Photo from GMA Network

By Marielle Orbong

On Thursday, May 22, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries to recalibrate his administration following the results of his endorsed party in the 2025 Midterm Elections.

With only 6 out of 11 Marcos-endorsed candidates securing a seat in the Senate, the president noted in a news release from the Presidential News Desk that it is time to “realign government with the people’s expectations.” 

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) explained that Marcos’ decision for the “bold reset” aims to give “elbow room” for a further evaluation of each of the department’s performance. 

“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,” Marcos stated.

Cabinets’ Response

In line with the call for courtesy resignations, several Cabinet secretaries have already expressed their statements regarding their compliance with the president’s order.

On Thursday morning, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin submitted his resignation letter which emphasizes his loyalty to the Office of the President. 

“It has been an honor to be a member of your Cabinet, Mr. President. I will continue to serve the Filipino people alongside you towards a Bagong Pilipinas,” Bensamin stated in the letter.

While Marcos can decide which among the submitted letters will be accepted, a number of Cabinet members have also confirmed their support for the president’s directive, including the following: 

• Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
• Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon
• Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian
• Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla
• Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco
• Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Faddis Pangandaman
• Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Gatmaitan Recto
• Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Javier Cacdac
• Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda
• Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla
• Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. 
• Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Estudillo Laguesma
• Government economic czar Secretary Frederick Go (Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs)
• Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan
• Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III
• Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla
• Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara  
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources Maria Antonio Yulo Loyzaga
• Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro 
• Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo
• Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. 
• Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa
• Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar
• Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque
• Solicitor General Menardo Ilagan Guevarra  
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Francisco Benitez Jr.
• National Security Adviser Eduardo Año 
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Yvonne Caunan
• Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon
• MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes
• Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Chief Mark Mendoza
• Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Dante Ang III
• Anti-Red Tape Authority Director-General Ernesto Perez 

According to Marcos, “The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act.” 

Amid the ongoing transition of the administration, PCO assured the public that government services will not be interrupted as “stability, continuity, and meritocracy,” guide the development of the leadership moving forward.