Malacañang defended Sunday the appointment of National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales as the acting Defense Secretary following the resignation of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

“Kung pag-uusapan ang karanansan ni Secretary Gonzales, he’s the current National Security Adviser so he has the appropriate background in security matters para mabigyan ng Acting Defense Secretary position ni Pangulong Arroyo,” Presidential spokesperson on Economic Affairs Gary Olivar said over DZRB Sunday.

Olivar said he has also spoken to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which had expressed willingness to work with him.

“They are looking forward to work with him and ready to work with him,” he said.

Olivar said he has also spoken to Department of Justice (DoJ) Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor, who assured that Gonzales has not been involved in human rights cases as reportedly claimed by some militant groups.

Gonzales will take over as Acting Secretary of National Defense starting on Monday following the resignation of Teodoro effective Sunday. Teodoro will be running for president in the 2010 elections under Lakas – Kampi – CMD.

This is Gonzales’ second time to be appointed to head the National Defense.