Malacañang asserts executive privilege in Duterte arrest hearings

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero announced on Monday that Malacañang, the presidential palace, has reminded the Senate that Cabinet members can use executive privilege. This reminder comes as the Senate investigates the circumstances surrounding former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest. Escudero shared this information at a press conference. He mentioned receiving the letter on March 20, the same day Senator Imee Marcos led a meeting to discuss the case. The letter informed them that the Cabinet members would invoke executive privilege regarding their discussions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. During the hearing, both Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla chose not to answer questions about a meeting with the President before Duterte's arrest. Jonvic explained that the meeting was only about rumors and not planning for an arrest. Escudero stated that executive privilege cannot be used as an excuse to skip a hearing. It can only be invoked if the questions specifically involve sensitive discussions. He also noted that he did not find it unusual for the palace to remind the Senate about this privilege.