Marcos Orders Courtesy Resignations of Cabinet Secretaries in Post-Election "Government Reset"

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

May 22, 2025 — Manila, Philippines

In a sweeping move to recalibrate his administration following the 2025 midterm elections, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called for the courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries. The directive, announced on May 22, was described by the President as part of a bold "reset" intended to realign the government with the will and expectations of the Filipino people.

“This is not business as usual,” Marcos declared. “It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations.”

The call for mass courtesy resignations triggered immediate responses from several high-ranking officials. Among the first to comply were Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who both affirmed their support for the President’s vision and leadership.

“We recognize the President’s prerogative to reorganize his Cabinet. We submit our courtesy resignations with respect and full confidence in his leadership,” the two officials said in a joint statement.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon also tendered their resignations shortly after the President’s announcement. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. followed suit, noting that the President deserves the freedom to form a team fully aligned with his agenda.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin likewise complied with the directive, each expressing honor in serving the administration and readiness to support a smooth transition if necessary.

While the majority of Cabinet members showed full support for the President’s directive, the move has also drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. Some members of the business community cautioned against a blanket call for resignations, expressing concern over potential disruptions in continuity, especially in departments critical to economic stability and public service delivery.

In a statement issued by business groups, they emphasized that while they respect the President’s authority to reorganize his team, not all secretaries should be removed if they are performing well and contributing positively to national development.

The President has not yet announced which resignations he will accept or reject, but Malacañang insiders suggest a comprehensive Cabinet review is underway. The move signals a possible reshuffling aimed at strengthening the administration’s policy implementation and political consolidation heading into the second half of Marcos’ term.

The requested courtesy resignations mark a significant moment in the Marcos Jr. administration, reflecting both a test of loyalty among Cabinet officials and a recalibration of governance in response to evolving public sentiment.