MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday pushed back against persistent chatter about his supposed removal from the Marcos Cabinet, stressing there is no truth to claims that he is on his way out despite renewed speculation tied to ongoing controversies in flood-control and infrastructure projects.
“Not true until it actually happens. I don’t know how the speculation started,” Bersamin said when asked about circulating reports alleging he would soon resign or be replaced.
A recent online report claimed that Finance Secretary Ralph Recto would take over as executive secretary, while Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go would reportedly move to Recto’s post at the Department of Finance.
Bersamin flatly denied the claim, underscoring that the supposed reshuffle has no basis.
The Executive Secretary has repeatedly figured in resignation rumors since questions over illegal infrastructure and flood-control projects surfaced this year.
In May, Bersamin submitted his courtesy resignation along with other Cabinet officials as part of the reorganization initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who later opted to retain him.
Bersamin currently manages day-to-day operations of the Office of the President, which is seeking a P10.5-billion budget for 2025./PN
