Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has announced the partial names of Cabinet members who will retain their posts and those whose resignations have been accepted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following the President’s directive for all secretaries to submit courtesy resignations as part of a government “reset.”
Bersamin confirmed that the President has accepted the resignations of Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar. Their replacements have also been named: Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla will take over the post previously held by Loyzaga, while Engr. Ramon Aliling will assume the role of Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in place of Acuzar.
As Lotilla transitions to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin will serve as Officer-in-Charge of the DOE.
Meanwhile, Bersamin announced that several key officials will continue in their roles, ensuring continuity in the administration’s economic strategy. Retained Cabinet secretaries include:
- Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque
- Finance Secretary Ralph Recto
- Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan
- Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman
- Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go
Bersamin emphasized that these appointments reflect President Marcos’ intent to recalibrate his administration’s direction in response to public expectations and the outcome of the recent midterm elections.
“This is part of the President’s reset of the government. He has been carefully assessing the performance and alignment of his Cabinet, and these changes are made to strengthen the administration’s capability to deliver on its promises,” Bersamin said.
The shake-up follows a directive issued by President Marcos earlier this week, calling for the courtesy resignations of all Cabinet secretaries. The President cited the need for a fresh start to better respond to economic challenges and rising public dissatisfaction.
More changes in the Cabinet lineup are expected in the coming days as the President continues his evaluation of department heads.
