By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
Brigadier General Nicolas Torre’s new role as Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director undoubtedly comes with high expectations, especially given PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil’s orders for a complete unit cleanup.
But while the rhetoric sounds promising — sweeping reforms, strict oversight, and ethical compliance —history shows us that the CIDG isn’t exactly spotless. Over the past two decades, its agents have been linked to numerous controversies, including involvement in illegal activities like bribery, tong collection, and even heinous crimes.
Torre’s appointment may be seen as a reward for high-profile operations, the most recent being the arrest of wanted evangelist, Apollo Quiboloy. Yet, this “juicy” position, which comes with a promotion to major general, is more than a daunting task.
To truly cleanse the ranks of the CIDG is not an enviable job. Flowery press statements aside, Torre will need more than wishful thinking to reform an organization historically marred by internal misconduct.
This is a rare chance for Torre — not for mere posturing, but an opportunity to redefine the CIDG moving forward.
There have been too many well-trodden paths of failed reforms for the CIDG, so Torre has a critical choice to make: Will his time prove that real change is possible, or will it end like so many before, with more words than action?
Worst on top
The recent Pulse Asia survey results reveal a significant drop in Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust and approval ratings, reflecting a 10-point dip in trust (from 71% to 61%) and a nine-point decrease in approval (from 69% to 60%).
The decline comes amid mounting criticisms over the months which include the disallowance of P73 million in confidential funds by the Commission on Audit and her controversial snub of the 2025 budget hearings, where she either skipped sessions or displayed questionable conduct.
Despite the growing discontent, it is puzzling — and quite disappointing — that Duterte remains the most trusted among the country’s top four elected leaders. What does this say about us?
This tells a worrying story about the state of the nation — perhaps, reflecting our collective failure to hold public officials accountable and the prevailing tendency for most of us to prioritize personality over performance. Filipinos have a lot of sobering up to do before the next elections come around!
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