Enrile to De Lima: Quit or keep quiet

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Wednesday told Justice Secretary Leila De Lima to quit if she can't "quietly" solve her supposed policy differences with President Benigno Aquino III. "Don't bring your issue before the people... bring it first to your boss, unless you are ready to quit," Enrile told reporters in an interview on Wednesday. He issued the statement after De Lima admitted that she contemplated resignation from Aquino's cabinet after Malacañang decided to review the Incident Investigation and Review Committee's recommendations (IIRC) and later make changes on who should be held liable for the August 23 hostage crisis. (See: DOJ chief says stepping down is an option) De Lima chairs the five-member IIRC. Enrile, however, said that "nobody is indispensable" for Aquino. "He is the boss, he is the chief executive officer. You're just an alter-ego," he said. He likewise said that De Lima should understand that the President has control and jurisdiction over all offices in the executive department. "Your decision is subject to modification by the President. He can reverse, modify, in any way amend or alter your decision... anything you suggest is recommendatory," he said. "You are a subordinate, you do not superimpose your will over your boss. If they (cabinet members) disagree with him, then the door is wide open to them," he added. —Kimberly Jane T. Tan/JV, HS, GMANews.TV