MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – When he retires in January 2018, top cop Ronald dela Rosa might not go back to Davao City to rest after all.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief announced on Tuesday, December 12, that President Rodrigo Duterte had promised him a post in the administration after he retires.

“Sinabihan ako ni Presidente, pero depende na kung ano’ng pupuntahan ko, pero napakahirap na trabaho, the most challenging na trabaho sa buong gobyerno. Sabi niya, ‘Where everyone fails, I expect you to succeed.’ So napakabigat na trabaho ‘yan,” he told reporters in a press conference.

(The President talked to me, but it depends where I’ll go, but it’s a very difficult job, the most challenging job in the whole government. He said, “Where everyone fails, I expect you to succeed.” So it’s a very difficult job.)

“Alam ko na, mag-isip kayo ng pinakamahirap (Come on, think of the most difficult job in the government),” he added in jest.

Dela Rosa said the President had told him about the appointment many times already, but he will not give specifics for now since he does not want to preempt the appointment. (READ: If ‘elected president,’ Dela Rosa to quadruple retirees’ pay)

“Matagal na niyang sinabi sa ‘kin ‘yun, paulit-ulit na kung nagkikita kami. ”Yan na naman, may problema na naman sa agency na ‘yan, pumunta ka d’on at ayusin mo.’ So, a very tough job,” Dela Rosa said.

(He has been telling me about the job for a long time, repeatedly when we see each other. “That agency has another problem, you go there and fix it.” So, a very tough job.)

Dela Rosa added that he would immediately say yes to the appointment if it does push through.

“I don’t run away from challenges,” he said. “Lalong lalo na ‘yung magbigay sa ‘kin ng challenge ‘yung tao na pinakarespetado [ko]. Talagang I will take on the challenge. Hindi ko siya ipapahiya (Especially if the person who’ll give me the challenge is someone I respect the most. I will really take on the challenge. I will not let him down).”

Dela Rosa will turn 56, the mandatory age of retirement for the uniformed service, on January 21. (READ: Duterte names Dela Rosa’s replacement as PNP chief) – Rappler.com