DND chief still enjoys trust, confidence of GMA – Palace

Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz Jr. still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Arroyo even if he opposed the administration-backed people’s initiative to amend the Constitution, Malacañang said yesterday.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said there was no rift in the Cabinet, although Cruz earlier revealed that some Cabinet members are plotting to remove him from his post.

"All members of the Cabinet serve at the pleasure of the President, so only the President has the possession of whatever plans the President may have for anybody," he said. "I am sure that he has the trust and confidence of the President. My golly, he is the defense secretary."

Ermita said he and other Cabinet secretaries have no knowledge of any move to oust Cruz.

"I don’t see how we can take it against anyone, to have his own thoughts about a subject matter because Secretary Cruz goes along with the thoughts of the President that indeed what we need is a major political reform, and major political reform means Charter change," he said.

"Some political opponents" might be responsible for "sowing intrigue" within the Cabinet, Ermita said.

On the other hand, Cruz told reporters yesterday his detractors have already backed off.

Speaking during turnover rites of a newly refurbished light transport aircraft to the Air Force at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Cruz said the three Cabinet secretaries had backed off after he came out in media to explain his side.

"Umatras na iyong tatlo... tumahimik na (The three have backed off and are now quiet)," he said.

Cruz said the three Cabinet members have been working to oust him as defense secretary for taking an opposite stand on the Charter change issue.

"Meron ngang tatlo (Cabinet members) na may sinasabi na iba ang motibo ko (There are three who are saying I have a different motive)," he said.

Cruz belied talks that he had other motives in not supporting the Malacañang-backed people’s initiative to amend the Constitution.

"Nagsalita lang ako para maipaliwanag ang side ko (I only wanted to explain my side)," he said.

Earlier, Cruz said the people’s initiative was legally flawed so was with the plan to convene Congress into a constituent assembly without the Senate. — With Jaime Laude