MANILA – A member of the Consultative Committee (ConCom) tasked to draft the proposed Philippine federal charter asked President Rodrigo Duterte to fire Finance secretary Sonny Dominguez and Socioeconomic Planning secretary Ernesto Pernia.
Fr. Ranhilio Aquino urged the President to “command” Dominguez and Pernia “to keep their traps shut” after the two have spoken against federalism.
“Freedom of expression does not apply to Cabinet officials in respect to policy,” said Aquino.
The Palace on Friday said it “views the differences of opinion on federalism as part of the continuing discourse.”
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said Malacañang “welcomes the concerns of Fr. Ranhilio Aquino as a member of the ConCom and acknowledges his passion and hard work in contributing to the drafting of the federal charter.”
Roque also reiterated the Duterte administration’s support for federalism.
“The President, as we all know, has long been an advocate of federalism and his policy has always been one of inclusive participation of various groups and sectors,” the Palace official said.
Differences of opinion should be expected, stressed Roque, adding that it happens “even among members of the President’s official family.”/PN
