Malacañang defended cabinet members who declined to disclose operational details about the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte during a Senate hearing by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro pointed out that the Constitution grants executive privilege to the President and executive officials to protect sensitive information.
"Sana po malaman din po ni Senator Imee Marcos kung ano po bang ibig sabihin ng ‘executive privilege'," said Castro.
"Executive privilege po is a constitutional doctrine that allows the president and high-ranking officials, executive officials, to withhold some sensitive information, especially kung ito po ay magkakaroon na po ng encroachment ng isang branch over to another branch," she added.
She further explained that executive privilege is grounded in the principle of separation of powers, and there are instances—especially concerning matters of national security, diplomatic relations, military affairs, and internal discussions within the Executive Branch—where such information should remain confidential.
During the Senate hearing led by Senator Imee Marcos, Cabinet members reiterated that they did not cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), rejecting the allegation of a "grand conspiracy."
Previously, the Presidential sister mentioned that one of her reasons for withdrawing from the administration-backed senatorial slate was the executive's refusal to disclose details regarding the arrest of the former president.
Castro remarked that if Marcos' beliefs no longer align with those of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, it would be better for her to leave, as a positive relationship cannot be formed if she does not support the advocacies.
