MANILA, Nov. 20 -- Malaca on Thursday said the departure of former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin from the Cabinet fell squarely within the prerogative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., after the former Chief Justice publicly denied that he resigned on his own accord.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro insisted that the announcement on Bersamin's exit came from Malaca.

"Muli po, ang pina-announce po sa atin ay galing sa Palasyo (Once again, what we announced came from the Palace)," Castro said, offering no further details.

"Kung ano po ang sinabi ng Palasyo, iyon lamang po ang ating ina-announce (We only announce what the Palace conveys)," she added.

Castro, in a press briefing on Monday, ann...