Remulla rebuts Torre: ‘He cannot hold 2 government posts at the same time’

National

\INTERIOR Secretary Jonvic Remulla stood firm in his position that former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III cannot hold two government positions at the same time.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Remulla addressed Torre's belief that he could lead the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) while remaining an active member of the police force.

“He is wrong. That is not allowed, plain and simple. You cannot hold two government positions at the same time,” Remulla stated.

In an Inquirer.net report, Remulla warned that if Torre continues to draw a salary from the PNP while working at the MMDA, he will be legally required to return any compensation received from his previous post.

While the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management released General Order No. NHQ-GO-OR-2026-330 on Wednesday, announcing Torre’s formal retirement effective January 19, Torre claimed he never signed the necessary paperwork. The National Police Commission (Napolcom) had already approved the retirement order.

“I did not sign any application. So, let’s leave it at that for now because my bosses and I will talk first,” Torre told reporters in an ambush interview.

When questioned about a potential conflict of interest, Torre answered, “It’s not the first time that a police officer has worked for other agencies.”

Torre maintained that the President should have the authority to deploy personnel as he sees fit. “There are many active police officers who have returned to the PNP after staying with the Bureau of Immigration for ten years.

This is not the first time, and it certainly won’t be the last,” he added.

This disagreement has created an administrative hurdle for Torre’s successor, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

Nartatez cannot assume the four-star rank of Police General—traditionally held by the PNP Chief—while Torre remains technically active on the roster.

Remulla clarified that the government cannot force Torre's hand. “He is not retiring, so there’s nothing we can do. We cannot force a person to retire; it is his option.”

For now, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is waiting for the Office of the President to make a final ruling.

“We granted him full benefits, but let’s wait for Malacañang to provide the full picture because Malacañang is the appointing authority. We are just the processing agency,” Remulla concluded.

Torre was relieved of his duties on Aug. 26, 2025, following a disagreement with Napolcom regarding the reassignment of several high-ranking PNP officers.(Jhon Mark A. Aboabo, USJ-R Comm Intern)