MALACAÑANG officials yesterday lashed at the Senate and critics of President Arroyo for asking her to waive her executive privilege, saying it is provided in the Constitution.

Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said the Senate is guilty of double standard as it observes secrecy in its executive sessions.

"Confidentiality is provided by law for free and full deliberations in all three branches of government. It is waived only when there is strong evidence of wrongdoing," he said.

Arroyo on Wednesday announced that Executive Order 464 which prohibits Cabinet officials from attending legislative inquiries without her permission would be withdrawn.

She, however, said the right of Cabinet members to invoke executive privilege would remain.

Yesterday, she issued Memorandum Circular 151 revoking EO 464 and Memorandum Circular 108.

Senate President Manuel Villar has said the Palace should do more than revoke EO 464 by also scrapping Memorandum Circular 108, which gives the guidelines on the appearance of executive officials in congressional hearings.

Cerge Remonde, director general of the Presidential Management Staff, said Arroyo's critics just showed their true colors.

"Nothing will satisfy them until they bring down the President and grab power for themselves," he said.

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said those who are saying that the revocation of EO 464 is not enough were the same ones who asked that it be scrapped.

"This just proves that the critics have other vested interests in the guise of wanting to know the truth," he said.

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said the lawmakers should be the first to understand and to follow the laws. She said no President could compromise the Constitution and the law just to heed public clamor.

"Iyong sinasabi nila na alisin ang executive privilege, hindi puwedeng gawin ng kahit na sinong pangulo yon," she said.

"This can be a Pandora's box. Pag pumayag tayo ngayon sa issue ng ZTE o kay (former Planning) Secretary (Romulo) Neri, this can already set a precedent for the next hearings of the Senate," she said.