Marcos: Friends or not, underperformers exiting

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that even his closest friends in the Cabinet would be removed if they fail to perform their duties.

In his latest podcast, Marcos maintained that anyone chosen to serve in the Cabinet must demonstrate competence and a strong commitment to public service.

“That’s what we should do. Look, even if you are my friend and I love you, but you’re not doing your job — this isn’t about friendship or love. It’s about our service to the people,” the President said.

He likened his expectations to a military-style chain of command, where one strike is enough to warrant removal.

“In the military, if your commanding officer tells you to do something and you fail, you’re out. You’re relieved. That’s how it should be — strict,” Marcos added, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino.

Earlier last week, the President clarified that what’s happening is not a formal Cabinet revamp but rather an ongoing performance review.

He said that while all Cabinet secretaries and agency heads are still on probation, the review now extends to undersecretaries.

“What you call a Cabinet revamp is not a one-shot, one-time, big-time thing. It is an ongoing process. We are essentially putting all government agencies and departments on notice — we have to do better,” Marcos said.

He added that the government will conduct periodic reviews, possibly on a quarterly basis.

“You will see more changes in the future,” he said.

The first to be sacked in the initial wave of the Cabinet revamp was Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, who was criticized for her alleged weekly overseas trips. She was replaced by former Energy Secretary Popoy Lotilla.

Also replaced were Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Popoy De Vera and Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, a holdover from the Duterte administration. Other officials removed were Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Chairperson and CEO Meynardo Sabili; Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Terence Calatrava; and Presidential Assistant on Muslim Affairs Almarim Tillah.