EDITORIAL – Insulation from politics

As coup rumors continue to swirl, fueled by pronouncements from the administration itself, the military and police are taking tentative steps to depoliticize their organizations. Last week defense officials announced that personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will no longer be deputized for poll duty and will be pulled out as security escorts of politicians during elections. Ballots will also no longer be counted in military camps. Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz linked the move directly to efforts to insulate the AFP from politics.

The Philippine National Police followed suit by pulling out all PNP personnel serving as bodyguards of politicians and business executives, ostensibly so the cops could focus on law enforcement duties. This is a baby step in depoliticizing an organization where officers actively court politicians’ endorsements for promotions and assignments. Every little step that will insulate the uniformed services from politics, however, is a welcome development.

Politicians, most of whom enjoy wielding influence over the AFP and PNP, are likely to resist efforts to create professional, apolitical military and police forces. Reforms can be forced down the throats of uncooperative politicians, however, by drawing up regulations that will be strictly enforced in promotions and assignments.

Detailed criteria for promotions and assignments can be drawn up and implemented so that every soldier or cop will know when he or she becomes eligible for a particular rank or position. Decisions must be made by AFP and PNP boards, with civilian officials giving mainly ministerial approval. The reforms should make clear that political intercession is a hindrance to career advancement.

Both the AFP and PNP must also strengthen their respective grievance mechanisms, so that complaints about substandard boots or unfair superior officers do not fester and turn into fantasies about bringing down the government. Politicians must learn to stop meddling in military and police affairs. Military officers, in turn, must learn to leave politics to the politicians; those who want to dabble in politics must leave the AFP.