Jamayka Rhose R. Pascual

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called on all Cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations in response to what he described as a “public clamor” for effective governance.

Photo Courtesy of ABS-CBN News.

He issued the directive shortly after the 2025 midterm elections, signaling a shift in leadership style and tone as his administration enters its second half.

“This is not business as usual,” Marcos emphasized.

Despite his coalition, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, securing six out of twelve Senate seats, the president said the election results were a wake-up call rather than a victory lap.

He said that this move prioritizes performance, alignment, and urgency over personal loyalty or political affiliations.

The president also noted how citizens have grown weary of politics and are instead looking for action, accountability, and tangible results.

“The people have spoken, and they expect results, not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act,” Marcos added.

In an interview, Marcos expressed concern that many citizens no longer feel the presence of the government in their daily lives.

“Disappointed ang tao sa serbisyo ng gobyerno. Hindi nila nararamdaman at masyadong mabagal ang galaw nang pagbubuo ng mga project na hindi pa nila maramdaman,” he stated.

In response to his call, 22 Cabinet members have already signaled their compliance as of 11:45 a.m. on May 22.

Among them are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Also stepping forward are Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga, and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman have also complied.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac followed suit.

Information and Communications Technology Interim Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda and Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balicasan likewise confirmed their resignations.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and Presidential Communications Interim Secretary Jaybee Ruiz also submitted their courtesy resignations.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, MMDA Chairman Don Artes, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Kiko Benitez have also resigned.

Marcos also noted that while many in his Cabinet have served diligently, the country’s evolving challenges demand faster execution and clearer alignment with national goals.

He explained that the resignations would give him the space to evaluate which of his officials are still in step with the administration’s priorities.

The president then pledged to retain those who have delivered real results and to make room for leaders who can push government work forward with renewed energy.

“Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized. But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over,” Marcos said.