Marcos orders courtesy resignation of Cabinet secretaries after midterm polls

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called for the courtesy resignations of Cabinet secretaries, with the aim to “recalibrate” his administration following the midterm polls. 

“It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations,” Marcos said in a press release issued by the Presidential News Desk. 

“This is not business as usual,” the President said. “The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act,” he added. 

The request for courtesy resignations will give the President the elbow room “to evaluate the performance of each department and determine who will continue to serve in line with his administration’s recalibrated priorities.”

“This is not about personalities—it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency. 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. 

According to the Presidential Communications Office, this step marks a “clear transition” from the early phase of governance to a more focused and performance-driven approach.

While many have served with dedication and professionalism, the evolving needs of the country require a renewed alignment, faster execution, and a results-first mindset, the President said. 

Amid this development, the PCO said government services would remain uninterrupted as stability, continuity, and meritocracy will guide the formation of his leadership team moving forward.

'Disappointed'

Marcos' pronouncement comes days after he said on Monday that the results of Eleksyon 2025 showed that the people are "tired of politics and they are disappointed with the government."

"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,'' Marcos said in a podcast with broadcaster Anthony Taberna. 

(People are disappointed with government services. They don't feel it, and the pace of construction of projects that they haven't felt yet is too slow.)

Of the 12 newly elected senators in Eleksyon 2025, six were endorsed by Marcos under the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas.

They are Senators-elect Erwin Tulfo, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, Camille Villar, and Lito Lapid. 

Over the weekend, Marcos said he wished there had better results in the Eleksyon 2025. 

Hours after Marcos' order, some Cabinet secretaries have already submitted their courtesy resignations, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

''Upon your acceptance, the undersigned will immediately begin the process of turning over in an orderly manner all the matters pending in my office,'' Bersamin said in his letter.

''It has been an honor to be a member of your Cabinet, Mr. President. I will continue to serve the Filipino people alongside you towards a Bagong Pilipinas,'' he added.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla have also submitted their their courtesy resignations on Thursday morning. 

'Bold Action'

Several senators also backed Marcos' decision calling it a "bold move."

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said that it was a “great move” by Marcos, which will allow him to “regroup his team while sparing those to be affected from intrigues.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, meanwhile, said that he does not see anything wrong with Marcos’ decision, especially if it is “in pursuit of assembling a leadership team that can deliver efficient, accountable, and responsive governance.”

Senator-elect Vicente "Tito" Sotto III also described Marcos’ order as a “venturesomely bold action.”

For his part, Senator-elect Panfilo ''Ping'' Lacson said that aside from calling for the courtesy resignations of his cabinet members, the President should also exercise his “persuasive” powers over Congress, particularly in the House of Representatives, ahead of the 2026 national budget deliberations. —VAL, GMA Integrated News