Marcos to Give Torre New Task Seen as ‘Empty Consolation’

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to assign a new responsibility to dismissed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Nicolas Torre III — a move some observers see as a mere pa-kunswelo de bobo or empty consolation.

Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro announced Tuesday that Torre will be given a “heavier task” despite his removal from the police force’s top post.

According to Castro, the PNP carries a heavy responsibility, but the President intends to entrust Torre with an even more challenging role. She added that Torre is the only one fit to handle it, though she did not disclose details.

“The position is heavy, the work is heavy, and it seems he is the only one who can do it because that is the President’s plan,” Castro said.

She declined to provide further information, saying the public should await President Marcos Jr.’s official announcement.

Following Torre’s dismissal, speculations have circulated that he may be reassigned to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), amid the controversy surrounding flood control projects.

Critics, however, point out that handing Torre a new post after his ouster could be nothing more than a pa-kunswelo de bobo — a political face-saving measure rather than genuine accountability.