In a decisive move following the recent midterm elections, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called for the courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries. Malacañang described this as a pivotal step to recalibrate the government’s priorities and ensure alignment with the people’s expectations.

President Bongbong Marcos Jr, FILE FB Photo

“This is not business as usual,” Marcos stated. “The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act.”

The President’s message comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with what they perceive as stagnation in governance. His administration seeks to shed complacency and usher in a results-oriented approach, addressing the most pressing needs of the nation.
According to Malacañang, the request for resignations is not about personalities but performance. It underscores the administration’s commitment to re-evaluating its strategies and leadership to match the evolving demands of the country.

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“This marks a transition from the early phase of governance to a more focused, performance-driven approach,” a Palace statement read.

President Marcos clarified that the move is not an indictment of his Cabinet’s dedication but a proactive measure to adapt to new challenges. “Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized,” he said. “But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over.”
While the government undergoes this internal reset, Malacañang assured the public that services would remain uninterrupted. Stability, continuity, and meritocracy, the Palace noted, will guide the reshaping of the leadership team.

“This bold reset signals a new phase—sharper, faster, and fully focused on the people’s most pressing needs,” it said.
The President revealed in his May 19 podcast episode that a Cabinet-wide performance review is underway. This initiative aims to identify lagging departments and take corrective action.

“Dito nga sa ginagawa naming performance review. Iyon ang warning ko sa kanila (There’s an ongoing performance review. That’s my warning to them),” Marcos said.

He emphasized the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on inefficiency and corruption. Agencies that fail to meet targets will be subject to closer scrutiny, and those found guilty of severe infractions may face legal action.

“Kung talagang may nagkukulang o corrupt, eh kung talagang masyadong mabigat yung kanilang kasalanan, eh kasuhan na namin (If someone is really falling short or corrupt, and the offense is serious, we’ll file charges),” he explained.
The move comes as public pressure mounts for greater accountability in governance. Critics argue that the administration has been too lenient on officials accused of wrongdoing. By initiating this sweeping review, the President seeks to dispel such notions and restore public trust in his leadership.

Observers see the resignations as a double-edged sword: a bold attempt to revitalize the government, but one that could lead to political rifts if mishandled.
President Marcos’ call for resignations underscores his commitment to bridging the gap between governance and public expectations. His administration’s recalibrated priorities focus on faster execution, transparency, and tangible outcomes.

“This is not about maintaining the status quo but about meeting the demands of a people who have grown tired of empty promises,” Marcos reiterated.
As the government enters this phase of transformation, all eyes will be on how Marcos reconfigures his Cabinet. His promise of a more dynamic and responsive administration has raised expectations—and scrutiny.

With the midterm elections serving as a wake-up call, the President’s actions signal his resolve to adapt, improve, and deliver. Whether this reset can bring about the desired changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the people demand results, and the administration cannot afford to fall short.

The coming months will determine if this bold move will mark a turning point in Philippine governance or simply become another chapter in its political narrative.

President’s Frustration Sparks Major Cabinet Review

In a striking development during a recent press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro revealed that President [Name] has expressed deep frustration with the performance of certain Cabinet members. However, Castro refrained from disclosing the identities of these officials, leaving the public speculating about the looming changes in the administration.

“Walang puwang sa gobyerno, sa administrasyon, ang tamad at ang korap (The government has no room for the lazy and the corrupt),” Castro declared emphatically, underscoring the administration’s uncompromising stance against inefficiency and corruption.

According to Undersecretary Castro, the President has initiated a comprehensive review of the Cabinet members, which will assess not only their performance but also delve into potential issues of corruption.

“Unang-una kung gaano nga ba kabilis ang kanilang performance at kung may issue ba tungkol sa korapsyon. Importante po ‘yan (First, they will look into how quickly they perform and if they have issues related to corruption. That’s important),” she explained.

This review, expected to conclude promptly, aims to ensure that the administration’s highest offices are occupied by officials who can uphold the government’s commitment to efficiency and integrity.

Castro elaborated that the review would scrutinize not just the outputs of the Cabinet members but also the processes and ethics underlying their governance.

“So hindi lamang performance ‘to, titingnan din po nila kung nagkakaroon ba ng issue tungkol sa anomalya sa kanilang pagha-handle ng kanilang agency (So it’s not just about their performance. They will also check if there were anomalies in the way they handled their agencies),” she stated.

The multi-faceted review signals the administration’s intent to reform and reinforce accountability within the government’s ranks.

Despite the ongoing evaluation, Castro clarified that Cabinet members who have submitted their courtesy resignations would continue to hold their posts until the President announces the review’s outcome.

“Manantili sila sa kanilang posisyon. Siguro ito yung tamang panahon para ipakita nila na dapat sila manantili sa kanilang posisyon (They will stay in their position. Perhaps this is the best time for them to show that they should stay in their office),” Castro remarked.

This temporary reprieve provides the officials an opportunity to demonstrate their worthiness for their respective roles. However, Castro delivered a stern warning:

“Pero kapag nakita po talaga ng Pangulo na hindi mo deserve ang iyong posisyon (But if the President sees that you don’t deserve that position), you will be out.”

The announcement has triggered widespread speculation about which Cabinet members may be underperforming or entangled in corruption allegations. Public opinion remains divided—some view the move as a much-needed shake-up, while others are cautious about the potential disruption it may cause in government operations.

Civic groups and analysts have lauded the administration’s initiative as a step toward good governance. However, they have also urged for transparency and fairness in the review process.

As the government undertakes this critical review, all eyes are on the President and his commitment to reforming his administration. The outcome of this rigorous assessment will undoubtedly set the tone for the remainder of his term.

Whether it results in sweeping changes or affirms the capability of the current Cabinet, one thing is clear: the administration is poised to confront inefficiency and corruption head-on, in pursuit of a more effective and accountable government.

Wave of Courtesy Resignations Sweeps Philippine Executive Branch Following Presidential Directive

In a sweeping move aimed at fostering a “fresh start” in governance, several Cabinet secretaries and agency heads under the Executive Branch of the Philippines have either submitted their courtesy resignations or expressed their willingness to comply with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent directive. This landmark development underscores the administration’s push for accountability, transparency, and alignment with its reform agenda.

As of press time, the following high-ranking officials have tendered their resignations:

Key Cabinet Officials

Department of Transportation (DOTr): Secretary Vince Dizon
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): Secretary Rex Gatchalian
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG): Secretary Jonvic Remulla
Department of Tourism (DOT): Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco
Department of Budget and Management (DBM): Secretary Amenah Pangandaman
Department of Finance (DOF): Secretary Ralph Recto
Department of Justice (DOJ): Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
Department of Agriculture (DA): Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma
Department of Education (DepEd): Secretary Sonny Angara
Department of Energy (DOE): Secretary Raphael Lotilla
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga
Department of Science and Technology (DOST): Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.
Department of National Defense (DND): Secretary Gilbert Teodoro
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): Secretary Cristina Garcia Aldeguer-Roque
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA): Secretary Enrique Manalo
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR): Secretary Conrado Estrella III

Key Agency Leaders

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA): Chairman Romando Artes
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA): Director General Jose Benitez
Solicitor General: Menardo Guevarra
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA): Secretary Arsenio Balisacan
Presidential Adviser on Investment and Economic Affairs: Secretary Frederick Go
National Security Council (NSC): National Security Adviser Eduardo Año
Presidential Communications Office (PCO): Jay Ruiz
Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO): Secretary Dante Ang II
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO): Chief Mark Llandro Mendoza
Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA): Director General Ernesto Perez
A Culture of Compliance and Renewal

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized that the move signals a strong commitment to President Marcos Jr.’s reformist goals. “This is not merely an administrative formality but a manifestation of our collective resolve to align governance structures with the administration’s vision,” Bersamin stated.

The courtesy resignations are expected to allow President Marcos Jr. the flexibility to reconstitute his Cabinet, ensuring that key government positions are held by individuals whose priorities align seamlessly with his agenda for economic growth, social welfare, and national security.

Political and Public Reactions

While the move has been praised in some quarters as a bold step toward accountability, critics have raised concerns over potential disruptions to ongoing projects and initiatives. “Consistency in leadership is key to ensuring the momentum of critical programs,” noted political analyst Dr. Amelia Lopez. However, others argue that this transitional phase presents an opportunity to invigorate the bureaucracy with new perspectives and expertise.

The coming weeks will be crucial as President Marcos Jr. evaluates the performance and future roles of these officials. Whether through reappointments or the introduction of fresh faces, this shake-up marks a significant moment in the administration’s journey toward delivering on its promises of reform and progress.

The Filipino public, as ever, remains watchful, anticipating a leadership that will rise to the occasion and drive the nation forward with renewed vigor and integrity.