Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Thursday said newly appointed National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Oban Jr. is qualified for the post, citing his record of service as a retired four-star general and former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Lacson noted that Oban’s credentials mirror those of his predecessor, Eduardo Año, who also served as AFP Chief of Staff before becoming NSA.
“Both retired 4-star generals are imminently qualified for the job as NSA. That being said, I wish Gen Ed Año well as he returns to private life as I wish him good health, even as I trust that Gen Ed Oban can equally perform the duties and responsibilities as NSA,” Lacson said.
Malacañang announced Oban’s appointment on Wednesday, following Año’s decision to retire from public service to prioritize his health and well-being.
As NSA, Oban will lead the National Security Council, the President’s primary advisory body on national security and foreign policy matters.