Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday said the House leadership stands with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his directive for a Cabinet revamp, noting they are “ready to work” with the new set of top executives in fulfilling the administration’s primary objectives: to reduce the prices of basic goods and generate more job opportunities.

The commitment followed Marcos’s marching orders to all members of his Cabinet on Thursday to submit their courtesy resignations as part of his effort to “recalibrate” the administration and weed out underperforming and corrupt officials. The entire Cabinet immediately complied with his directive and tendered their resignations on the same day.

“As Speaker and leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives, I commend the President’s courage in demanding accountability and realigning governance,” Romualdez said. “Unity and compassion are what we need now. I stand with the President. The nation comes first.”

In addition, Romualdez pledged to strengthen the House’s oversight functions and continue to craft legislation that “align[s] with the administration’s goals and to hold the executive accountable when necessary.”

Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo said it was high time for Marcos’s directive, lamenting that most of the Cabinet had proven “incompetent” and “non-performing” the last three years.

He specifically mentioned the Department of Agriculture for failing to bring down the prices of basic goods, the Department of Public Works and Highways for ineffective flood control projects despite being allocated billions of pesos, and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources for its shortcomings in addressing deforestation, black sand mining, and quarrying.

“It’s now or never. Mr. President is right. Fire those useless, replace them with new ones. They have been non-performing for three years. They haven’t done anything,” Tulfo said.

For his part, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan called the major overhaul a decisive action that highlights the President’s commitment to “uphold the highest standards of public service.” He vowed that the minority bloc would work closely with the new Cabinet in pursuit of stability, prosperity, and progress for the country.

“Change, when led with a clear vision and strong leadership, can infuse new energy and sharpen focus in tackling the pressing challenges of our time,” Libanan said. “The reorganization presents an opportunity to reinforce institutional coherence, improve policy implementation, and deepen public engagement.”

Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers underscored the need for President Marcos to adopt a “reinvigorated system of governance with certain innovations” that will resonate with the public — a move he said that did not materialize owing to the “lackluster performance” of some Cabinet members.

“The President is on the right track. And he must act promptly and decisively in order to preserve the gains of his administration,” said Barbers, the lead chairperson of the House quad committee.

Incoming House member Renee Co of Kabataan Party-list, said that if the Cabinet reset is a “legitimate effort” to promote effective policies, then the modifications shouldmreflect the government’s leadership and its existing programs.