Cabinet Secretaries Submit Courtesy Resignation Following Marcos Directive
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced on Thursday, May 22, that he will promptly submit his courtesy resignation. This decision comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed all Cabinet secretaries to do the same.
In a statement posted on X, Gatchalian said, “I serve at the pleasure of the President. I will immediately file my courtesy resignation this morning.” This highlights his respect for the President’s request and his readiness to step aside if needed.
Purpose Behind the Courtesy Resignation
The President’s call for all Cabinet secretaries to submit their resignations aims to provide flexibility in reviewing the performance of each department. It also allows the administration to realign appointments according to recalibrated priorities based on the results of the recent midterm elections.
Officials from Malacañang explained that this process is intended to help the President assess which officials will best support the government’s renewed goals. The courtesy resignation is not necessarily a sign of dismissal but a strategic move to strengthen the administration’s focus.
Implications for the Administration
This directive signals a significant moment for the current government as it seeks to adapt and respond to voter feedback. By asking Cabinet members to step down temporarily, the President gains the opportunity to refresh his team and reinforce accountability.
Experts say this approach can lead to improved governance by ensuring that key positions are filled by individuals who align closely with the administration’s evolving agenda. Community leaders noted that such recalibration efforts are common in many governments following election cycles.
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