‘Cruz’s ouster could demoralize AFP’

Some quarters have expressed apprehension over the reported plot by some Cabinet members to ease out Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, who was among those reportedly blamed for the defeat of Charter change initiatives of the administration.

Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the ouster of Cruz could disrupt the reform programs he initiated in the defense and military establishment.

"Maganda iyong Capability Upgrade Program na sinimulan under his term. Kung mapapalitan iyan maaaring maging back to zero na naman," the official said.

He said any successor in the defense department would be unable to continue the reform programs initiated by Cruz.

The official said the Philippine Defense Reform Program, aimed at enhancing the capability of the military in dealing with enemies of the state, would lose its focus and momentum once Cruz is ousted from his post.

The source explained Cruz’s ouster would could cause the defense establishment to lose focus on its internal security operations.

Another official said Cruz should be spared from politics.

The official stressed Cruz should be allowed to continue reforming the military establishment and implement policies and programs that have not been implemented by his predecessors.

"Dahil sa kanya meron tayong Philippine Defense Reform Program... Dahil din sa kanya, nailayo ang mga sundalo sa pulitika dahil sa limitation ng kanilang election duties," the official pointed out.

"Meron pang New National Defense Act na siya rin ang may initiative. Dapat tingnan ang output niya at hindi dapat tanggalin," he said.

Given more time, Cruz could institute more reforms in the military, which should be reason enough for him to stay in his post.

Another official also pointed out Cruz has implemented much-needed reforms in the Armed Forces, which benefited the enlisted personnel.

"If enlisted personnel are well funded and better trained, they would be able to perform their functions without having to worry about anything, especially the future and security of their families," the official said.

He said the programs being implemented under Cruz’s watch are urgently needed, especially now that the government is bent on crushing the communists.

"Leave politics to politicians, and let government officials who want reforms to institute changes," the official said.

Cruz has claimed three Cabinet members he did not identify were "unhappy" over his position on the people’s initiative which he branded as "constitutionally infirm."

The reported imminent ouster of Cruz came following the Supreme Court decision last week dismissing the people’s initiative petition filed by the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and Sigaw.

A ranking Malacañang official disclosed of talks within President Arroyo’s official family that Cruz might be sacked or demoted because of his ties to the law firm that he founded together with Antonio Carpio and Arthur "Pancho" Villaraza.

The law firm reportedly helped turn the tide against Charter change as it reportedly failed to obtain favors from Mrs. Arroyo, the Palace official said.