Drilon defends Lacierda: ‘No need for him to step down’

Senate President Frank Drilon. PRIB FILE PHOTO

Senate President Franklin Drilon came to the defense of Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda on Wednesday after a senator called for the latter’s resignation if he would continue to speak for the Liberal Party (LP).

It was Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero who called for Lacierda’s resignation over the weekend, saying he should not dip his hand in politics.

READ: Escudero twits Lacierda: Resign if you’ll continue to speak for Roxas

But Drilon, vice chairman of LP, said Lacierda is not a member of the party but a spokesman of President Benigno Aquino III, who happens to be a political leader.

“Alam mo, si Secretary Lacierda ay talagang magaling at napapansin siya na mukhang hindi tama na siya ay speaking for the party. Well, he is not a member of the party,” said the Senate leader.

Asked then if Escudero’s call for Lacierda’s resignation had basis, Drilon said: “There is certainly no need for him to step down.”

“You know, Cabinet members are extensions of the President. Particularly Secretary Lacierda, he is a spokesperson. You assume that his statements have the approval of the President, otherwise he will not be a spokesman. He holds his position on the basis of the confidence of the President,” he explained.

But asked again if Lacierda should refrain from talking about political issues, Drilon answered in the negative.

“No need. We are in a political season. The President is a political leader; Lacierda is the spokesperson of our political leader,” he further said. JE