Image Credit: Handout Photo via ABS-CBN News Website
MANILA, Philippines – On Wednesday, June 8, Marcos Jr.’s office announced that the incoming president has chosen Clarita Carlos as his National Security Adviser (NSA).
Carlos is a former political science professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, and was a president of the National Defense College of the Philippines.
The appointed NSA had an almost two-hour long meeting with the president-elect, together with Bongbong Marcos’ chosen Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary, Rep. Conrado Estrella of the ABONO Partylist.
Marcos Jr., who had an encounter with Carlos during the SMNI Presidential Debate in March, said that the retired professor could well-contribute to his administration given her knowledge on foreign policies and international politics.
As NSA, Carlos would be tasked to give the president advice on matters such as counterterrorism, maritime security, and be part of the anti-terror council.
As vice-chairperson of the Anti-terrorism Council, the NSA has the power to identify suspected terrorists and to sanction them with prolonged detention.