Malacañang clarified on Tuesday that invoking executive privilege by Cabinet members does not hinder the ongoing Senate investigation into the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In an interview with Unang Balita, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro explained that the administration is well within its rights to exercise executive privilege, especially when discussing sensitive or confidential matters. However, she emphasized that Cabinet officials still participated in the Senate hearing and responded to questions that were not covered by the privilege.
“They attended the hearing and answered questions outside the scope of executive privilege. There’s nothing preventing the investigation from proceeding,” Castro said.
She also noted that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. did not block his Cabinet from attending the hearing.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed that he received a letter from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin asserting executive privilege over certain presidential communications, particularly closed-door Cabinet discussions. A similar letter was sent to Senator Imee Marcos, who chairs the investigating committee.
Escudero said he saw no need to reply, as the hearing was already underway when the letter arrived. He clarified that while officials are expected to attend Senate hearings, they may invoke executive privilege if asked about direct conversations with the President.
The Senate foreign relations committee held the hearing on March 20, focusing on Duterte’s arrest related to alleged crimes against humanity being investigated by the International Criminal Court. High-ranking officials present included Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, and Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura.