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Monday, September 08, 2008
Palace: Singson appointment is Arroyo's prerogative
MANILA -- Malacañang officials said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has the prerogative to appoint anyone who she feels is qualified and could contribute to realizing government's goals and programs.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Gabriel Claudio made the statement as they denied reports that the appointment of former Ilocos Sur Governor and defeated Team Unity senatorial bet Chavit Singson as deputy national security adviser was a form of political payback.
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"It's not political accommodation if the appointee is qualified," Claudio said, citing that Singson's credentials and experience as a former provincial police chief of Vigan, a former local executive of Ilocos Sur, and former legislator and member of the House Representatives well qualifies him to the National Security Council.
Ermita said aside from the appointment being the prerogative of the President, Singson has a lot to contribute especially to the developments in Mindanao.
As a former local government official, he added, Singson has deep understanding and experience handling local security and peace and order situation.
Ermita said the appointment of Singson was made late in August. Singson is the fifth Team Unity bet to be appointed by Arroyo to a government post.
Other defeated administration senatorial bets are former senator and new Planning Secretary Ralph Recto, former senator and new Dangerous Drugs Board Chief Vicente Sotto III, former Surigao del Sur representative and new Local Water Utilities Administration Director Prospero Pichay Jr., and former presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor, who recently resigned as Task Force on the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3. (JMR/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pampanga. (September 8, 2008 issue)
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