LET’S TRY CHAVIT

LET’S TRY CHAVIT

By Erick San Juan

Eye brows went up, while President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo got not just a mouthful from all kinds of doubting Thomas’s but spite as well, almost as soon as Malacanang announced the appointment of former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson as Deputy National Security Adviser.

But unlike the bigots, we can say with certainty that the tongue-wagging spree by people, who, we think do not even know Chavit inside-out, never surprised Malacanang – and us too - at all. We think Chavit ought to be given a chance to show his worth. He deserves no less than our support, to start with.

We love to witness once again, an era of peace and political stability similar to what we had during the regime of President Fidel V. Ramos. Political stability is one thing every Filipino has been craving for since July 1, 1998.

We can only recall with fondness the days when talks of what could be an impending coup was taboo during the watch of PFVR – from start to finish. For that, we credit the highly competent and hardworking National Security Adviser Jose Almonte, who, like Chavit never bragged about his travails and fete.

There is no doubt in our minds that political stability is a luxury which Cory Aquino and Joseph "Erap" Estrada never enjoyed, while President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, banking on the gains of her administration and her grip over security forces, is still struggling to achieve.

Both Almonte and Singson believe that where there is smoke, there is fire. For his part, Chavit has time and again demonstrated his efficiency and effectiveness in handling state affairs. In fact, the governors of Ilocos Sur who came after Chavit continue to carry out the various policies he has adopted in his quest for a meaningful life for his constituents.

Like many of you, we view Chavit’s advent to the National Security Council and the National Intelligence Coordinating Authority (NICA) in a positive light. We have enough reasons to believe that Undersecretary Singson can help determine, provide and implement a policy direction that could mend the broken pieces currently plaguing the NSC, where its personnel are so demoralized to a point that what is perceived as the most secure compound in the Philippines recently fell victim to larceny.

In fact, we dare say that the tenants of that historic palace along the Pasig have been expecting a hail of innuendoes at the onset, but they have always been ready, willing and able to defend their actions on Chavit’s appointment. They are fully convinced that posting Chavit near the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City , they are not putting a square peg in a round hole.

Like many of our fellow Filipinos, particularly his constituents in Northern Luzon, we may also be counted among those who are aware of the legacy that Chavit left in Ilocos Sur, where he is acknowledged not just as a peacemaker, but a builder, an environmentalist, an animal lover, a lover of beauty and above all, its political kingpin for several decades now. No wonder, most of the Ilocanos are economically empowered. None of his constituents go hungry, because they have been taught to stay productive all the time.

Chavit is a man of many talents. He has always been everybody’s friend. The highly principled government official in him sometimes pushes the former governor into some conflicts, which he dutifully addresses with dispatch. Above all, we have no doubt that Chavit is endowed with executive ability.Kudos to you!