Shakeup Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who is among those retained in their positions, announced on Friday the latest changes in the Executive department following the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for courtesy resignations.
Photograph courtesy of PCO
‘All appointees are always subject to the will of the President.’
Manalo
Lotilla
Photo by YUMMIE DINGDING
Garin
Acuzar
Aliling
Loyzaga
Malacañang on Friday revealed the first phase of a major overhaul in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet, a day after 52 officials tendered their courtesy resignations following a directive from the Chief Executive.
In a press briefing on Friday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said he will remain at his post, after Marcos rejected his resignation.
“The President declined the courtesy resignation that I tendered. That is a very good gesture from the President because that is a sign of his full trust and confidence in myself,” he said.
Bersamin lamented the false information suggesting that the Cabinet reorganization was intended to remove him from office.
“All of the Cabinet members, presidential advisors and other presidential appointees are always subject to the will of the President,” he said.
“We have no illusions about holding onto our respective positions and time as we please,” he added.
Bersamin said Marcos had decided to retain his entire economic team – Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, National Economic and Development Authority chief Arsenio Balisacan, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Presidential Adviser for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go.
“That was the first thing the President took action on after a careful evaluation,” he said.
He said the Palace will announce the President’s decisions regarding the remaining resignations next week.
“We will make the announcements as the decisions are made. Next week, maybe after Wednesday there will be more announcements,” he said.
Bersamin said Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Antonio Manuel Lagdameo had earlier signified a desire to retire “after many decades of service to the country as an ambassador.”
Lagdameo has served as the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations since 2022.
Bersamin said the President intends to appoint current Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo as Lagdameo’s replacement, effective 1 August.
He cited Manalo’s “crucial” role in the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
Manalo will be succeeded by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, effective 31 July, immediately following his departure.
Marcos named former Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Undersecretary Jose Ramon Aliling as the new housing czar, replacing Jose Rizalino Acuzar.
Bersamin cited Aliling’s “well-known track record” in big ticket construction projects.
Aliling previously headed the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) housing initiative, the Pasig River “Bigyan Buhay Muli” revitalization project, and was the first awardee of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for Civil Engineering.
Meanwhile, Acuzar, who was appointed in 2022, will serve as Presidential Adviser for the Pasig River development and improvement, with the rank of secretary.
Bersamin likewise announced that Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga will be succeeded by Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla.
“Secretary Loyzaga will be taking a break for now and may be given another Cabinet position or a different responsibility at a later time, but for now, she will be resting,” he told reporters.
When asked if Loyzaga’s resignation was accepted due to her underperformance, Bersamin responded, “Siguro (maybe).”
Bersamin clarified that her departure was not surrounded by any controversy, although there was “a perception that she was always abroad.”
“I don’t know how fair or unfair the perception is, but she is always out of the country. That’s the recurring matter being updated to us, but let’s not judge her,” Bersamin said.
“Whether that’s inefficiency or not, it’s not up for us to judge. But the evaluation showed that it was time to have her rest,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sharon Garin was appointed officer-in-charge of the Department of Energy.
Bersamin emphasized that Marcos consistently expects his Cabinet members to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
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