Singson qualified as deputy nat'l security adviser - Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit" Singson is qualified to be deputy national security adviser, Malacañang stressed Sunday. “It is not political accommodation if the appointee is qualified," said Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio as he fended off critics of the controversial appointment. Claudio said that Singson’s “long experience and credentials" have made him qualified for his new post. Claudio noted that Singson, a unsuccessful senatorial bet during the 2007 national elections, was once the chief of police of Vigan City, a legislator, and chairman of the League of Provinces. Earlier, Malacañang invoked presidential prerogative in seeking to quell the controversy brought by the appointment of Singson. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Arroyo exercised her prerogative in appointing former Ilocos Sur governor Luis Singson as deputy national security adviser. "Ang pagpili ng opisyal ng pamahalaan is a prerogative of the president. Pangulo lang ang nakakapili sa inaakala niyang makakatulong sa administrasyon at pagmamalakad (The choice of an official is a prerogative of the president. She is the only one who can select those she thinks can help in running the country)," Ermita said in an interview on dzBB radio. He said the experience of Singson, instrumental in the downfall of former President Joseph Estrada in 2001, can prove valuable in ensuring "peace and order and security." Ermita’s statement was echoed by House Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr, who said that Singson’s vast experience as local chief executive of Ilocos Sur can help attain peace in the country even in Mindanao. “This guy is a street smart. He has a lot of experience on the ground and a very strong leader. He may also be able to help in the Mindanao peace process because he is very respected by the political leaders of Mindanao," Nograles said. Singson was the latest defeated candidate from the administration bloc to be named to a key government post. Other defeated administration senatorial bets included former Sen. Vicente Sotto III (Dangerous Drugs Board), Prospero Pichay Jr. (Local Water Utilities Administration), Ralph Recto (National Economic and Development Authority), and Michael Defensor (task force on NAIA 3). Nograles said there is nothing wrong in President Arroyo’s appointment of losing senatorial candidates. “There’s nothing wrong with his appointment. That’s the president’s call. Her choice and nobody else. And the future presidents themselves can appoint whoever they like too and that won’t be questioned too," he said. For his part, Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez, a former National Security Adviser and the spokesman of the opposition bloc in the lower house, said he will always give his full support the NSC “irrespective of personalities."- with Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV