DAVAO CITY (November 18) — Two key Palace officials resigned on Monday, in what Malacañang described as voluntary acts of delicadeza. However, their exits come at a time when the administration is under intense scrutiny over alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. accepted the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. While the Palace praised both officials’ contributions, their departures immediately fueled speculation that the ongoing flood control controversy played a role in the leadership shake-up.
Castro lauded Bersamin for his “decades of legal wisdom and steady leadership,” and credited Pangandaman for strengthening fiscal discipline and delivering social programs and national budgets efficiently. She stressed that both officials stepped down voluntarily, but acknowledged that the political climate, particularly accusations raised in recent days, may have influenced their decisions.
President Marcos swiftly appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto as the new Executive Secretary, citing his long experience in economic policy, fiscal legislation, and national planning. Frederick Go, who previously served as Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, has been named the new Finance Secretary.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Rolando Toledo was designated Officer-in-Charge of the DBM pending the appointment of Pangandaman’s successor.
Castro directly addressed the allegations made by former Rep. Zaldy Co involving supposed anomalies in flood control projects, saying the claims “do not constitute serious evidence.” However, she admitted that the administration wants “an unobstructed and credible investigation,” and the resignations may help ensure transparency.
She added that President Marcos’ directive applies to all officials across agencies as part of a broader campaign against corruption, especially amid mounting public frustration over the country’s worsening flood control failures.
The twin resignations underline the growing political strain surrounding the issue, signaling that the fallout from the flood control controversy continues to ripple through the highest levels of government.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
