Purge continues as Marcos expands courtesy resignation order to agency chiefs

National

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has widened his sweeping Cabinet revamp by also calling for the courtesy resignations of bureau chiefs and agency heads of similar rank.

A May 21 memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered all Cabinet members, agency heads of Cabinet rank, and presidential advisers to tender their “unqualified courtesy resignation.” The move follows Marcos’ initial directive to Cabinet secretaries and signals a broader overhaul of his administration after the midterm elections.

While the Palace had initially said the order applied only to Cabinet officials, the Presidential Communications Office later confirmed the expanded scope.

Bersamin clarified that all officials are to continue their duties unless or until their resignations are accepted by the President.

Marcos retained key economic managers, including Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, and Investment Affairs Assistant Frederick Go.

“The President decided to retain these five members of the economic team so that there will be no more problems with perception about where the country is going,” Bersamin said in a Philstar report.

Bersamin, whose own resignation was declined, confirmed that 52 officials had submitted their resignations. He said Marcos assured him of full trust and support moving forward.

Several departments saw immediate changes. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro will replace Enrique Manalo as DFA chief on July 31, while Manalo transitions to become the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations starting August 1. Lazaro was described by Bersamin as a “very capable diplomat.”

In a notable reshuffle, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla was appointed to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), replacing Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. Loyzaga, while not linked to any wrongdoing, faced recurring criticisms for being frequently abroad, Bersamin said.

Lotilla recommended that one of his DOE undersecretaries—possibly Sharon Garin—serve as officer-in-charge of the energy department.

Meanwhile, Jose Ramon Aliling, formerly a DHSUD undersecretary, will replace Jose Rizalino Acuzar as head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. Acuzar, now appointed Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Improvement, reportedly fell short of delivering on his own target of building one million housing units per year. Bersamin said the goal may have been “too high,” given existing constraints.

Heads of major revenue and law enforcement agencies have also complied with the directive. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui said his resignation allows Marcos a free hand to evaluate his performance, while Bureau of Customs (BOC) Chief Bienvenido Rubio affirmed support for the President’s reform agenda.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago also stepped down, confirming he submitted his resignation letter shortly after receiving Bersamin’s memo.

While resignations have been submitted, several Cabinet officials remain in place pending evaluation.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara continues to perform his duties and is expected to accompany the President at the opening of Palarong Pambansa. His department is preparing for the upcoming school year, according to DepEd’s media office.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum assured continuity, saying, “My role as DOST secretary is to set them in a direction that will be more impactful and institutionalize our efforts.”

A high-level evaluation committee is assessing the performance of all officials. Bersamin said the process will be deliberate but swift.(MyTVCebu)