Sunday, September 07, 2008 Ermita confirms Singson's appointment
A MALACAÑANG official said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed former Ilocos Sur governor Luis Singson as deputy national security adviser.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Singson, another defeated administration bet in last year's senatorial elections, will replace retired Lieutenant General Pedro Cabuay who was given another government post.
Ermita said he will meet with Singson in Malacañang on Monday to discuss the appointment.
In a television interview, Singson confirmed his appointment to the post.
He said the executive secretary informed him of the appointment last Friday.
Singson believed that he could contribute in bringing peace in Mindanao considering his experience in dealing with people in areas where there are conflict. He was a former chief-of-police in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
According to the former governor, he also has a lot of friends in Mindanao that could help him in this endeavor.
He said that he would discuss with National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales his plan to join the government's peace effort in Mindanao.
Singson is the latest defeated administration senatorial bet to get a government post.
Among the defeated bets appointed by President Arroyo to the executive department were Vicente Sotto III (Dangerous Drugs Board), Prospero Pichay Jr. (Local Water Utilities Administration), Michael Defensor (Task Force on Naia-3), and Ralph Recto (National Economic and Development Authority). (JFF/Sunnex)
