Palace shuts down talk on Bersamin exit: 'Let’s leave it at that'

From Lucas Bersamin’s resignation “out of delicadeza” last 18 November, to his clarification that he did not resign, and finally to his private conversation with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Palace has one message: “Let’s leave it at that.”

This was the statement of Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro during a Thursday morning briefing, effectively shutting down speculations surrounding the former executive secretary’s removal.

“The Palace acknowledges former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin's clarification regarding the manner of his transition. As he himself stated in his interview, he submitted himself to the President's discretion and prerogative as part of the ongoing reorganization,” Castro said.

She added that the announcement regarding Bersamin’s replacement was made “with due regard for stability and continuity in governance.” Alongside Bersamin, the Department of Budget and Management secretary was likewise removed from the Cabinet.

Bersamin’s side

According to Bersamin, he did not resign but was asked to step down. He also disputed an earlier Palace line that he and other officials left their posts to give way to the investigation into the anomalous flood control scandal.

“I’ll just assume that they were acting on some basis, that they had their own reasons. But I am disputing their statement that I resigned, because I did not. If they have such a statement,” he said.

Cabinet shakeup?

During his speech at the 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards, the President made light of the recent changes in his Cabinet — even joking that the First Lady could be designated secretary for migrant workers because of her travels with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

“‘She has become our ambassador now for migrant workers, it's your new designation. Aren't we going to have a Cabinet shakeup? So there you are...’” Marcos said in jest.

Asked about this, Castro said it should be taken as a joke and “on face value.”

“As of now, we have not announced or provided any updates regarding that,” she said.