PBBM calls for the courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries
Reggie Desuyo May 22, 2025 at 04:16 PM
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for the courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries, stating, “It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations.”
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in its news release that the request aims to give the president room to evaluate the performance of each department and determine who will continue serving in line with his administration’s recalibrated priorities.
The directive was issued following the results of the May 12 midterm elections. “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,” Marcos declared.
“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,” he further emphasized, according to the PCO.
The agency noted 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 [officials] have served with dedication and professionalism, the evolving needs of the country require a renewed alignment, faster execution, and a results-first mindset.”
Despite the transition, government services will remain uninterrupted, with the President assuring that stability, continuity, and meritocracy will guide the formation of his leadership team, the PCO confirmed.
28 Cabinet Secretaries Comply with Resignation Request
As of 1:00 p.m. today, 28 cabinet members have stated their immediate compliance with the President’s directive. They include:
- Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Transportation (DOTr)
- Sec. Rex Gatchalian, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Sec. Jonvic Remulla, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Sec. Cristina Frasco, Department of Tourism (DOT)
- Sec. Amenah Pangandaman, Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
- Sec. Ralph Recto, Department of Finance (DOF)
- Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
- Sec. Henry Aguda, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
- Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla, Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Department of Agriculture (DA)
- Sec. Bienvenido Laguesma, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Sec. Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)
- Sec. Conrado Estrella III, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
- Sec. Raphael Lotilla, Department of Energy (DOE)
- Sec. Sonny Angara, Department of Education (DepEd)
- Sec. Yulo Loyzaga, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
- Sec. Gilbert Teodoro, Department of National Defense (DND)
- Sec. Renato Solidum, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
- Sec. Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Sec. Enrique Manalo, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, Office of the Solicitor General (OSG)
- Sec. Jay Ruiz, Presidential Communications Office (PCO)
- Director General Jose Benitez, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
- Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
- Sec. Frederick Go, Presidential Adviser for Investments and Economic Affairs
- National Security Adviser Eduardo Año
- Sec. Dante Ang, Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)
- Chairman Romando Artes, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
Meanwhile, in response to Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon’s comment that he is not covered by the courtesy resignation order, the PCO clarified that the directive includes presidential advisers and assistants.
📷 PCO