PNoy has full trust, confidence in De Lima –Palace

Malacañang said Tuesday that Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima still enjoys President Benigno Aquino III’s trust, after the religious group, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), called for her resignation.

“Buo ang tiwala at kumpiyansa ng Pangulo kay Sec. de Lima,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a text message to reporters.

Earlier in the day, De Lima said she is not quitting her post despite calls from the politically influential group.

Asked about some lawmakers’ call for De Lima to continue investigating Iglesia ni Cristo officials, Coloma replied: “Walang pagbabago sa sitwasyon. Patuloy ang pagpapairal ng rule of law.”

For five days starting last Thursday, Iglesia ni Cristo members held protests in front of the DOJ building in Manila, and then along a portion of EDSA in Mandaluyong City, to call for De Lima’s resignation.

Members of the religious group accused De Lima of intruding in their internal affairs and supposed special treatment in a complaint filed by an expelled minister against church leaders.

The protest ended Monday following discussions between Iglesia ni Cristo leaders and government officials, including Aquino.