NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Laguesma Grateful For Continued Role; Marcos Retains 20 Key Officials In Post-Midterm Cabinet Review
Photo credit: DOLE
Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has pledged to deliver stronger and more effective public service following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to retain him in the Cabinet.
“The only way to repay and do justice to this magnanimity is by committing and seeing to it that the DOLE performs well and does its share and immensely contribute to the realization of the President's vision of a Bagong Pilipinas,” Laguesma said on Tuesday.
His statement came shortly after Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that Laguesma—along with 19 other top officials—was asked to stay on in his current post. This move followed President Marcos’ call last month for Cabinet members to submit courtesy resignations, as part of a broader effort to recalibrate his administration after the May 12 midterm elections.
Laguesma described the President’s decision as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it strengthens his resolve to serve the labor sector with greater commitment.
“The continuing trust and confidence of the President on my capabilities and competence to lead the DOLE will greatly inspire and motivate me to do my utmost best in the service of the Filipino people, especially for the workers and employers,” he said.
He also reiterated his department’s mission to remain “a responsible, responsive, accessible, action-driven and results-oriented institution.”
In addition to Laguesma, the following Cabinet officials were also retained:
• Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
• Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III
• Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara
• TESDA Director-General Jose Francisco Benitez
• 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
• ICT Secretary Henry Aguda
• Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon
• Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan
• Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile
• PMS Secretary Elaine Masukat
• MMDA Chairman Romando Artes
• MinDA Chairman Leo Tereso Magno
• Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Concerns Antonio Cerilles
• BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.
• Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio
• National Treasurer Sharon Almanza
Bersamin said the performance review of other government officials—particularly those below Cabinet rank—is still ongoing.
“The only way to repay and do justice to this magnanimity is by committing and seeing to it that the DOLE performs well and does its share and immensely contribute to the realization of the President's vision of a Bagong Pilipinas,” Laguesma said on Tuesday.
His statement came shortly after Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that Laguesma—along with 19 other top officials—was asked to stay on in his current post. This move followed President Marcos’ call last month for Cabinet members to submit courtesy resignations, as part of a broader effort to recalibrate his administration after the May 12 midterm elections.
Laguesma described the President’s decision as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it strengthens his resolve to serve the labor sector with greater commitment.
“The continuing trust and confidence of the President on my capabilities and competence to lead the DOLE will greatly inspire and motivate me to do my utmost best in the service of the Filipino people, especially for the workers and employers,” he said.
He also reiterated his department’s mission to remain “a responsible, responsive, accessible, action-driven and results-oriented institution.”
In addition to Laguesma, the following Cabinet officials were also retained:
• Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
• Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III
• Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara
• TESDA Director-General Jose Francisco Benitez
• 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
• ICT Secretary Henry Aguda
• Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon
• Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan
• Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile
• PMS Secretary Elaine Masukat
• MMDA Chairman Romando Artes
• MinDA Chairman Leo Tereso Magno
• Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Concerns Antonio Cerilles
• BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.
• Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio
• National Treasurer Sharon Almanza
Bersamin said the performance review of other government officials—particularly those below Cabinet rank—is still ongoing.
Jun 4, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
