MANILA — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has denied reports of a dispute with former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III regarding an ₱8-billion firearms procurement bid.

The controversy arose after a document circulated suggesting a budget insertion of ₱8 billion for the purchase of 80,000 assault rifles for the PNP.

In a press briefing on Monday, Remulla clarified the situation. “There was a request that landed on my table asking for me to sign a congressional insertion of ₱8 billion worth of rifles for the use of the PNP. I immediately reply that the DILG, hindi kami pwede mag bid ng ganung klase ng bagay,” he said.

Remulla added that he referred the matter to Torre, stressing that only the PNP chief had the authority to determine whether the firearms were necessary. Reports had suggested Torre refused to sign the document, potentially sparking a dispute, but Remulla denied this.

“Nag-usap kami at sabi niya, ‘Sir, we do not need the rifles. We are 95% compliant with the requirements of the PNP. At para bumili pa tayo, ay hindi na kailangan.’ I concurred with him. Nag-agree kami. So that was never part of the reason,” Remulla said.

The DILG Secretary also said the proposal did not originate from his office but from a member of Congress, whose identity he declined to reveal. He emphasized that he had never approved any congressional insertion outside the National Expenditure Program (NEP) of the President. “Basta po, insertion, I made it very clear to the President na hindi ko siya pipirmahan. In this case, insertion siya. Kaya sinabihan ko si General Torre, dahan-dahan siya kasi siya magiging recommending authority,” Remulla added.

“Pinag-aaway kami”

Remulla reiterated the strong working relationship between himself and Torre. “Kami ni chief Torre, as I told you, we have a great relationship. Ngayon, pinag-aaway kami ang tingin ko.”

He said he is ready to present the necessary documents before Congress but does not intend to file charges against those spreading misinformation.

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