Are PR pros entitled to an opinion?

When Lauren Fernandez, a marketing coordinator by title, is quoted in the press she is her company’s “spokesperson,” which means she represents the organization and its 57,000 employees. With such responsibility, when is it OK for Fernandez to have her own opinion and not that of the organization? She offered some suggestions on when PR pros should keep their opinions to themselves (after too many drinks at the holiday party) and when they should express them (over drinks with friends).