Can the military make the difference?

Machiavelli has been identified with the dictum, “The ends justify the means.” This has been construed in its negative context which connotes that the use of indiscriminate, extrajudicial and extralegal methods are necessary to achieve an avowed objective. On the contrary, it simply expresses that a leader must accept dreadful responsibility in serving the common good.

Under the Duterte administration, the employment of the military and police in many branches of the bureaucracy has been grossly criticized. The soldier is unfairly vilified for complying with the orders of the Commander in Chief. Of late, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has been assigned to their stewardship.

Machiavelli further posited that under extreme situations, extreme measures are necessary.

The drug and customs problems have escalated into unmanageable proportions that a normal process to administer is useless and inutile. Corruption spread like cancer, metastasized into the deep recesses of the BOC.

Past presidents were too soft and effeminate to displease the big players for fear of reprisal.

The assumption of customs duties by the military has received a lot of unfavorable remarks. A lot of people questioned the legal basis while others doubt their skills and knowledge. Can a square peg fit into a round hole?

This argument may be valid but there are other mitigating circumstances wherein the military can stand on solid grounds. Skills and knowledge of old times have not made a difference. Professionalism was an exemption rather than the rule.

In spite of its long years of existence, the BOC has not matured professionally. It is teeming with lawyers, accountants, many with graduate degrees, even advanced training in customs administration and operations, both local and abroad. Scholastic and educational powerhouse does not guarantee efficiency and seriousness of purpose. These academic preparation and investments were no match to a weak personal resolve to withstand the influence and temptations of corruption.

What it lacks in customs tradecraft maybe compensated in values and attitudes. It is in this context whereby the military commands a higher premium that can compensate for any inadequacy on skills and training.

The President has spoken that while customs duties is not the job of a soldier, he believes that under the present circumstances, only a soldier can do it.

Skills are essential but values and attitudes are equally relevant to fill in gaps of limited knowledge.

A soldier is always ready to fight. Readiness implies accomplishment of a mission.

The military psyche is primed to take risks, accepts injury as part of his job. The level of compromise is reduced due to a higher level of tolerance to absorb risks. Customs inefficiency is also borne out of compromise. While there are good laws, rarely are they complied with. The presence of legal experts is no guarantee.

Good laws need the military organization because their strict adherence to order makes compromise irrelevant and nil.

Discipline is an inherent military strength. It provides the muscle to enforce laws.

A good soldier is willing to sacrifice his life for the sake of the mission, and a leader must be willing to give way to his personal ambitions for the success of the mission.

The Senate investigation revealed one glaring weakness of custom officials; putting personal desires before institutional goals. The military continuously prepares for war. He has a higher tolerance level not to compromise and to stand firmly on his ground.

The new BOC commissioner possesses the leadership to succeed and achieve.

Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero occupied the highest AFP position. To reach the pinnacle of the military establishment means you possess and are imbued with the qualities of intellect, character, and good service reputation.

But the most important quality ingrained in every top commander is the determination to succeed.

He will never leave the battlefield until the mission is accomplished.

Expect results because a combat commander will exert pressure on the enemy to surrender or recapitulate.

The Prince personified by the Commander in Chief has laid the mantle of sheer resolve to finish the job. The military will provide the follow through.