MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has rejected calls for his resignation, saying there is no reason for him to step down amid efforts to recalibrate the government through a sweeping Cabinet reorganization.
Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Marcos responded to criticism surrounding his directive for Cabinet secretaries and agency heads to submit courtesy resignations. The move, he said, should not be seen as a reason for him to vacate the presidency.
“I will resign? Ba’t ko gagawin ‘yun? At wala sa ugali ko ang tinatakbuhan ang problema (Why would I do that? It’s not in my nature to run away from problems). What good will that do?” Marcos said, before flying home from the 46th ASEAN Summit.
On May 22, the President instructed top officials, including those with Cabinet rank and presidential advisers, to tender their resignations as part of a broader government reset following the May 12 midterm elections. He described the directive as part of his administration’s shift toward a “more focused and performance-driven approach.”
Malacañang has since assured the public that essential government services will not be disrupted during the transition period.
Marcos emphasized that the government revamp is substantive, not symbolic. “We are looking at the problem deeply,” he said. “I don’t do things for optics. If there is a problem, I like to fix it. So that’s what we are doing. So, expect us to be doing a rigorous performance review, not only at the Cabinet level, but even deeper.”
The President stressed that he remains committed to improving public service and addressing challenges with a “solution-oriented” mindset.
Despite the wave of courtesy resignations, several key officials have been retained, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the core economic team: Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Investment Affairs Special Assistant Frederick Go.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla has been reassigned to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, replacing Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has been appointed as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, replacing Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, who is retiring from public service. Veteran diplomat Ma. Theresa Lazaro will assume the foreign affairs post on July 31.
Meanwhile, Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar has been named Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, retaining a Cabinet-level rank.
The government’s leadership reshuffle signals a renewed effort to streamline operations and boost efficiency, with Marcos reaffirming his administration’s commitment to deliver on the people’s needs.
