MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered all Cabinet secretaries to submit a courtesy resignation in light of the outcome of the 2025 midterm polls.
In a statement released by Malacañang on Thursday morning, it said the Chief Executive’s directive was meant to “recalibrate his administration” and realign it with the people’s expectations.
“This is not business as usual,” Marcos said, as quoted by Malacañang in a news release. “This is not about personalities — it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency.”
The request for courtesy resignations would give the President “the elbow room to evaluate the performance of each department and determine who will continue to serve, in line with his administration’s recalibrated priorities.”
Marcos added that, while many of his Cabinet have served with dedication and professionalism, the evolving needs of the country require “a renewed alignment, faster execution, and a results-first mindset.”
“The Cabinet members who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized. But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over,” Marcos said.
He added: “The people have spoken, and they expect results — not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act.”
The move came just three days after President Marcos, in the premiere episode of his “BBM Podcast” aired Monday, revealed that the performance review of Cabinet members is underway.
Meanwhile, Malacañang stated that the latest development marks a clear transition from the early phase of governance to a “more focused and performance-driven approach.”
It assured the public of unhampered government services during the transition, stressing that stability, continuity, and meritocracy will guide the formation of Marcos’ leadership team moving forward.
“With this bold reset, the Marcos administration signals a new phase — sharper, faster, and fully focused on the people’s most pressing needs,” the Palace said.
Among the Cabinet secretaries who expressed intent to submit a courtesy resignation are Transportation secretary Vince Dizon, Tourism secretary Cristina Frasco, Local Government secretary Jonvic Remulla, and Metro Manila Development Authority chair Romando Artes.
Also following Marcos’ directive are Budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Department of Migrant Workers head Hans Leo Cacdac, Social Welfare secretary Rex Gatchalian, Finance secretary Ralph Recto, Information Communications Technology secretary Henry Aguda, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, and Justice secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Others who tendered their resignation are Presidential Communications Office secretary Jay Ruiz, Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Labor secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general Jose Benitez, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Department of Development secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Adviser For Investments and Economic Affairs secretary Frederick Go, Agriculture secretary Conrado Estrella III, Energy secretary Raphael Lotilla, Education secretary Sonny Angara, Environment secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Science and Technology secretary Renato Solidum, Trade secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano, Foreign Affairs secretary Enrique Manalo, and ommission on Filipinos Overseas secretary Dante Ang.
As of this writing, those who have yet to resign are Health secretary Ted Herbosa, Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan, Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, Presidential Management Staff secretary Elaine Masukat, Presidential Assistant on Maritime Affairs Andres Centino, Presidential Adviser on Military & Police Affairs Roman Felix, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr., Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., and Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs Mark Llandro Mendoza./PN
