BACOLOD City – Secretary Francisco Benitez, director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), has announced his intention to submit his courtesy resignation in response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent directive for all cabinet secretaries to step down.
Yesterday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that the President underscored the need for accountability and reform in his administration.
“This is not business as usual,” Marcos said. “The people have spoken, and they expect results — not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act.”
In a brief statement issued on the same day, Secretary Benitez responded: “We are ready to submit to President Bongbong Marcos our courtesy resignation.”
“We are always ready to serve in any capacity, at the pleasure of the President,” he added.
As of this writing, Benitez has not announced the exact date he will render his resignation.
Benitez was serving his second term as representative of Negros Occidental’s Third District when he was appointed as TESDA Director General by President Marcos in August 2024.
Earlier this month, Benitez took to social media to express pride in one of his legislative accomplishments — the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, or Republic Act No. 12199, which was signed into law by President Marcos on May 8, 2025.
“This new law will ensure our children get the care, education, and nutrition they need to thrive,” Benitez wrote.
Holding a doctorate in philosophy, Benitez is widely recognized for championing legislation aimed at advancing development paradigms rooted in social equity, economic growth, and ecological sustainability./PN
