President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has firmly shut down suggestions for him to resign, saying there is no justification for stepping down as he continues to recalibrate his administration following the recent midterm elections.
Speaking to the media in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday before flying back to the Philippines, Marcos defended his recent order for high-ranking officials to submit courtesy resignations, clarifying that the move doesn’t signal instability or serve as a reason for him to vacate his position.
“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),” Marcos said, brushing aside calls for his ouster. “What good will that do?”
He emphasized that his leadership remains focused on solutions, not theatrics. “I don’t do things for optics,” he said. “If there is a problem, I like to fix it.”
The President’s sweeping directive, issued on May 22, targeted Cabinet secretaries, agency heads with Cabinet rank, and presidential advisers, in an effort to jumpstart what he described as a more “focused and performance-driven” government.
Palace officials have assured the public that despite the administrative shake-up, day-to-day government services will continue without disruption.
Marcos noted that the evaluation process will not stop at the top. “Expect us to be doing a rigorous performance review, not only at the Cabinet level, but even deeper,” he added.
Some key officials have been retained, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and members of the economic team: Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Economic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and SAPIEA Frederick Go.
Among the changes, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla has been reassigned to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, replacing Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga who submitted her courtesy resignation. Meanwhile, veteran diplomat Ma. Theresa Lazaro will assume the role of Foreign Affairs Secretary by July 31, succeeding Enrique Manalo who will move to the United Nations as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development also saw a transition, with Jose Rizalino Acuzar appointed as Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development. He was replaced by engineer Ramon Aliling, known for spearheading major housing and rehabilitation projects under the current administration.
