Lawyer Vic Rodriguez is no longer part of the Marcos administration, his successor Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said.
He disclosed that the Administrative Order No. 1 designating Rodriguez as presidential chief of staff does not exist.
"No, he is no longer a member of the Cabinet. You must recall that he resigned for a specific reason and that reason is well published to you. We cannot second guess that reason. Take it as it was stated by the Secretary and let us respect his privacy," Bersamin told reporters Tuesday, Oct. 4.
He said that he has not seen the order creating the position, which was reportedly signed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Sept.
"Ang totoo niyan kung meron talaga ililitaw natin kung meron but up to now wala pang lumitlitaw na ganyan (As a matter of fact, if that exists, we will issue it but up to now, it is not being released)," Bersamin said.
The new Executive Secretary further said that they do not even talk about the said order.
He also asked that Rodriguez' privacy must be respected instead and "put the matter to rest."
"Wala. We don’t even talk about it. not about him. 'Not about it' ang sinabi ko (was what I'm saying)... I have to be clear about that. You know we have to respect the privacy of the former executive secretary. He’s entitled to it," Bersamin said.
"And to be fair to him as well as to the President, let us not belabor that issue kasi (because) the decision has been made. I was appointed Executive Secretary. I was sworn into office and that should put that matter to rest," he added.
Rodriguez announced his resignation from his post on Sept. 17 to have more time for his growing family.
New ES Lucas Bersamin bared that there is no Administrative Order No. 1 which designates Vic Rodriguez as presidential chief of staff.
"Kung meron talaga niyan, meron na rin kayong kopya...But up to now wala talagang lumilitaw na ganyan," he said.
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