil and Acorda both belong to the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991.
Marbil was once police chief of Eastern Visayas, the home turf of Speaker Martin Romualdez. The President’s cousin is an honorary member of PMA Class 1991.
Marbil also served as head of the PNP Highway Patrol Group. – Rappler.com