Chavit slams critics, insists he is qualified for security post

(Updated 1:26 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – Newly-appointed deputy national security adviser Luis “Chavit" Singson on Monday lashed back at his critics who said he is “inexperienced" and “underqualified" for the post. In an interview over radio dzBB, Singson dismissed criticisms and said that he accepted President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s offer at the National Security Council because he is aware that he has “a lot to contribute." "Last week, noong tumawag si Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, napag-isip isipan ko na tatanggapin ko ito dahil makakatulong ako," Singson said. Singson, former governor of Ilocos Sur province, also said that his detractors might just be "envious" of him. "Sa mga naiinggit, huwag a silang mainggit dahil trabaho ito. Tinanggap ko ito para… sa ating bansa," Singson said. Singson also outlined his credentials to prove he is qualified to handle the demands of post, which includes helping in the peace negotiations in Mindanao. "Malawak kasi ang experience natin diyan sa bagay na yan dahil naging chairman (ako) nang matagal ng Peace and Order Council ng Region 1. Naging chairman din (ako) ng League of Provinces of the Philippines. Kaya kilala ko ang past and present governors and congressmen at mga leader sa Mindanao. Naging chief of police din ako noong araw," Singson said. "Sa mga kumukuwestiyon, well-qualified ako diyan," he added. Singson also said that when he formally assumes his post, he will immediately consult with NSC director general Norberto Gonzales. "Well, unang-una makikipagugnayan muna ako kay Secretary Gonzales para malaman ang priorities at mga ibang dapat gawin," he said. Singson said he will prioritize resolving the conflict in Mindanao by helping in the dialogues with Muslim communities. He also had an answer to former President Joseph Estrada's criticism that his post was a political payback from the Arroyo administration. "Akala ni Erap sine pa (ito). Dapat magising na si Erap. Baka natatakot siya na hahabulin ko ang mga bilyon niya. Hindi ko na hahabulin iyon. Dapat ipamahagi na lang niya sa mga mahihirap yung bilyones na napunta sa kaniya," Singson said. For his part, opposition Senator Panfilo Lacson said that while he believes the appointment smacks of politics, Singson is qualified for the post. "He has the managerial skills...there will be technical people to assist him," Lacson told reporters. Malacañang had earlier invoked presidential prerogative in seeking to quell the controversy brought by the appointment of Singson. "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)," Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita had said in a radio interview. Singson was the latest defeated 2007 senatorial 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). Defensor, however, has resigned from the task force. - with Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV