Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday announced which Cabinet secretaries will be retained and those who will be replaced.
Bersamin said around 52 government officials have submitted their courtesy resignations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. According to him, the President decided to retain the following:
- Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque
- Finance Secretary Ralph Recto
- Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan
- Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman
- Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go
Bersamin said he will also retain his post as Executive Secretary.
Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla will be the new secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), replacing Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.
Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin will serve as the department’s officer in charge.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will replace Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN Antonio Lagdameo.
In turn, Manalo will be replaced by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jerry Acuzar will likewise be the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development.
Former DHSUD undersecretary Jose Ramon Aliling will also replace Acuzar.
Malacañang through Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said earlier this morning the public can expect the President to make a swift decision on his plan to shakeup his Cabinet.
The decision came few hours later during Bersamin’s press con.
Castro assured the courtesy resignations of administration officials will not halt the government services amid concerns from the public.
“They shouldn’t think there will be instability. The President won’t do it and will think it over if that’s what happens to the country. First of all, calling for a courtesy resignation is also for the people,” Castro said.
“And let’s also remember, he said that the work of the government continues during the transition,” she added.
In a bold move, President Marcos ordered all members his Cabinet to file courtesy resignations to recalibrate his administration following the 2025 midterm elections results.
“This is not business as usual,” the President said in a statement on Thursday. “The people have spoken and they expect results, not politics, not excuses. We hear them and we will act,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “Palace: Marcos to make swift decision on courtesy resignations.”