THE promotion of Metro Manila police chief MGen. Debold Sinas early this month to the top position of the Philippine National Police (PNP) mirrors the Duterte administration’s disregard for the rules and its high regard for loyalty.

Sinas came under heavy criticism last May for holding a “mañanita” (pre-dawn party) to celebrate his birthday, in the midst of the strictest quarantine restrictions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. But nearly seven months later, Sinas has seemingly not only been forgiven by President Rodrigo Duterte but was also rewarded with the promotion.