Cabinet secretaries comply with Marcos' order to submit courtesy resignations

Some Cabinet secretaries have submitted their courtesy resignations in line with the call of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with more agency heads committing to do the same in respect of the Chief Executive’s decision.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that he already submitted his courtesy resignation to the Office of the President.

''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 said he already submitted his courtesy resignation, without delay or reservation.

"I fully support the President's directive for Cabinet members to submit their courtesy resignations," Recto said.

"The President carries the heavy burden of leading the nation through complex global and domestic challenges. This bold decision was made with his desire to put people and country first," he added.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, meanwhile, submitted his courtesy resignation, saying "we serve at the pleasure of the President, and of the people."

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. already submitted his resignation, noting that it is up to Marcos' good judgement to determine whether he shall continue to be part of the administration.

''The President has spoken. It's clear that he seeks the flexibility to respond to the people's clamor as conveyed in the recent midterm polls. As members of his official family, we are called to support his efforts to recalibrate and move forward with renewed focus,'' Tiu Laurel said.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla submitted his resignation as effective upon Marcos' acceptance.

''As previously directed by the President, the Department has been reviewing the Administration’s accomplishments in the energy sector thus far and at the same time reviewing the challenges that still need to be addressed. The mid-term is an excellent opportunity for taking stock and re-energizing the government’s efforts to serve our people better,'' Lotilla said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has also submitted his resignation letter, saying this was in line with the President's call for a government "devoted solely to public service and free from politics."

"I offer this in recognition of the principle that all the members of the Cabinet serve at the pleasure of the President, and in full support of your vision for a united and responsive administration. Whatever the outcome, I remain fully committed to the goals of your administration and to the service of the Filipino people," Remulla said.

In an ambush interview with reporters, Remulla was asked if he was ready to take on another role in the administration. He replied: "I'm a soldier. I'm a soldier. I serve the President. I'm at his beck and call, and I serve. So, ano naman, okay tayo (So we're okay)."

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has also resigned on Thursday morning.

"[Teodoro] assures the the public that the Department of National Defense and its bureaus, especially the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will continue to fulfill its mandate of upholding our sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensure the continuity of public service in support of national development during this time of transition," the Department of National Defense said.

In a statement, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza confirmed that Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo submitted his courtesy resignation early Thursday morning.

Saying he fully supports Marcos' goals for the country, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go confirmed that he has submitted his courtesy resignation.

"I remain committed to the advancement of his goals and priorities, and will only continue do so with his trust and confidence," Go said.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque has also resigned from her post "in view of the adminstration's call for recalibration and realignment," saying she serves at the pleasure of the President.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who assumed office in July 2024 after his predecessor Vice President Sara Duterte stepped down, announced early Thursday afternoon that he has submitted his courtesy resignation. 

“Sa sampung buwan ko bilang Kalihim, nakiisa tayo sa adhikain ng Pangulo na iangat ang antas ng edukasyon, alagaan ang ating mga guro, at tiyakin ang pagkatuto ng ating mga mag-aaral,” Angara said in a statement. 

(In my ten months as Secretary, I joined the President's aspiration to raise the quality of education, take care of our teachers, and ensure the learning of our students.) 

With School Year 2025-2026 set to open on June 16, he also committed to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for his potential successor. 

“The vital work of the Department must continue with no roadblocks,” Angara added.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, who was recently elected as president of the 78th World Health Assembly, has likewise offered Marcos his courtesy resignation.

"I remain wholeheartedly a supporter of the Government as it continues to bring healthcare closer to our people across all of our islands," Herbosa said.

Presidential Management Staff Secretary Elaine Masukat tendered her resignation past 12 noon.

''In faithful compliance with the directive of the President, I have tendered my courtesy resignation. I remain committed to serving the Filipino people with integrity, wherever duty may call,” Masukat said.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile also submitted his resignation, according to his daughter Katrina Ponce Enrile. Katrina, who leads the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), also tendered her resignation.

Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon also resigned, saying he supports Marcos' call for performance, alignment, and urgency in the government.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez tendered his resignation on Thursday afternoon.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. also complied with the President's call, noting that it has been an honor to serve as a Cabinet member of the Marcos administration.

'Recalibrate'

Marcos' call for the courtesy resignations of Cabinet secretaries was made with the aim to "recalibrate" his administration following the Eleksyon 2025 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. 

“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.

At the pleasure of the President

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he would submit his courtesy resignation “later” as he serves at the pleasure of the President.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, for his part, said he would immediately file his courtesy resignation this morning.

"I serve at the pleasure of the President," Gatchalian said.

Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said he stands by the President's order as he serves at his pleasure.

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive urging all cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations underscores his firm commitment to fast-track projects that uplift the lives of Filipinos," Aguda said.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also said she would submit her resignation as she supports all of his decisions, "knowing that they are always made with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind."

"I stand firmly with the President as he steers the nation and our economy forward with integrity, transparency, courage, and compassion," Pangandaman said.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes will also comply with the President's directive.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said he would follow with the order, noting that it is well-within the plenary authority of the President to require that courtesy resignation be handed over by his Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Secretary Jaybee Ruiz, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga will also comply with Marcos' directive.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said he stands ready to hand over the leadership to someone the President believes can better drive our nation's development goals.

For his part, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said he would heed the President’s call for courtesy resignation, noting that he shall submit his resignation today, Thursday.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III said he supports the President's move.

''All Cabinet Secretaries serve under the pleasure of the President. It is his prerogative to press the restart button every now and then. I support the PBBM’s move,'' he said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco will also submit her resignation following Marcos' order.

After being just named the new Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) administrator six days ago, Patricia Caunan has also tendered her unqualified courtesy resignation.

Her resignation letter was coursed through Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

“In the spirit of the President’s call to recalibrate government service in line with the people’s expectations—and to enable faster, more responsive, and more compassionate governance—the undersigned respectfully tenders her unqualified courtesy resignation as Administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in full trust and confidence in the wisdom of Your Excellency’s leadership,” she said. — with reports from Ted Cordero, Joviland Rita, Joahna Lei Casilao, Jiselle Anne Casucian and Giselle Ombay/ VDV/RF, GMA Integrated News