Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday announced leadership changes in three major government agencies as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order for a ‘bold reset’ of his Cabinet members.
In a major shift in the country’s foreign affairs leadership, Bersamin said that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will soon be headed by career diplomat and longtime undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro beginning July 31.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will be reappointed as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, replacing Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Sr.
The senior Lagdameo is retiring after decades of diplomatic service. He is the father and namesake of Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, Jr. who also tendered his courtesy resignation on Thursday and is awaiting his fate in the Marcos Cabinet.
Manalo previously served in the same UN role during the Duterte administration before assuming leadership of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). His reappointment takes effect August 1.
“The UN role is critical, especially as we campaign for a seat in the UN Security Council for 2027–2028,” Bersamin said in a press conference.
The diplomatic reshuffle comes amid a broader Cabinet reorganization.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla will be reassigned to lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), replacing Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.
Bersamin addressed questions surrounding Loyzaga’s removal, emphasizing that there were no allegations of wrongdoing.
“Secretary Loyzaga, there’s no issue of corruption there. Maybe there is just a perception—I don’t know how fair or unfair that perception is—that she’s more frequently out of the country. That’s the recurring thing that’s being brought to our attention,” he said.
“But let’s not judge her anymore. Whether that’s inefficiency or not, that’s not up for us to do, but the evaluation showed that it was time to have her rest first,” President Marcos added.
Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin has been appointed as officer-in-charge of DOE upon Lotilla’s exit.
Meanwhile, Housing Secretary Jerry Acuzar will transition to a new Cabinet-level role as Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Improvement.
Engineer Jose Ramon Aliling, a former DHSUD undersecretary and president of a prominent construction management firm, will take over as head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
“Secretary-designate Aliling is not new to the department,” Bersamin said. “He has a strong track record and understands large-scale housing and urban projects.”
Bersamin acknowledged the sensitivity of the reshuffle but emphasized that the changes are intended to enhance governance and sustain economic momentum.
“These are strategic appointments that reflect the administration’s priorities in diplomacy, energy, environment, and urban development,” he stated.