It rejected claims that his appointment was another political payback from President Arroyo.

Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita said the President, in exercising her prerogative on government appointments, believes that Singson is qualified for the position due his vast experience in local government and security matters.

"The President has sole prerogative in choosing officials in government. She is the only one who can select those she thinks can help the administration run the country," Ermita said.

Ermita said Singson, the fifth defeated administration senatorial candidate in the May 2007 elections to be named to a government position, can help the government maintain peace and order, particularly in the troubled region of Mindanao.

He noted that in the United States, former governors who had experience running their states became president. US President George W. Bush was a former governor of Texas while ex-US President Bill Clinton served as governor of Arkansas prior to his stint at the White House.

"The experience of governors in running provinces or states is one reason for their knowledge on security and peace and order," Ermita added.

He said Singson could contribute to government’s efforts in resolving the tense conflict in Mindanao, currently besieged with renewed skirmishes between the military and a Muslim separatist group.

Presidential political adviser Gabriel Claudio also defended the new addition to the government’s security team, saying "it is not political accommodation if the appointee is qualified."

"In the case of Gov. Singson, his long experience and credentials as former chief of police, local executive, legislator, and chairman of the League of Provinces well qualify him for his post at the NSC (National Security Council)," Claudio said.

Last Saturday, Ermita announced that Singson would replace retired Lt. Gen. Pedro Cabuay as deputy national security adviser. Cabuay was earlier transferred to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

Meanwhile, the United Opposition (UNO) yesterday clarified that it is not questioning Singson’s appointment as deputy national security adviser.

Singson, during an interview over DZMM, lashed out at his critics, saying they were just "jealous" for calling his appointment as a mere political payback and doubting his capability in dealing with national security matters.

While it recognize Singson’s credentials and capability, UNO spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano said that there are more qualified people who can handle that important position.

"Honestly, we have never questioned his qualifications. What we are concerned about is that the position was given as a mere political accommodation. So why appoint him then? We have so many civil servants out there," he said. (With reports from Leonard D. Postrado)