Cheers, Dr. Clarita Carlos

Shattering the glass ceiling in government service is a familiar undertaking to Dr. Clarita Carlos. When the perspicacious, no-nonsense social scientist became the first female civilian to hold the post of National Security Adviser, it caused a ripple in the country’s defense and security hierarchy. In 1999, the professor became the first female president of the National Defense College of the Philippines. It is an institution that provides continuing studies for leaders in the military and civilian bureaucracy.

It is an open secret that Dr. Carlos and I have a mutual admiration. Having studied in prestigious universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and the Philippines, I rank her the best professor I have ever had. I benefited from her expertise in international politics, social-political thoughts and national security. And from what I know, she considers me one of her favorite students. She came to national prominence as an SMNI Presidential Debate panelist, who grilled candidates that included President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on international relations and foreign policy.

Resigning as National Security Adviser

Professor Carlos’ resignation from the National Security Council is a big loss to the agency. I am glad that the President has transferred her to the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department. Without a doubt, she will be a boon to this knowledge-based body.

But what could have precipitated the professor’s resignation? As an intellectual turned policymaker, she tends to make decisions based on logic, data, and historical evidence. It is opposed to a veteran politician or bureaucrat, who usually relies on a mix of rationality and gut feel. In terms of worldview and leadership style, she behaves differently from military officers.

In an ANC Channel interview, Dr. Carlos disclosed that several people had been trying to oust her from the PBBM Cabinet. She also admitted falling short of the requirements as the security adviser to the President.

I have spoken to several high-ranking military officers and retired generals who had been against her appointment. These officers believe that an academic should never head an advisory body on national security. It is unfair. The agency should lean on science, not baseless conjecture and long-held prejudice.

Leniency on communist rebels?

There were also complaints from other sectors. They accused Carlos of not being supportive enough of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict initiatives. That her tepid public pronouncements against the CPP-NPA were alarming and questionable. She was also vocal about ending the practice of red-tagging in government.

In my view, red-tagging is truth-telling in the context of our longstanding communist insurgency problem. An organization that resorts to killing, employing violence, and committing other crimes against fellow Filipinos to overthrow our Republic is a terrorist group.

The CPP-NPA resorts to improvised explosive devices in violation of the Ottawa Convention of 2009; holds kangaroo courts for individuals wanting to leave the group, which contravenes the Geneva Conventions; and conscripts minors and Indigenous Peoples, which is a crime under domestic and international laws. In the eyes of five foreign jurisdictions, including the US, the CPP-NPA is a foreign terrorist organization.

The professor’s recent comments on the leadership changes at the Armed Forces of the Philippines did not serve her well too. She should have privately discussed the issue with PBBM, who is constitutionally vested with the power to appoint top AFP personnel.

I wish my favorite professor all the best at CPBRD. I remain an admirer of her candor, intelligence, and courage.

“In my view, red-tagging is truth-telling in the context of our longstanding communist insurgency problem.

“In terms of worldview and leadership style, she behaves differently from military officers.

Giving honor to the Sto. Nino

I had a great time attending the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, which had gone on a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Next weekend, I look forward to gracing the Sinulog festivities in Carmen town, where this religious and cultural celebration was said to have originated in 1974. Both events honor the Santo Niño.

I am convinced that Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama, both devotees of the Holy Child Jesus, will be able to settle their differences soon.