DAVAO CITY (May 22, 2025) — In a sweeping move following the administration’s underwhelming performance in the recent midterm elections, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called for a “bold reset” of his administration. He requested all Cabinet secretaries—approximately 30 top officials—to submit their courtesy resignations to “realign government with the people’s expectations.”
“It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations,” Marcos declared, emphasizing, “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 highlighted the need for performance over politics: “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.”
According to Malacañang, the courtesy resignations aim to “recalibrate” the administration and give the President the flexibility to revamp his team in response to public sentiment post-elections. In a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that “there is no place for the lazy and the corrupt” in President Marcos Jr.’s administration.
As of May 22, 2025, virtually all Cabinet and key sub-Cabinet officials had heeded the President’s call. By early afternoon, at least 30 Cabinet secretaries and agency heads had submitted or expressed intent to submit their courtesy resignations. This figure covers all Cabinet-level officials, aligning with President Marcos Jr.’s directive for a comprehensive “reset.”
Malacañang assured that government programs would continue unhampered during this transition, with officials remaining at their posts until their resignations are accepted or new appointments are made. The widespread response to Marcos’s directive reflects a broad acceptance among his top officials of the need for a shake-up to “meet public expectations” and enhance government performance.
Cabinet and sub-Cabinet officials publicly voiced support for the President’s move, many using strong language to affirm their reasons and loyalty. Below are some notable statements from these officials as they submitted their courtesy resignations:
- Finance Secretary Ralph Recto: “I fully support the President’s directive for Cabinet members to submit their courtesy resignations… This bold decision was made with his desire to put people and country first.” Recto emphasized that Marcos carries “the heavy burden of leading the nation” through challenges and backed the reset as prioritizing the public’s interest above all.
- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.: “The President has spoken. He seeks the flexibility to respond to the people’s clamor as conveyed in the recent midterm polls. As members of his official family, we are called to support his efforts to recalibrate and move forward with renewed focus.” Tiu Laurel defied the President’s judgment regarding his continued role in the team.
- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla submitted his resignation “in line with the President’s call for a government devoted solely to public service and free from politics.” Remulla affirmed “full support” for Marcos’s vision of a “united and responsive administration,” pledging continued commitment to the administration’s goals and public service.
- Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III: Estrella endorsed Marcos’s prerogative to reorganize his team: “All Cabinet Secretaries serve at the pleasure of the President. It is his prerogative to press the restart button now and then. I support [the President’s] move.” This statement underscored the President’s authority to make changes to improve governance.
- Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman: Pangandaman announced her compliance, stating, “I stand firmly with the President as he steers the nation and our economy forward with integrity, transparency, courage, and compassion.” This highlighted her trust in Marcos’s leadership and the values guiding the administration’s recalibration.
- ICT Secretary Henry Aguda: Aguda welcomed the directive, noting it “underscores [Marcos’s] firm commitment to fast-track projects that uplift the lives of Filipinos.” He acknowledged that Cabinet members serve at the President’s pleasure and that the reset would help accelerate public service efforts.
