Call for Swift Action on Cabinet Courtesy Resignations
Senator-elect Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to promptly address the pending cabinet courtesy resignations. Lacson emphasized that quick action is necessary to prevent inefficiency and division within the government, especially as competition for Cabinet positions intensifies.
Lacson pointed out that the season for jockeying for these roles has grown more intense, with various speculative reports and circulated lists of potential applicants trying to fill still unvacated posts. “An unsolicited advice: the President should act quickly on the pending courtesy resignations,” Lacson stated in a post on social media. He added, “Uncertainty often leads to inefficiency and divisiveness in the ranks.”
Current Status of Cabinet Courtesy Resignations
So far, the President has accepted the resignations of at least two officials out of 52 who submitted their courtesy resignations: Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga. Despite these, key members of the economic team remain in their posts, while some officials have been reassigned to different roles.
Marcos defended keeping his economic team intact, citing the importance of maintaining financial stability during this period. This move underscores the delicate balance between leadership continuity and administrative renewal.
Budget Reform and Legislative Oversight
Prior to his comments on the cabinet, Lacson also stressed the need for the President to use his influence over Congress to curb indiscriminate insertions and pork barrel spending in the 2026 national budget. He advocated for integrating various aid programs under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) within the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
“With the President taking the lead in at least tempering the insatiable greed of some legislators, I vow to do my share in helping him come up with a national budget that is truly responsive to the people’s clamor for sanity and a little timidity among the members of Congress in addressing the needs of their constituents,” Lacson assured.
The Importance of Resolving Cabinet Courtesy Resignations
Local experts note that resolving the pending cabinet courtesy resignations efficiently will help prevent internal conflicts and promote a more unified government front. Delays could invite power struggles and inefficiencies that hamper public service delivery.
By acting decisively, the administration can stabilize the Cabinet, refocus on governance priorities, and enhance public trust during this critical phase of government transition.
For more news and updates on cabinet courtesy resignations, visit Filipinokami.com.