Palace says gov’t spokespersons should refrain from making personal comments

MANILA, Philippines — Spokespersons in the government have to stick to existing policy and should refrain from making personal comments, a Malacañang aide said on Saturday in connection with the relief of erstwhile Army spokesperson Colonel Anthony Parlade in the wake of the tragic Al-Barka clash.

“This is not against transparency. It is not contrary to what we have been espousing. But the fact remains that as spokespersons we are not policy makers,” said Undersecretary Abigail Valte, President Benigno Aquino III’s deputy spokesperson.

“We are supposed to stick to what the policy is. Malinaw po dapat yan sa lahat ng tagapagsalita ng pamahalaan. We cannot give our personal opinion,” said Valte over state-run radio DZRB.

After the clash with the MILF caused the death of 19 soldiers in Al-Barka, Basilan, Parlade publicly urged the suspension of the ceasefire with the MILF so the government could pursue those responsible for the carnage.