WHEN retired University of the Philippines professor Clarita Carlos was appointed national security adviser (NSA) in June last year, not a few eyebrows were raised, not only because she was a woman but also because the position is traditionally given to former military officers.

Last January 14, Malacañang announced the resignation of Carlos, who later said in a statement that 'it is no longer politic to continue as NSA to the President,' and that she had 'decided to migrate to another agency where my expertise on foreign, defense and security policy will be of use.'