OPINION
Ed Javier
When Generals Fall, DPWH Secrets Rise
FILE
We had just finished watering the plants after our routine exercise when a Viber alert from our editor came through, forwarding a DZRH breaking news post: “Torre out, Nartatez in.”
A few hours later, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. was sworn in as the new Chief of the Philippine National Police.
Just like that, General Nicolas Torre III, who had only been appointed last June, was out of the top police post.
According to media reports, the immediate trigger was Torre’s unilateral reshuffle of his Command Group, relieving Nartatez and others without clearance from the President or the National Police Commission.
Former PNP chief and senator Panfilo Lacson was quick to remind that such moves required higher approval.
On the surface, it looks like a procedural misstep. But as longtime political observers, we cannot ignore the deeper layers of this unfolding story.
Torre was never a run-of-the-mill police official. In his brief stint, he carried the burden of some of the most politically charged cases of our time.
He moved on the International Criminal Court warrants against former President Rodrigo Duterte. He pressed charges against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
He pursued the missing sabungeros, a case that pointed to the gambling empire of Atong Ang. He cracked down on online gambling syndicates, businesses known to have allies in powerful places.
Each of these assignments made enemies. Each step cut across vested interests. Torre became, in effect, the man tasked to do the jobs others hesitated to touch.
Some now whisper that after accomplishing the dirty work, Torre began to show signs of a swollen head, making moves without the usual political finesse.
The whispers grow louder: after all those difficult assignments, this is what he gets from what anti-marcos groups call an ungrateful administration.
But hold on, you are in for a shock.
We called some of our Palace sources and others in the corridors of power, and what we gathered was nothing short of explosive.
Malacañang, instead of discarding Torre, is exploring the possibility of bringing him into the Cabinet as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
This move, if realized, would be more than just consolation.
It would be repositioning. DPWH is not merely about roads and bridges; it is one of the richest departments in terms of budget, and one of the most notorious when it comes to corruption.
By planting Torre there, the Palace could be arming itself with a tough enforcer, a new kind of “attack dog” aimed squarely at rogue contractors and district engineers who serve as conduits of congressional pork and kickbacks.
This perspective also sheds light on Torre’s silence since his relief. Instead of the usual emotional outburst, he has remained quiet.
According to those familiar with the behind-the-scenes maneuverings, that silence is not defeat. It is anticipation.
For the anti-Marcos forces, this possibility will sting. They saw Torre’s fall as a sign of cracks in the administration.
But imagine their surprise if he reappears, not weakened but empowered, holding a Cabinet seat and tasked to clean up the very department where corruption often hides in plain sight.
Of course, for lack of time to validate because of press deadlines, we must clarify that these are whispers in the political corridors, exploratory talks rather than official plans.
Still, the fact that such possibilities are even being discussed explains the curious stillness around Torre. He may have been relieved at Camp Crame, but his story is not yet finished.
It will be fascinating to see the reactions of those who stand to lose if Torre truly crosses over to DPWH.
Whether as Secretary or leading a specialized task force, Torre’s new assignment could shake up the corridors of power at DPWH.
Contractors, district engineers, and their congressional patrons should be watching closely.
Because in Philippine politics, no fall is ever final. Sometimes, a fall is just a prelude to resurrection.
Ang mga lihim na hindi nabunyag ngayon ay maaaring sumabog bukas.
A few hours later, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. was sworn in as the new Chief of the Philippine National Police.
Just like that, General Nicolas Torre III, who had only been appointed last June, was out of the top police post.
According to media reports, the immediate trigger was Torre’s unilateral reshuffle of his Command Group, relieving Nartatez and others without clearance from the President or the National Police Commission.
Former PNP chief and senator Panfilo Lacson was quick to remind that such moves required higher approval.
On the surface, it looks like a procedural misstep. But as longtime political observers, we cannot ignore the deeper layers of this unfolding story.
Torre was never a run-of-the-mill police official. In his brief stint, he carried the burden of some of the most politically charged cases of our time.
He moved on the International Criminal Court warrants against former President Rodrigo Duterte. He pressed charges against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
He pursued the missing sabungeros, a case that pointed to the gambling empire of Atong Ang. He cracked down on online gambling syndicates, businesses known to have allies in powerful places.
Each of these assignments made enemies. Each step cut across vested interests. Torre became, in effect, the man tasked to do the jobs others hesitated to touch.
Some now whisper that after accomplishing the dirty work, Torre began to show signs of a swollen head, making moves without the usual political finesse.
The whispers grow louder: after all those difficult assignments, this is what he gets from what anti-marcos groups call an ungrateful administration.
But hold on, you are in for a shock.
We called some of our Palace sources and others in the corridors of power, and what we gathered was nothing short of explosive.
Malacañang, instead of discarding Torre, is exploring the possibility of bringing him into the Cabinet as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
This move, if realized, would be more than just consolation.
It would be repositioning. DPWH is not merely about roads and bridges; it is one of the richest departments in terms of budget, and one of the most notorious when it comes to corruption.
By planting Torre there, the Palace could be arming itself with a tough enforcer, a new kind of “attack dog” aimed squarely at rogue contractors and district engineers who serve as conduits of congressional pork and kickbacks.
This perspective also sheds light on Torre’s silence since his relief. Instead of the usual emotional outburst, he has remained quiet.
According to those familiar with the behind-the-scenes maneuverings, that silence is not defeat. It is anticipation.
For the anti-Marcos forces, this possibility will sting. They saw Torre’s fall as a sign of cracks in the administration.
But imagine their surprise if he reappears, not weakened but empowered, holding a Cabinet seat and tasked to clean up the very department where corruption often hides in plain sight.
Of course, for lack of time to validate because of press deadlines, we must clarify that these are whispers in the political corridors, exploratory talks rather than official plans.
Still, the fact that such possibilities are even being discussed explains the curious stillness around Torre. He may have been relieved at Camp Crame, but his story is not yet finished.
It will be fascinating to see the reactions of those who stand to lose if Torre truly crosses over to DPWH.
Whether as Secretary or leading a specialized task force, Torre’s new assignment could shake up the corridors of power at DPWH.
Contractors, district engineers, and their congressional patrons should be watching closely.
Because in Philippine politics, no fall is ever final. Sometimes, a fall is just a prelude to resurrection.
Ang mga lihim na hindi nabunyag ngayon ay maaaring sumabog bukas.
Aug 26, 2025
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