Marcos seeks Cabinet resignations, secretaries heed the call

Metro Manila, Philippines - In a sweeping move to “realign government with the people’s expectations,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sought the courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries, signaling what he describes as a decisive recalibration of his administration.

“This is not business as usual,” Marcos said on Thursday, May 22. “The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act.”

The call comes on the heels of the recent midterm elections. Marcos said he wants to clear the deck and re-evaluate his leadership team based on performance, urgency, and alignment with the administration’s evolving priorities.

“This is not about personalities—it’s about performance. The time for comfort zones is over,” he added.

Heeding the call

Within hours of the announcement, some Cabinet officials immediately tendered their resignation, with most executives confirming that they will heed the president’s call.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Finance chief Ralph Recto, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel submitted their resignations on Thursday.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla also confirmed he would submit his courtesy resignation.

“I serve at the pleasure of the President,” Remulla said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla echoed the same sentiment: “I will comply.”

MMDA Chair Don Artes, who holds Cabinet rank, has likewise committed to submit his resignation, according to the agency’s media information office.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman released an official statement expressing her support for the President’s mov.

“We all serve at the pleasure of the President. I support all of his decisions, knowing that they are always made with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind. We stand firmly with the President as he steers the nation and our economy forward with integrity, transparency, courage, and compassion.”

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said that “as a member of the President’s official family, I am always subject to the control, and work under the trust and confidence of His Excellency”.

“I therefore humbly heed the call for courtesy resignation, which I shall submit immediately today,” he added.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra echoed the ‘serving at the pleasure of the president’ statement of other secretaries.

What happens next?

Despite the sweeping move, the Palace assured that government services will remain uninterrupted. Marcos emphasized that stability, continuity, and meritocracy will guide the reformation of his Cabinet.

Still, questions linger. Why now? And what comes after?

NewsWatch Plus correspondents Tristan Nodalo, Lance Mejico, Daniza Fernandez, Jelo Mantaring contributed to this report.