Agri chief Laurel submits courtesy resignation

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has bowed out of his position following the courtesy resignation call from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to all Cabinet members.

"I have submitted my courtesy resignation and now leave it to the President's good judgment to determine whether I shall continue to be part of his team as he advances his vision for the country,” he said in a statement Sunday.

Laurel said the President is clear in seeking flexibility to respond to the people's clamor, as reflected in the recent midterm polls.

He emphasized that “as members of his official family,” they are “called to support his efforts to recalibrate and move forward with renewed focus.”

Laurel added he would continue serving the Department of Agriculture and its stakeholders to the best of his abilities in the meantime.

Marcos appointed Laurel — his childhood friend and a business tycoon in the fishing industry through Frabelle Fishing Corp. — to the post in November 2023.

On Thursday morning, Marcos directed all Cabinet secretaries to submit a courtesy resignation to “recalibrate his administration” following the results of the 2025 midterm polls.

This, he said, will also allow the administration to evaluate the performance of each department and determine who will continue to serve, according to his “recalibrated priorities.”

“This is not business as usual. It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations,” the President said, stating that there is no room for complacency.