Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday dismissed as 'speculations' the alleged looming reorganization in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In a chance interview, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated he has no knowledge of any potential Cabinet reshuffle and emphasized that he does not wish to 'dignify speculations.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Bersamin addressed reporters' questions regarding possible changes in President Marcos' Cabinet. 'Well, I do not know yet how true they are or is there any basis but usually speculations are always there. Hindi naman namin puwedeng sabihin sa inyo until nangyari na iyan (We cannot tell you until it happens) because you know, we do not have compelling reasons,' he explained. Bersamin underscored that while rumors are prevalent, they cannot be validated without concrete developments.
These comments came in the wake of President Marcos appointing former Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) chief Vivencio Dizon to succeed Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, who is set to resign on February 21 due to health concerns. When questioned if Marcos had requested Bautista's resignation, Bersamin firmly denied such claims.
'There is no other consideration there,' Bersamin clarified. He further elaborated that Secretary Jimmy Bautista expressed the need to step down for health reasons, and President Marcos was attentive to the well-being of his Cabinet members. 'So, when the President and Secretary Bautista talked about it, it became clear to the President that Secretary Bautista may really need to take a rest from official duties,' he concluded.
