Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday dismissed speculation of an impending Cabinet shake-up and urged officials to remain focused on their work.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said reports of a looming Cabinet overhaul were unhelpful and unfounded.
“At present, there is no impending Cabinet shake-up,” Recto said in a statement on Monday, Jan. 12. “Speculation about a looming revamp does not serve any constructive purpose for the government or the Filipino people.”
Recto said Cabinet officials serve at the discretion of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose office continuously reviews the performance of appointees.
“As always, all appointees serve at the pleasure of the president, and their performance is subject to constant review by the Office of the President. Everyone should remain focused on their jobs for the good of our people,” he said.
The statement followed remarks last week by Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, who also denied reports circulating about another round of Cabinet changes.
“We have not received any information; it may just be something being spread around, but as of now, there is none,” she told reporters.
Asked about the status of performance reviews for Cabinet members, Castro said the process is ongoing and rests solely with the president.
“That will depend on what the president sees,” she said. “But as of now, we have not received any information or communication that there will be a Cabinet revamp.”
Recent Cabinet changes included the appointment of Recto, formerly finance secretary, as executive secretary, replacing former chief justice Lucas Bersamin. The shift also placed former presidential investment adviser Frederick Go at the helm of the Department of Finance.
In May 2025, Marcos ordered all Cabinet secretaries to submit courtesy resignations following disappointing results for administration-backed candidates in the midterm elections, a move the Palace said was intended to allow the president to recalibrate his leadership team.
