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CABINET MEMBERS, comprising <\/span>state financial officials, <\/span>tendered their courtesy resignations on Thursday as part of President <\/span>Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.\u2019s \u201caudacious <\/span>restructure\u201d of the administration to better address the requirements of Filipinos.<\/span><\/p>\n This initiative follows the subpar performance of administration-supported senatorial candidates in the May 12 midterm elections and amidst global uncertainties stemming from trade issues that could jeopardize the Philippine economy.<\/p>\n The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) indicated that the requests for resignations will provide Mr. Marcos \u201cthe flexibility to assess the performance <\/span>of each department and decide who will proceed with their roles <\/span>in accordance with his administration\u2019s revised priorities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWith this audacious restructure, the Marcos administration indicates a new era \u2014 sharper, swifter, and entirely concentrated on the populace\u2019s most <\/span>urgent requirements,\u201d it stated.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s time to realign governance with the citizens\u2019 expectations. This is not routine as usual,\u201d Mr. Marcos remarked in the declaration. \u201cThe people have voiced their concerns, and they anticipate outcomes, not politics, not justifications. We hear them, and we will respond.\u201d<\/p>\n Officials will persist in performing their roles until their resignations are acknowledged, or new appointments are designated by the President.<\/p>\n The President\u2019s associates did not secure a majority of Senate positions contested in the May 12 elections, leaving Mr. Marcos contending with a fragmented political and legislative environment that could impede his efforts to have an ally take his place in 2028.<\/p>\n Candidates associated with Mr. Marcos\u2019 estranged vice president, Sara Duterte-Carpio, exceeded expectations during the midterms, which many interpreted as a proxy confrontation between the Marcos and Duterte factions.<\/p>\n With fewer than three years remaining in off<\/span>ice, Mr. Marcos is under significant pressure to produce outcomes and mentor a successor capable of counteracting any potential candidacy by the popular Ms. Duterte-Carpio in the 2028 presidential race.<\/p>\n More than 30 Cabinet-level officials submitted their courtesy resignations, including economic managers Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Matters Frederick D. Go.<\/p>\n Cabinet members mentioned in individual statements that they resigned as they \u201cserve at the discretion of the President.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Recto expressed his full support for the planned overhaul, remarking that Mr. Marcos \u201cbears the considerable responsibility of steering the nation through intricate global and domestic challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n For his part, Mr. Balisacan stated, \u201cIf considered necessary, I am prepared to pass on the leadership to someone the President thinks can better advance our nation\u2019s developmental objectives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the President’s privilege. The President can alter his team at any moment, but I believe it\u2019s an appropriate time as it\u2019s [the mid-point of his term],\u201d he remarked on the sidelines of the BusinessWorld Economic Forum 2025 on Thursday, adding that his department is also conducting an internal review.<\/p>\n PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro indicated at a press briefing that Mr. Marcos is dissatisfied with the performance of certain Cabinet members, although she did not name anyone.<\/p>\n \u201cThe President has emphasized that all pending and ongoing initiatives will remain unaffected during this transition,\u201d she stated. \u201cTasks continue seamlessly for our Cabinet secretaries and government personnel.\u201d<\/p>\n While she did not provide a timeline, she noted that the President is acting with urgency.<\/p>\n When asked what focuses the government will prioritize going forward, Ms. Castro mentioned infrastructure and education are at the forefront.<\/p>\n POLITICAL MOVE Arjan P. Aguirre, assistant professor of political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, remarked that the recent elections likely prompted Mr. Marcos\u2019 decision to revamp his Cabinet.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the incumbent, this is the most logical reaction to deliver more of what the populace desires and\/or genuinely needs,\u201d he commented in a Facebook Messenger chat. \u201cThis seems to be the Marcos government’s response, but we\u2019ll have to see if this will truly lead to significant changes or benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe more substantial impact we can anticipate here is the identification of the new priorities of the Marcos government \u2014 crucial projects that address the populace\u2019s concerns,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a diplomacy lecturer at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, suggested that this recalibration strategy serves as a timely political maneuver from the Marcos administration.<\/p>\n \u201cThis action can be perceived in two contexts: first, as a means of demonstrating that we have a responsive government, and second, as an implicit conditioning for the 2028 national elections, which will determine whether the ball remains in the court of the Marcoses or swings back towards the Dutertes, despite the controversies surrounding the family,\u201d he stated in a Facebook Messenger chat.<\/p>\n IBON Foundation Executive Director Jose Enrique \u201cSonny\u201d A. Africa remarked that the shift may be linked to Mr. Marcos\u2019 dwindling approval and trust ratings.<\/p>\n Mr. Marcos has encountered a significant drop in public support, according to a March survey by Pulse Asia, with only 25% of Filipinos endorsing his performance, down from 42% previously.<\/p>\n In stark contrast, Ms. Duterte-Carpio boasted a considerably higher approval rating of 59%.<\/p>\n Public sentiment towards the administration has deteriorated partly due to a perceived inability to control inflation, which remains a paramount concern for Filipino households, even though it has returned to within the central bank\u2019s 2% to 4% target range since August.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ineffectiveness of government efforts to enhance the welfare of the majority largely stems from the nature of the economic policies themselves, which favor short-term corporate profits and the wealth of politically connected families over universal provision of public social services and genuine Filipino industrialization to create employment,\u201d Mr. Africa stated in a Viber chat.<\/p>\n He asserted that the government needs to reset policies, not merely the Cabinet. \u201cNo matter how many times Cabinet members are substituted, the public sector and economy won\u2019t transform unless real reforms for social and economic change are initiated.\u201d<\/p>\n Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Eunina V. Mangio indicated in a statement that the decision is surprising as the government \u201chas been performing relatively well in managing the economy,\u201d although progress has been overshadowed by political issues.<\/p>\n \u201cWe aim to attract more investments to the nation, particularly with the enactment of the CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy) Act. We aspire to continue cultivating economic growth and investor confidence, and consequently hope the courtesy resignations will facilitate accountable and merit-based appointments conducted [promptly] to avert political instability and ensure economic continuity,\u201d Ms. Mangio remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe understand the President\u2019s actions and intentions, as such changes occur in business and the private sector. A CEO (chief executive off<\/span>icer) must make tough decisions, like replacing talent, with the main objective of enhancing the organization\u2019s performance,\u201d Management Association of the Philippines President Alfredo S. Panlilio stated in a comment. \u201cAs hard as it might be, the call of leadership is to make such difficult choices in the interest of establishing meritocracy and encouraging performance. We hope the President will find the suitable talents for those he decides to replace \u2014 individuals who can effectively implement his administration’s plans.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe trust that capable, proactive, and dedicated individuals will be supported and work collaboratively as a unified team to execute the nation\u2019s agenda to improve the lives of all Filipinos and move us toward the outcomes our citizens deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n Makati Business Club Chairman Edgardo O. Chua informed reporters at an event that they are hopeful that the Cabinet overhaul would not be extensive, as they are generally pleased with the current economic team\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n \u201cIf many of them are replaced, it will be unsettling,\u201d he stated. \u201cWe are hoping that the President will manage to retain the competent ones.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Marcos\u2019 request for courtesy resignations will \u201callow him to have the freedom to appoint or reappoint individuals he thinks will deliver in the latter half of his term,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n \u201cHence, we simply hope that the President will swiftly announce who will be appointed or reappointed to minimize disruption,\u201d Mr. Chua added. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana<\/b> with <\/i>Reuters<\/b><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>The directive elicited mixed responses from stakeholders, with some believing it may have been influenced by political factors.<\/p>\n