President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s blanket call for courtesy resignations from all Cabinet members is being seen not just as a reaction to the administration’s bruising midterm election losses — it may be a calculated step toward removing one man: “The Little President” himself, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

While framed as a post-election reset, insiders point to brewing tension inside Malacañang. The Palace’s top official, once untouchable, now finds himself under scrutiny over serious allegations that may carry criminal consequences.

Behind the scenes, reports of questionable hiring practices and mismanagement in the Office of the Executive Secretary have reached the President’s desk. Malacañang insiders whisper of a growing loss of confidence in Bersamin’s ability to lead the nerve center of the executive branch.

But this isn’t the first time Bersamin has found himself at the center of controversy. Two years ago, he was among those implicated in a now-infamous sugar importation scheme, where top officials bypassed open bidding and funneled multibillion-peso contracts to a handful of select traders. Under oath, Bersamin admitted to carrying out the order, raising serious questions about abuse of authority and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The act could be qualified as economic sabotage.

Though no charges were filed, the scandal left a lasting stain—one that continues to highlight the billions being funneled “for agriculture.”

In the wake of the 2025 electoral backlash, Bersamin reportedly suggested a limited Cabinet reshuffle to regain momentum and preserve their grip.

Marcos, however, ordered a full reset instead.

With quiet talks swirling about a potential replacement from a politically entrenched family, the writing on the wall is getting harder to ignore.

The President may be preparing to clean house, starting with the “Little President” himself.