Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is escorted by military chief, Gen. Eduardo Ano, upon his arrival from a trip to China on May 16. The president named several military men, including Ano, to key positions in the government. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office)
Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, former head of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, said there is nothing wrong with the appointment of former military generals in the government.
"Those [graduates of the Philippine Military Academy] are very bright and administratively capable," said the prelate in an interview.
Archbishop Arguelles made the statement as the country's political opposition expressed concern over the appointment of several military men in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.
"Do these appointments mean the militarization of the government bureaucracy?" asked Senator Francis Pangilinan, president of the opposition Liberal Party.
Duterte this week announced the appointment of a former Scout Ranger commander, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim, as head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Lim is the latest former military official to be appointed by the president, who earlier named a former military chief as Environment Secretary.
Another general, current military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano, is set to take over the helm of the Department of Interior later in the year.
"Could these appointments of military men be a portent of things to come?" said Pangilinan.
Archbishop Arguelles, however, said whatever Duterte's motives in appointing former military generals" is anyone's guess."