Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Cabinet members are free to express their own opinions on public matters, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to such actions.
“The President has always nurtured a culture of open ventilation of ideas within the Cabinet,” he said.
“In this way policymaking is enriched by diverse views resulting in decisions distilled from a wealth of varied experiences, different disciplines, and special expertise of those who contribute,” he added.
Bersamin made this 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 as “opposed” to the rationale behind the gathering, which was held nationwide including its main stage at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
He emphasized that if the logic of the religious group is followed, it will “incur a very detrimental precedent” as nation and a state.
Enrile also posed the question if the religious group and all its members can amend the Constitution or suspend any of its provisions, or to “discard or sacrifice the value of Rule of Law for a person or a group of persons."
The INC organized the rally in support of Marcos’ statements discouraging lawmakers to push impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte who is facing three impeachment raps in connection to her alleged misuse of government funds.
Enrile maintained that impeachment is a constitutional legal process to remove a government official from office provided he or she is proven to have committed acts that goes against his or her oath.
Bersamin did not make specific comments on the statements made by Enrile but reiterated the position of the President towards his Cabinet expressing their views and opinions.
“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,” he added.
Although, even with Enrile’s views and statements towards the impeachment complaints filed against Duterte, Bersamin maintained that Marcos’ position on the matter remains unchanged.