Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has clarified that there is no conflict between him and former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin or former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, despite ongoing speculation about the reasons for their exits from the Cabinet. Marcos addressed the issue on Monday, stating that he and Bersamin have already communicated and resolved any misunderstandings, emphasizing that there is no ill will between them.

According to Philippines News Agency, the departures of Bersamin and Pangandaman were announced by the Palace as a step taken "out of delicadeza" following their offices being implicated in allegations of budget insertions related to the flood control investigation. However, Bersamin later expressed discontent with the circumstances of his exit, indicating that he did not voluntarily resign, which has led to questions about the true nature of his departure.

Marcos remarked that Pangandaman's resignation was intended to maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations into the allegations. He explained that removing her from a government position eliminated any potential influence she could exert over the proceedings, thereby safeguarding the investigation's impartiality.

In the wake of these changes, Undersecretary Rolando Toledo has been appointed as the Department of Budget Officer-in-Charge, while Finance Chief Ralph Recto has taken on the role of the new Executive Secretary.