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Layug defends Rodriguez from criticisms: 'Trust PBBM's good judgment'

Philippines | National

Layug defends Rodriguez from criticisms: 'Trust PBBM's good judgment'

By Ellson Quismorio

"Always trust in the leader's good judgment."

Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez (Facebook)

This was Reform Party President James Layug's retort to those allegedly casting aspersions against Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez.

Rodriguez served as the spokesperson for then-UniTeam presidential bet Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. When the latter was deemed presumptive president following his majority vote victory in the May 9 polls, he designated Rodriguez as his executive secretary.

According to Layug, the public criticisms against Rodriguez are "an open declaration of their lack of faith in President ".

Layug said Rodriguez's appointment to an extremely sensitive position in the executive department carries the presumption that he has the absolute trust and confidence of the incoming Chief Executive.

The executive secretary is basically the elected president’s right-hand man. He is often referred to as the "little president".

"Any allegation that Rodriguez is abusing that trust and confidence reflects on President Marcos's sense of judgment and wisdom," Layug noted.

"As they say in the political battlefield: Semper confidunt ducis iudicium (Always trust in the leader's good judgment)," he added.

Layug earlier said that the UniTeam tandem of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte "has the sincere response for continuity, sustainability and predictability in the successful program of the Duterte administration".

He specifically cited that the UniTeam has committed to continue former President Rodrigo Duterte's "Build, Build, Build" program; digital infrastructure improvements; and war against drugs, criminality, and corruption.

The Reform Party is composed mostly of reformist soldiers.

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PBBM Jr.

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