President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Thursday the courtesy resignation of all his Cabinet Secretaries following the result of the recently concluded midterm polls where the majority of winners came from the rival Duterte camp.
Despite the advantage in resources, only five from the Marcos-backed Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas slate made it to the Senator’s Top 12.
According to the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), the courtesy resignation is aimed at giving 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.
“This is not business as usual. The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act. This is not about personalities—it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency. 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,” the President said.
“Ang mensahe sa aming lahat, hindi lamang sa akin, kung hindi sa aming lahat: ‘Tama na ang pamumulitika ninyo at kami naman ang asikasuhin ninyo,’” he said.
“Ang pangalawa, disappointed ang tao sa serbisyo ng gobyerno. Hindi nila nararamdaman at masyadong mabagal ang pagbubuo ng mga project na hindi pa nila maramdaman,” he added.
As of this writing Cabinet Secretaries who complied with Marcos’ directive and already submitted their courtesy resignation were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, Labor Secretary Beinvenido Laguesma, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, PCO Secretary Jaybee Ruiz, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Loyzaga, and Special Assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo.
The PCO stated that this step marks a clear transition from the early phase of governance to a more focused and performance-driven approach.
“The President emphasized that while many have served with dedication and professionalism, the evolving needs of the country require a renewed alignment, faster execution, and a results-first mindset,” it said.
The PCO emphasized that government services will remain uninterrupted during this transition, and the President reiterated that stability, continuity, and meritocracy will guide the formation of the President’s 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 PCO said.
