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Advocates Philippines
Midterm Reset: Cabinet Secretaries Respond To PBBM's Call For Courtesy Resignations
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has asked all his Cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations — and as of 12 noon today, May 22, many have complied.
The request, seen by many as a midterm recalibration, gives the President a clean slate to reshuffle his team for the second half of his term. And so far, the response has been swift and respectful.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra was among the first to say he’d honor the President’s call. "We serve at the pleasure of the President," Guevarra said, adding that his office remains proud of its work for the Filipino people.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla echoed the sentiment, saying in his official statement that his resignation gives the President the free hand needed to reorganize the Cabinet. He also emphasized that the Department of Energy will continue to push for sustainable and reliable energy solutions as part of its long-term goals.
Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) also expressed his readiness to step down, highlighting his commitment to the country’s development — with or without a title. “I stand ready to hand over the leadership to someone the President believes can better drive our nation’s goals,” he stated.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin didn’t hesitate either. In his resignation letter, he assured that the turnover of his duties will be carried out in an “orderly manner.”
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called the move a response to the people’s clamor, as reflected in the recent midterm elections. “It’s clear the President seeks flexibility to recalibrate and move forward with renewed focus,” he said.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto described the move as bold, acknowledging the weight of leadership the President carries amid complex global and domestic challenges. He said he submitted his resignation “without delay or reservation.”
Cabinet members from all corners of the government quickly followed suit — among them, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, MMDA Chair Romando Artes, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
Frasco, in a live TV interview, called it a “privilege” to serve the country and underscored the massive strides made by her department in promoting tourism.
One common thread across all the statements? A deep understanding that serving in the Cabinet is not just a position — it’s a trust given by the President, and ultimately, by the Filipino people.
Now that the courtesy resignations are on the table, the big question is: Who stays and who goes?
Only the President knows the answer — and Filipinos across the country will be watching closely as he reshapes his team for the next three years.
The request, seen by many as a midterm recalibration, gives the President a clean slate to reshuffle his team for the second half of his term. And so far, the response has been swift and respectful.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra was among the first to say he’d honor the President’s call. "We serve at the pleasure of the President," Guevarra said, adding that his office remains proud of its work for the Filipino people.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla echoed the sentiment, saying in his official statement that his resignation gives the President the free hand needed to reorganize the Cabinet. He also emphasized that the Department of Energy will continue to push for sustainable and reliable energy solutions as part of its long-term goals.
Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) also expressed his readiness to step down, highlighting his commitment to the country’s development — with or without a title. “I stand ready to hand over the leadership to someone the President believes can better drive our nation’s goals,” he stated.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin didn’t hesitate either. In his resignation letter, he assured that the turnover of his duties will be carried out in an “orderly manner.”
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called the move a response to the people’s clamor, as reflected in the recent midterm elections. “It’s clear the President seeks flexibility to recalibrate and move forward with renewed focus,” he said.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto described the move as bold, acknowledging the weight of leadership the President carries amid complex global and domestic challenges. He said he submitted his resignation “without delay or reservation.”
Cabinet members from all corners of the government quickly followed suit — among them, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, MMDA Chair Romando Artes, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
Frasco, in a live TV interview, called it a “privilege” to serve the country and underscored the massive strides made by her department in promoting tourism.
One common thread across all the statements? A deep understanding that serving in the Cabinet is not just a position — it’s a trust given by the President, and ultimately, by the Filipino people.
Now that the courtesy resignations are on the table, the big question is: Who stays and who goes?
Only the President knows the answer — and Filipinos across the country will be watching closely as he reshapes his team for the next three years.
May 22, 2025
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