President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has rejected the courtesy resignations submitted by 21 high-ranking officials in his administration, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Tuesday.
In a statement, Bersamin said the President continues to have confidence in the performance and integrity of the following officials:
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel
Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara
TESDA Director General Secretary Gardo Benitez
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac
Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco
Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy (Aguda presumed mistaken identity)
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista (Dizon presumed mistaken identity)
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan
Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile
MMDA Chairman Don Artes
Mindanao Development Authority Chair Maria Belen Acosta (Magno may refer to former official)
Presidential Management Staff Secretary Elaine Masukat
Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Concerns Wencelito Andanar Cerilles
Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.
Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio
National Treasurer Sharon Almanza
“The President has full trust in their capabilities and sees no reason to accept their resignations,” Bersamin stated.
The development follows earlier speculation of a major Cabinet revamp. However, Bersamin clarified that the officials were asked to submit courtesy resignations as part of a regular assessment, not due to any irregularities or performance issues.
Malacañang has not commented on whether further changes in the Cabinet are expected in the near future.
