Marcos Asks All Cabinet Members to Resign

Marcos Asks All Cabinet Members to Resign

By Rodini ‘Bing’ Jabadan – TheNationweek.com

May 22, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — In a move to realign his administration, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday (May 22, 2025) formally requested all his Cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations.

His directive follows the recent midterm elections, which exposed considerable challenges for his administration.

As part of the transition, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has communicated his intention to resign, stating, “It has been an honor to serve in your Cabinet. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities.”

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon characterized the President’s request as a “strong symbol” of the administration’s commitment to combating corruption and enhancing accountability within government operations.

Dizon made the statement during a press briefing focused on the Department of Transportation’s initiatives against fraudulent licensing practices.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman have also expressed their willingness to comply with the President’s request.

Recto confirmed via Viber, “I will submit my courtesy resignation,” while Aguda emphasized the administration’s dedication to expediting projects that improve the lives of Filipinos, asserting, “We stand by the President and serve at his pleasure.”

Marcos articulated the rationale behind the sweeping directive, underscoring the necessity for alignment with public expectations.

“This is not about personalities — it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency,” he remarked.

“The time for comfort zones is over. The people have spoken, and they expect results — not politics, not excuses.”

The call for resignations follows a disappointing electoral performance for the President’s allies, which many interpreted as a referendum on his leadership.

The results revealed a fragmented legislative landscape, with candidates affiliated with his estranged vice president, Sara Duterte, exceeding expectations.

Public sentiment toward the President has notably declined, as evident in a recent Pulse Asia survey indicating only 25 percent approval for his administration, a significant decrease from 42 percent.

In contrast, Duterte’s approval rating stands at 59 percent, reflecting growing discontent among Filipinos, particularly regarding inflation control, a primary concern for many households.

As the President navigates this critical phase of governance, the emphasis remains on restoring public trust and delivering tangible results for the Filipino populace.

Twenty-seven Cabinet members have already announced their intention to resign. They are:

1. Secretary of Transportation Vince Dizon

2. Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Rex Gatchalian

3. Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Jonvic Remulla

4. Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Romando Artes

5. Secretary of Tourism Cristina Frasco

6. Secretary of Budget and Management Amenah Pangandaman

7. Secretary of Finance Ralph Recto

8. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra

9. Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo Cacdac

10. Secretary of Information and Communications Technology Henry Aguda

11. Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Remulla

12. Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office Jay Ruiz

13. Secretary of Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

14. Secretary of Labor and Employment Bienvenido Laguesma

15. Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Jose Benitez

16. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin

17. Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority Arsenio Balisacan

18. Presidential Adviser for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go

19. Secretary of Agrarian Reform Conrado Estrella III

20. Secretary of Energy Raphael Lotilla

21. Secretary of Education Sonny Angara

22. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Yulo Loyzaga

23. Secretary of National Defense Gibo Teodoro

24. Secretary of Science and Technology Renato Solidum

25. Secretary of Trade and Industry Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque

26. National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano

27. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo

The administration awaits the resignations of 10 other Cabinet members. They are:

1. Secretary of Health Ted Herbosa

2. Secretary of Public Works and Highways Manuel Bonoan

3. Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile

4. Secretary of the Presidential Management Staff Elaine Masukat

5. Presidential Assistant on Maritime Affairs Andres Centino

6. Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs Roman Felix

7. Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon

8. Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez, Jr.

9. Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.

10. Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs Mark Llandro Mendoza.