No militarization in government - Teodoro

BALER, Aurora, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. denied yesterday allegations that the appointment of former military officials in the government is a prelude to the possible declaration of martial law by the Arroyo administration.

“If I were to declare martial law, why would I resort to creeping militarization?” Teodoro said at the sidelines of the 30th anniversary celebration of the province here yesterday.

Teodoro dismissed the notion expressed by critics that appointing former military men to civilian posts is a move preparatory to martial law declaration.

Several lawmakers led by Senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Manuel Roxas II and Francis Pangilinan raised the possibility of military rule to allow President Arroyo to remain in power beyond 2010.

Militant lawmakers led by Gabriela Reps. Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan filed a bill seeking to prohibit former military and police officials from accepting government positions.

Teodoro defended the appointment of former military and police officers in the civilian government, saying they are qualified. He also cited the dearth of career officers in the bureaucracy.

Among those named to Cabinet postings were Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as chief of the presidential management staff and Arturo Lomibao as chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Retired Admiral Tirso Danga recently replaced Enrique Agana as director of the National Printing Office.

Pimentel described Danga’s appointment as “objectionable” because of his alleged role in the massive fraud that marred the 2004 presidential elections when he was head of the Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Teodoro said critics should address the qualifications of the appointees of the retired military and police officials and determine whether they are still in active service.