It is well accepted that the military became highly politicized during the time of Marcos, and since then there has never really been any major attempt to reform the military back into what it was during the glorious days of Ramon Magsaysay.  Avelino "Nonong" Cruz Jr., perhaps one of the brightest young men we have in the Cabinet today, is now tasked to implement the military's reform program.

His enthusiasm, his passion and determination is admirable, but he is up against an institution that has been tainted with corruption, wracked by dissension and demoralization among soldiers who feel that they have not been getting the logistical support they long need.  Nonong is turning out to be one of the more dynamic Cabinet members we have today.

Except for Orly Mercado during the time of Joseph Estrada, we hadn't had a civilian at the helm of the Department of National Defense (DND) since Juan Ponce Enrile.  Former generals, mostly coming from the Philippine Army, have always been appointed to head DND.

Early in his appointment, concerns were raised that Sec. Cruz might have a difficult time because "he does not belong."  On the other hand, it could work to his advantage because as an "outsider" looking in, he is more forward looking, and is unshackled by the "mistah" culture still prevalent within the military.

Sec. Cruz was the speaker during the Rotary luncheon and he clearly articulated his program of military reforms called the Philippine Defense Reform (PDR) program.  He said government is revitalizing its campaign to end the decades-old communist insurgency problem and is focusing on key areas of reform, to "reengineer" systems and "retool" personnel and make the AFP a disciplined, professional and mission-capable institution.

As he correctly pointed out, the military should be insulated from partisan politics.  Soldiers should not be made to count ballots, but only provide security when there are threats to disrupt the conduct of elections.  No canvassing should be done within military camps either, because this is inconsistent with attempts to insulate the military from politics.  Just recently, the Secretary announced institutional reform measures being incorporated in the new National Defense Act of 2007, like giving the AFP chief a full three-year term.  Many believe this could curb dissatisfaction brought about by the "revolving door" policy in appointing the chief of staff, and could prevent the next one from becoming a lame duck military chief.

Government has a 10-year plan to strengthen the capability of the AFP, focusing on several areas like military operations, intelligence gathering, enhancing legal capabilities.  Sec. Cruz emphasized Civil Military Operations or CMO as a potent tool in countering insurgency, because socio-economic efforts could spur development in the countryside through infrastructure projects like roads and bridges.

Insurgents have been exploiting the twin issues of poverty and injustice to advance their cause through the years, and this is a problem that should really be looked into.  Communication is another problem, with troops lacking even the most basic equipment like radios to help them in operations.  More helicopters, including those that could fly at night, will be added to the 60 we have today, the Secretary disclosed.

All these are great plans, but to see is to believe, because we have been fighting an insurgency war since time immemorial, beginning during the time of Ramon Magsaysay.  But even Sec. Cruz realizes that the real bottom line is the economy.  Last week, we wrote about the bright news we've been hearing and the things to come.  But a big problem we have today is that we are so dependent on oil, and businesses are really down.  Major corporations like San Miguel are complaining that revenues are sinking, and it all boils down to the situation in Lebanon and the Middle East as a whole, with oil prices now going at an all time high, and this could even get worse.  This is what we need to be worried about.

That's why for people who ask me, sometimes sarcastically, "Why are you so optimistic?"—my answer is, we have to have hope.  We must have hope.  But at the same time, we have to be pragmatic and face reality.  Assuming that there is every reason for us to follow a democratic system with checks and balances, conducting all these hearings and investigations, I am convinced that this country can ill-afford it at this time.  The real major problem we have today is the economy and the insurgency—and ultimately, how the military can be used to counteract these, especially the latter.  As Nonong Cruz had correctly pointed out, poverty and injustice breed terrorism.

The latest bomb threat uncovered in London clearly shows that terrorism is still the biggest global threat.  What happened in London could also happen here, especially with the hunt still on for Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani and al-Qaeda linked terrorists Umar Patek and Dulmatin.  While our forces are intensifying efforts against Janjalani, it's clear that the help of the United States is essential to curb terrorism, not only within our borders, but outside as well, considering that the Philippines is long suspected to be a training ground for al-Qaeda operatives.

An underlying problem, however, is the Lebanon situation with the growing Muslim hatred for Americans because of the United States' blatant support for Israel.  With the NPA still on the US terrorist list and rewards being offered by the US government for the apprehension of Patek and Dulmatin, there's no question we need the help and cooperation of the US even with our internal security problems.  But if our military continues to be corrupt, and demoralization continues and disunity persists, this country's problem with insurgency and terrorism could only get worse.

The Defense Secretary said our soldiers are not only capable of winning the war, but also of winning the peace—but corruption and other issues must be addressed.  There is no doubt we need a strong military, but our armed forces should really be confined to taking care of the country's internal security.  While we can depend on America for external security concerns, we must first concentrate on strengthening and equipping our troops.  Everybody is looking at Sec. Cruz and waiting and watching if he will be able to whip the uniformed services into shape.

There is no question, this country's Armed Forces must regain the respect and confidence of the people, and it must now show convincing proof that it is a capable force untainted by politics and corruption.  The big question is, will the energetic, youthful looking Secretary of National Defense succeed?  Let's hope so.  More importantly, for our sake—let's pray so!

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