Rodriguez confirms exit from Marcos administration

Lawyer Victor Rodriguez on Wednesday confirmed that he is no longer part of the Marcos administration.

"I confirm that I have completely exited the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, after having spoken to him at length about my wish to spend most of my time with my family… a very personal decision that was happily made," Rodriguez, who served as Executive Secretary for nearly three months, said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin disclosed that there was no Administrative Order No. 1, which supposedly designated Rodriguez as presidential chief of staff.

Rodriguez, who was Marcos' spokesperson during the campaign period for the 2022 elections, explained why he kept mum on the issues hounding his previous position.

"The fundamental reason for this is the fact that all communications that have transpired between the President and myself are absolutely privileged, something which I shall continue to honor in full recognition of and respect to both the Office of the President and the Office of the Executive Secretary," he said.

Rodriguez said he has been ridiculed, maligned and subjected to baseless and unfair commentaries, "but I take solace in the legal aphorism, 'Men in public life may suffer under a hostile or unjust accusation; the wound can be assuaged with the balm of a clear conscience.'"

Rodriguez said it has been an honor to have been given the chance to serve the country. He also urged the public to continue supporting the Marcos administration.

"Ako po ay magpapatuloy maglingkod bilang pribadong mamamayan sa abot ng aking munting kakayanan. Atin pong suportahan si Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at ang ating bansang Pilipinas," Rodriguez said.

(I will continue to serve as a private citizen in all my abilities. Let us support President Bongbong Marcos and the Philippines.) — RSJ, GMA News