PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent order for courtesy resignations from all Cabinet secretaries is partly tied to the administration’s performance in the recent elections, particularly its failure to achieve desired results in the Senate.
Usec. Claire Castro confirmed as much during a Thursday press conference as she quoted Mr. Marcos as saying, “The President admits that, in his view, the public may have found the government’s performance lacking, which is why they did not achieve their target numbers, especially in the Senate.”
Despite the electoral outcome, Castro emphasized that the President views this directive as a crucial step to enhance the administration’s overall efficiency.
“Whatever the outcome, this is truly what our President needs to do to further accelerate the administration’s performance. That is truly what our President desires,” she added, underscoring a commitment to swift and effective governance.
Castro said the President’s request is a decisive move aimed at allowing him to thoroughly evaluate their performance and align his administration’s priorities.
She clarified that the President’s request is not directed at specific individuals but is a strategic shift towards heightened governmental efficiency.
“This is not about personalities; it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency,” Castro stated.
She issued a clear message to the Cabinet, emphasizing the administration’s demand for continuous delivery. “Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized, but we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over,” she warned.
As of 1 p.m. on Thursday, 28 Cabinet members have expressed their intention to resign by submitting their courtesy resignations. These include:
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- DOTr Sec. Vince Dizon
- DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian
- DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla
- MMDA Chairman Romando Artes
- DOT Sec. Christina Frasco
- DBM Sec. Amenah Pangandaman
- DOF Sec. Ralph Recto
- SolGen Menardo Guevarra
- DMW Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac
- DICT Sec. Henry Aguda
- DOJ Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla
- PCO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil (Note: “Jay Ruiz” appears to be a typo, assuming PCO Secretary is meant)
- DA Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
- DOLE Sec. Bienvenido Laguesma
- TESDA Dir. Gen. Jose Benitez
- Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
- NEDA Sec. Arsenio Balisacan (Note: “DepDev Sec.” appears to be a typo, assuming NEDA Secretary is meant)
- Presidential Adviser for Investments and Economic Affairs Sec. Frederick Go
- DAR Sec. Conrado Estrella III
- DOE Sec. Raphael Lotilla
- DepEd Sec. Sonny Angara
- DENR Sec. Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga
- DND Sec. Gibo Teodoro
- DOST Sec. Renato Solidum
- DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual (Note: “Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque” appears to be a typo, assuming DTI Secretary is meant)
- National Security Adviser Eduardo Año
- DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo
- CFO Secretary Dante Ang
- Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, Jr.
Conversely, these Cabinet members have yet to submit their courtesy resignations:
- DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa
- DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan
- Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile
- Presidential Management Staff Sec. 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.
- Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs Mark Llandro Mendoza
According to Castro, this significant step marks an early transition from the initial phase of Marcos Jr.’s governance, signaling a shift to a “more focused and performance-driven approach.”
“The Marcos administration signals a new face, sharper, faster, and fully focused on the people’s pressing needs,” Castro further elaborated, outlining the President’s vision for a more agile and responsive government.
