MANILA - President Aquino has defended the appointment of former Philippine National Police director Lina Sarmiento as chairperson of the human rights claims board for victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos regime. The President said critics must look at the practical considerations of their demand that the board be headed by someone who fought against the dictatorship. Chief among these considerations is the advanced age of potential candidates. The President said one candidate for the position begged off because he would no longer have the energy to carry out the duties of the position. Aquino said the board must be headed by someone with both the experience and the energy to confront any groups who would seek to hinder its work for their own ends. "Bakit si Lina? Number 1, she is approaching the age of 56, which I think will give her the maturity. Parang time for the experience and the necessary physical ability to be able to complete the job in two years and also to fend off those who would want to sabotage what this law intends to do," he said. The President said he has had experience with Sarmiento tackling human rights issues, which is essential for her work. "She has the skill. She has the physical energy. She has the drive and she has the right direction to be able to accomplish the job in 2 years or less," he said. ANC, February 25, 2014