2 weeks Ago By Jairo Bolledo
BAGUIO, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan as the new vice chairperson and executive officer (VCEO) of the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Marcos signed Calinisan’s appointment on April 15, based on a document obtained by Rappler.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla also confirmed Calinisan’s appointment to Rappler. The lawyer replaces former VCEO Ricardo Bernabe, whom former president Rodrigo Duterte appointed as commissioner in 2022, but who rose through the ranks after a leadership shake-up in the commission in 2024. By organizational structure, Calinisan will oversee the body’s day-to-day operations as the executive officer.
The commission’s chairperson, the DILG chief, serves in an ex-officio capacity. Calinisan will oversee the commission tasked to “exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP (Philippine National Police), with the end in view of ensuring a highly capable, effective and credible police service.” Before his appointment as Napolcom commissioner in November 2024, Calinisan was the chairman and executive officer of Quezon City’s People’s Law Enforcement Board.
This board ensures a mechanism of checks and balances against erring police officers and personnel in Quezon City. Also a certified public accountant, Calinisan also served as legal counsel to celebrities. He finished his business administration and accountancy program at the University of the Philippines; he obtained his law degree from the Ateneo Law School.
He holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Pennsylvania. – Rappler.com.
