President Marcos retains key Cabinet officials amid courtesy resignations

DAVAO CITY (May 24)-President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declined the courtesy resignations of several key Cabinet officials, signaling confidence in his core team as his administration undergoes a major post-midterm “reset.”

The call for all Cabinet members to tender their resignations came after the May 12 midterm elections, which saw administration allies lose key congressional and local races. Marcos described the move as a “bold realignment” to respond more effectively to public expectations.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin was among the officials whose resignations were not accepted. He confirmed that the President had asked him to stay. “The President has expressed his full trust and confidence in my continued service,” Bersamin said.

Aside from Bersamin, Marcos also retained:

• Ralph Recto – Secretary of Finance
• Amenah Pangandaman – Secretary of Budget and Management
• Cristina Roque – Secretary of Trade and Industry
• Arsenio Balisacan – Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning
• Frederick Go – Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs

Officials whose resignations were accepted include:

• Enrique Manalo – Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs (appointed as Permanent Representative to the United Nations)
• Toni Yulo-Loyzaga – Former Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources
• Jose Rizalino Acuzar – Former Secretary of Human Settlements and Urban Development (now Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development)

Instead of the accepted resignations, Marcos appointed new Cabinet officials:

• Theresa Lazaro – Secretary of Foreign Affairs (effective July 31, 2025)
• Raphael Lotilla – Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources
• Jose Ramon Aliling – Secretary of Human Settlements and Urban Development
• Sharon Garin – Officer-in-Charge, Department of Energy

While some resignations may still be accepted in the coming days, the Palace emphasized that government operations remain “unhampered” and that the reshuffle is part of the administration’s broader recalibration strategy.

The public and political analysts are now closely watching which departments may see changes as the Marcos administration adjusts its leadership heading into the second half of its term.

This reshuffle follows the midterm elections of May 12, 2025, and aims to realign the administration’s priorities.

Further announcements from Malacañang are expected in the coming weeks.