Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will make a final decision on the possible term extension of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil before the latter's mandatory retirement on Feb. 7, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday. This was after Marcos, in a meeting with the DILG officials at Malaca±an Palace on Tuesday, said he is 'inclined' to extend Marbil's term, Remulla told Palace reporters.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla stated during a Palace press briefing that while Marcos has shown an inclination towards extending Marbil's tenure, no final decision has been made yet. Remulla assured that a decision will be announced before Marbil's birthday on Feb. 7, marking his retirement age of 56.

Marcos is considering Marbil's term extension to maintain stability within the PNP during the election season. Remulla expressed support for this plan, emphasizing the importance of institutional stability, particularly during elections. He mentioned that the extension, if approved, would last a maximum of six months, possibly until June or after the elections.

Marbil, an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991, was appointed as PNP chief on April 1, 2024. With his mandatory retirement approaching, discussions on his potential successors are already in progress. Remulla noted that there is a list of officials who are contenders for Marbil's position, all of whom hold top positions in the hierarchy. Ultimately, the decision rests with President Marcos regarding who will be chosen as Marbil's successor.