Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. retained a significant number of Cabinet officials following his administration's ongoing recalibration process. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced the third phase of the 'bold reset' in the administration's ongoing performance evaluation during a press briefing in Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, among those whose resignations were declined and will remain in their posts are Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, TESDA Director-General Jose Francisco Benitez, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, and Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Other key officials retaining their positions include Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Elaine Masukat, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Leo Tereso Magno, and Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Concerns Secretary Antonio Cerilles.
Bersamin emphasized that the performance evaluation process is still ongoing, including for officials below Cabinet rank. He noted, "If you are asking for blood, there will still be blood." The evaluation is described as comprehensive and thorough, with President Marcos and a chosen panel conducting the process.
Meanwhile, Bersamin announced the acceptance of the courtesy resignations of Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Chairperson and CEO Maynardo Sabili, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Terrence Calatrava, and Presidential Assistant on Muslim Affairs Almarim Tillah.
In a related development, the Palace official announced the appointment of Francis Lim as the incoming chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), succeeding Emilio Aquino. Lim, a former President and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange and a senior partner at ACCRALAW, will assume the role as Aquino's term ends on June 5, 2025.
Bersamin also clarified that Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will continue in his role until his confirmation as the country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, effective August 1, pending the Commission on Appointments' approval. Veteran diplomat Ma. Theresa Lazaro has been designated to replace Manalo, effective July 31.
President Marcos had earlier requested all Cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations following the 2025 midterm elections to facilitate the recalibration of his administration's priorities and services. Among those retained are Bersamin and his economic team, including Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Economic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, his brother Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. have also been retained.
Additionally, Secretary Raphael Lotilla has been transferred to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources after Marcos accepted the resignation of Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar has been named as Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, with Ramon Aliling, a former Housing undersecretary, taking over his previous role.
In recent changes, Menardo Guevarra and Popoy De Vera were replaced as Solicitor General and Commission on Higher Education Chairperson, respectively.
