Says poll results show Pinoys expect results, not politics
“Do I still have Cabinet members? Who am I addressing now? We are in a flux.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday asked his entire Cabinet to resign for what he described as a “bold reset” after disappointing results for the administration slate in the midterm elections.
“This is not business as usual,” Mr. Marcos said in a news release published by the Presidential News Desk. “The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act.
“This is not about personalities—it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency…Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized. But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over,” the President added.
At least 44 Cabinet secretaries and Cabinet-rank officials, including presidential advisers, have already tendered their courtesy resignation yesterday.
Both Senate President Francis Escudero and Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed the President’s directive for a Cabinet revamp, calling it a strong move that affirms the Chief Executive’s resolve to deliver better governance and public service.
“I am thankful that he has acknowledged that there is a problem, displayed sensitivity to the sentiments of our countrymen, and humbly taken responsibility by addressing it and demanding accountability from those tasked with implementing the vital programs of the administration: the members of his Cabinet,” Escudero said.
“The President’s course correction must include his entire political house, starting with his own backyard. He must distance himself from reckless allies who squandered his goodwill and burned through his political capital for selfish ends,” he added.
Romualdez said the revamp was “a strong and necessary step – proof that the President listens, acknowledges and acts with resolve.”
“As Speaker and leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives, I commend the President’s courage in demanding accountability and realigning governance. We are ready to work with the new Cabinet to create jobs, lower food prices, and ensure better public service,” Romualdez said.
The House leader also emphasized the critical role of Congress in ensuring that the executive’s reforms are implemented effectively and in line with national development goals.
“We will sharpen our oversight role and advance his agenda. This is a shared mission by the House and by reform-minded leaders,” Romualdez said.
The midterm polls held last week, where only half of the administration bets for the Senate won, were seen as a referendum on the current administration.
Any Cabinet revamp aims to “realign government with the people’s expectations,” the Presidential Communications Office said, assuring the public that government services and programs will continue unhampered.
“President Marcos made it clear that all pending and existing government initiatives will continue uninterrupted. Cabinet secretaries and public servants remain hard at work,” Castro said.
“This is an opportunity for our agency heads to show their alignment with the President’s goals and demonstrate why they deserve to remain in their posts,” she added.
Castro said the move also aims to root out underperforming or possibly corrupt officials.
“The review will also look into whether there are any corruption issues and how agencies are being managed. There is no space for the lazy and corrupt in the administration of President Marcos,” she said.
“Although we didn’t hit our goals—particularly in the Senate—the President sees this as a reason to accelerate improvements…As we’ve seen with the President’s recent actions, he prefers quick resolutions. We can expect prompt decisions,” she added.
Officials who have submitted courtesy resignations include Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Housing chief Jose Acuzar, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Defense chief Gilbert Teodoro, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Energy chief Raphael Lotilla, PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marcos orders ‘courtesy resignations’ of Cabinet officials—PCO”