Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday neither confirmed nor denied circulating claims that he has been replaced, while the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) described the rumors as mere “speculation.”
“Let’s wait for the official announcement,” Bersamin said when asked if he was removed from his post as the Executive Secretary.
In a separate interview, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said he has received no information to support the rumors, calling the rumors unfounded.
“I don’t hear anything and I have no knowledge about that,” Gomez said in a radio interview when asked about reports claiming Bersamin would be replaced and Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto would take over.
“I also just read it on social media. From my end, I really have no knowledge about that,” he added.
The communications chief also noted that changes at the Executive Secretary level would typically be relayed to fellow Cabinet members.
The Executive Secretary position is also often to as ‘Little President’ due to its mandate to directly assist the President in the management of government affairs and also the operations of the Executive Office.
As of writing, Malacañang has yet to release any formal statement on Bersamin’s status.
Bersamin is one of the Cabinet officials who tendered his courtesy resignation last May when President Marcos signaled a restart after the midterm elections. He was immediately reinstated by the President to his post after evaluation.
