Gonzales' appointment as Defense chief criticized

THE appointment of National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales as the new Department of Defense (DND) secretary was strongly criticized by militant groups.

This move of the Arroyo administration, according to the militant groups, is an indication of a military involvement in the electoral process in the May 2010 elections.

In a statement, Representative Liza Maza of Gabriela denounced the recent appointment of Gonzales, saying "he is more militarist than the military, a hawk who was one of those who engineered the formation of the Inter Agency Legal Action Group (Ialag) and other militarist measures against activists."

"His appointment six months before the May elections is a foreboding sign," Maza said.

Gonzales was appointed by Malacañang to replace former Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who was announced as the presidential bet of the Lakas-Kampi.

Gonzales has long been accused by several groups as being hawkish; the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is one of them. (BOT)