Elma may resign as Aquino's legal counsel

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential assistant for special concerns Magdangal Elma may resign as President Aquino’s legal counsel because of health concerns.

“He might have mentioned an illness. We will discuss it,” said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. in an interview with radio dzMM.

The former Court of Appeals justice was also legal counsel to Aquino’s mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino.

The younger Aquino convinced him to join his government, an offer that Elma found difficult to turn down.                       

Last December, it was speculated that there was friction between Aquino and Elma because Aquino was supposedly irked when Elma leaked to the media that the PCGG might absorb the function of the Truth Commission if the Supreme Court declares its formation as unconstitutional.

Ochoa said Elma remains as Aquino’s legal counsel. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also did not categorically say that Elma is resigning.                               

“We have no information to that effect. We have no information yet. Once it is, we will let you know,” he said.  

“To the best of my knowledge, I would not know (if he is resigning). I know he is working in Mabini (hall), but since my office is in the National Executive Building, I don’t see Justice Elma,” he added.