Manila, Sept. 3 -- Malacanang on Thursday defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s continued appointment of acting Cabinet secretaries, saying these are within his authority and comply with existing laws.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement after Senator Imee Marcos questioned why around a dozen officials remain in acting capacity, saying permanent appointments would allow them to undergo scrutiny by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Castro said the President is exercising his prerogative within the bounds of the law.

"Prerogative po ng Pangulo iyan at tumutupad po ang Pangulo sa batas (That is the President's prerogative, and the President complies with the law)," Castro said during a Palace briefing.

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