Cabinet members are free to express their opinions on public matters.

“The President has always nurtured a culture of the open ventilation of ideas within the Cabinet,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said yesterday.

“In this way, policymaking is enriched by diverse views, resulting in decisions distilled from a wealth of varied experiences, different disciplines, and the special expertise of those who contribute,” he added.

Bersamin made the statement after Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile on Wednesday expressed his views on the National Rally for Peace organized by the religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo.

In his statement, Enrile appeared “opposed” to the rationale behind the gathering, which was held nationwide, including at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Enrile pointed out that if the logic of the religious group was followed, it would “incur a very detrimental precedent” as a nation and a state.

Enrile also asked if the religious group and its members can amend the Constitution, suspend any of its provisions, or “discard or sacrifice the value of the rule of law for a person or a group of persons.”

The INC had said the rally was in support of peace and Marcos’ opposition to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Duterte is facing three impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives in connection with her alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds.

Legal procedure

Enrile said impeachment is a constitutional process for removing a government official from office for acts that went against their oath.

Bersamin did not specifically address the statements of Enrile but reiterated the position of the President regarding his Cabinet expressing their views.

“It is in this spirit that Secretary Enrile came forward with his views,” he said. “While his thoughts may carry weight and are always valued, his is one of many that the President seriously considers.”

Despite Enrile’s statements on the impeachment complaints against Duterte, Bersamin said the President’s position on the matter remained unchanged.