As head of the executive branch of government, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has both the constitutional authority and political responsibility to appoint, remove, and reshuffle Cabinet secretaries and heads of government agencies. This power is fundamental to the health and functionality of the executive branch, ensuring the government’s policies are implemented properly and its goals taken to heart across all departments.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, under Article VII, Section 16, grants the President the authority to appoint officials, including Cabinet members, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.

While it does not explicitly discuss the power to remove, the general legal principle in Philippine jurisprudence holds that appointment and removal are two sides of the same coin, especially for officials who serve at the pleasure of the President.

Cabinet secretaries and most agency heads fall under this category. This gives the President the flexibility to reconfigure his administration to respond to changing political, social, or economic circumstances. You can’t expect to invite someone into the house and then be powerless to ask them to leave when circumstances require it. The same goes with governance.

The ability to fire and reshuffle officials serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows the President to maintain accountability within his administration. If a department or agency is underperforming, mired in controversy, or failing to carry out the administration’s directives, a change in leadership is often necessary.

Removing officials who have lost the President’s trust helps preserve public confidence in the government. The President is ultimately accountable to the people, and therefore must have the discretion to choose a team that reflects his vision and priorities.

Secondly, reshuffles can be a strategic tool for improving efficiency and reinvigorating public service delivery. Bureaucracies can become stagnant, and leadership changes may inspire fresh approaches or reforms.

For example, if a department is facing a crisis — such as agricultural supply problems, transportation failures, or corruption scandals — a new leader may be needed to restore integrity and push needed reforms.

However, while the power to remove and reshuffle is legally sound, it should be exercised with transparency, fairness, and in the public interest. If done for purely political reasons —such as to appease allies, consolidate power, or sideline critics — it may damage public trust and undermine institutional integrity. The President must balance political realities with the need for competent governance.

Moreover, frequent or abrupt changes in leadership can disrupt continuity and affect long-term programs. Some reforms require time to be implemented, and sudden changes in leadership can stall progress. It is therefore important for the President to explain major reshuffles clearly to the public and ensure that transitions are well-managed.

Ultimately, the power to appoint and remove is a reflection of the President’s deep accountability to the Filipino people. It is a mechanism that allows the government to stay adaptive and responsive in a constantly changing landscape. President Marcos Jr.’s exercise of this authority is part of a long tradition of executive leadership aimed at keeping the government effective and trustworthy.

In the end, the success of these decisions will be measured by their impact — how well they improve government performance and address the needs of the Filipino people.