Rep. Jude Acidre: Senate must respect executive privilege

House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Jude Acidre believes the Senate should respect the executive branch's invocation of executive privilege during inquiries, particularly concerning former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest.

Acidre's stance comes in response to concerns about the Senate's willingness to accept Malacañang's assertion of executive privilege in the hearing.

He cited Senator Imee Marcos' criticism of the absence of officials in a Committee on Foreign Relations hearing as an example of this apparent unwillingness.

Acidre argued that ignoring or taking offense at a co-equal branch invoking executive privilege would be inappropriate.

He pointed out that such respect for executive privilege has been a consistent practice across administrations, including during former President Duterte's term.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin had invoked executive privilege, leading to the absence of invited officials from a Senate hearing.