A good number of Cabinet secretaries have military backgrounds, and President Duterte explains it is because he wants to do things fast. Partly understandable.
This pandemic, however, proves that senior government officials, especially those who are involved in disaster response and management and social welfare, must never be the type of persons who have the “my way or the highway” mentality.
As much as we admire military men and women, we all know that uniformed personnel are not inclined to build consensus, because they ought to be decisive and combat-ready. Too bad, because these times call for comprehensive approaches and people who can wield them. There is a reason the military has a different training. The job to defend and protect the country and its people is better left to them. Civil service, however, is better left to, yes, civilians.
JONAS CABILES SOLTES
Member
12th and 13th Sangguniang Bayan
Tinambac, Camarines Sur