Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — Only seven months into her stint as National Security Adviser, Clarita Carlos claimed there were “forces” that wanted her out, and said she did not anticipate her early exit.
“There is no such anticipation. As a matter of fact, we just finished the strategic planning of the National Security Council about a week ago… But I already knew forces are already moving to get me out, but that did not deter me,” Carlos told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Wednesday.
The retired University of the Philippines professor did not specify who or what these “forces” were, but said she may reveal her reasons for leaving in a memoir—not during Marcos’ presidency.
“I tried to hold on to the job. I did not ask for this, I did not apply for it… I’m a political scientist then I know when the factors or forces are just too much and it will render me ineffective,” she said.
Carlos also said she had a conversation with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday about the “terrain” around the position before former Interior Secretary Eduardo Año’s appointment was announced.
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“I’d like the president to succeed, if the solution is to give (the post) to another person who’s acceptable to these forces, then so be it,” Carlos stressed.
