The controversy was triggered by a verbal order from Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Vicky Garchitorena banning in-house writers of the Presidential News Desk (PND) from covering the Cabinet meetings.
The directive of Garchitorena, who also holds Cabinet rank, appeared to have encroached on the official functions of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) headed by Noel Cabrera.
The PND, the Philippine Information Agency, the Philippine News Agency, the Media Affairs and Relations Office, the National Printing Office and all government-owned or controlled radio and television networks operate under the OPS umbrella.
Garchitorena’s order was reportedly meant to plug "leaks" to the media regarding sensitive matters taken up at the Cabinet meetings held regularly at the State Dining Room of Malacañang.
The PND writers were also allegedly prohibited by Garchitorena from joining Mrs. Arroyo’s out-of-town trips.
The PND staff, who draft news releases regarding presidential affairs, including those of her family members and related matters, resented the prohibition, saying it effectively prevented them from performing their official duties and functions.
They also claimed that Garchitorena has not issued a formal written order on the matter as she had promised three weeks ago.
PND staff members claimed it was the first time that Palace in-house writers were prevented from covering events involving the President and official family.
They stressed that articles reproduced by their office were invaluable for governmental transparency, as well as for information dissemination regarding goings-on affecting the President.
Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao tried to downplay the controversy by saying the prohibition against PND writers was simply due to lack of space in the State Dining Room during Cabinet meetings.
"There are 24 Cabinet members plus their assistants and aides. It’s a big group," Tiglao said.
He also hinted at the possibility of premature or improper leakage of vital information to the media.
Justifying the prohibition, Tiglao said Garchitorena’s order did not make Malacañang less transparent.
He also said Mrs. Arroyo was promptly informed about the directive.
Tiglao also pointed out that the PMS served as the presidential secretariat, hence, the PMS chief has a say on how Cabinet meetings should be conducted.
"Cabinet meetings should have decorum and strictness," Tiglao said.
However, he pledged to work out a scheme where PND writers would join Mrs. Arroyo’s provincial sorties.