Loyalty and leadership

In governance, strong leadership often demands careful evaluation and recalibration of one’s team — especially after pivotal political moments. This was recently shown by the actions of the current political leadership, whose call for courtesy resignations of Cabinet members came immediately after the just recently concluded midterm elections.

What President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did was both a strategic and legitimate exercise of presidential prerogative. Far from being a mere show of authority, this move functions as a loyalty check and signals the administration’s intent to constantly realign itself with the will of the Filipino people and the pressing demands of national development.

This is not an unprecedented step. Philippine presidents — from Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Corazon Aquino to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo — have used similar strategies to consolidate their leadership and reinforce unity in response to shifting political currents. These historical precedents show that loyalty checks are not destabilizing anomalies but rather practical tools of governance, especially when handled transparently and with a clear policy vision in hand.

For President Marcos Jr., the call serves several critical purposes. First, it reflects responsiveness to public sentiment. Midterm elections often are a referendum on an administration’s performance. By asking for resignations, the President demonstrates a willingness to listen, recalibrate and, if necessary, let go of close team members who no longer align with his goals or the electorate’s expectations. Such decisiveness enhances accountability and reinforces the legitimacy of his leadership.

Second, it provides a timely opportunity to ensure that the government’s top leaders are fully aligned with the administration’s evolving priorities — whether in economic recovery, healthcare reform, or infrastructure development.

Competence remains essential, but so does a shared vision. Cabinet members must not only be capable but also committed to the administration’s mission. A courtesy resignation request enables the President to identify those best positioned to help deliver on his promises in the second half of his term.

Some may worry that this move could sow discord within the administration. But when framed constructively — as a means of affirming shared purposes, rather than enforcing blind loyalty — a loyalty call can foster cohesion, not chaos. It signals a commitment to collaboration, unity, and results-driven governance.

Moreover, this process can cultivate a culture of self-assessment and accountability. Cabinet members must reflect on their performance and recommit to public service. Such an approach deters complacency and prevents internal friction that can arise when officials lose sight of the administration’s unified and overarching direction.

Ultimately, President Marcos Jr.’s request for courtesy resignations is not just about loyalty. It is about leadership. It affirms his resolve to deliver on the mandate entrusted to him by the people and to ensure that his administration is composed of individuals who believe in that mission.

This reset can be a powerful step toward building a government that is more responsive and more focused in addressing the complex challenges facing the nation.

Balancing loyalty with competence is not only wise governance; it is essential for progress. And in once more affirming shared purposes, the Marcos administration takes a necessary step toward ensuring that the hopes of the Filipino people are not only acknowledged but actively addressed.