Palace: PNoy continues to trust De Lima

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III continues to support Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Malacañang said Tuesday amid claims that she will be removed from office to appease the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. also said the rule of law will continue to prevail following the INC members' five-day protest against the Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation into the alleged forced detention of expelled church members.

"Walang pagbabago sa sitwasyon, patuloy ang pagpapairal sa rule of law. Buo ang tiwala at kumpiyansa ng Pangulo kay Sec. de Lima," Coloma said in a text message to reporters.

Malacañang earlier denied that the government and INC leaders forged an agreement that included de Lima's resignation in exchange for the voluntary dispersal of the protesting INC members along EDSA.

"There was no deal struck, as some insinuate. The talks gave both sides an opportunity to clarify issues and concerns," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Monday.

De Lima earlier said the DOJ would probe the alleged kidnapping of INC ministers who were expelled by the church council or Sanggunian.

the Justice secretary said she was just doing her job, acting on the harassment, illegal detention, threats and coercion charges filed by expelled minister Isaias Samson Jr. and his family against leaders of the church.

The protesting INC members criticized the supposed unfair treatment of De Lima over the filed charges.

Calling for respect for the separation of church and state, INC members urged the DOJ and the government not to meddle with the internal matters of the church.

De Lima was among the high-ranking officials who met with Aquino in Malacañang on Sunday night to discuss the developments on the INC protest.

Also present during the meeting were Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Aquino's spokespersons, who have yet to disclose in detail the discussions between the government and the INC.

"Noong mga nakaraang araw ay tahimik na nakipag-ugnayan ang pamahalaan sa mga lider ng INC. Naging pagkakataon ito upang magkaroon ng paglilinaw ukol sa mga isyu," Roxas said in an earlier statement.