Senators Applaud Courtesy Resignation of Cabinet Secretaries
Senators have expressed support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent decision to call for the courtesy resignation of all his Cabinet secretaries. This move is seen as a positive step to recalibrate the government and align its efforts with the public’s expectations. The call for courtesy resignation of Cabinet secretaries highlights the need for a fresh approach in governance, sources familiar with the matter say.
One Senate leader commented, “Calling for the courtesy resignations of his official family is a good start. It highlights the need for the entire bureaucracy to recalibrate and align government initiatives with the expectations of our people.” He added that when government programs fall short, it is the public who ultimately suffers, and he commended the President for taking swift action.
Government Realignment Seen as Strategic Move
The President’s decision is viewed as a strategic reshuffling of key officials based on their performance. This “mid-game substitution” aims to strengthen the administration’s ability to deliver results. Observers note that the President cannot succeed alone and requires dependable partners within his government team.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada emphasized that Cabinet members serve at the President’s discretion, making the call for their resignation a prerogative. He said, “If the President deems it necessary to revamp his official family, I don’t see anything wrong with it—especially if such a move is in pursuit of assembling a leadership team that can deliver efficient, accountable, and responsive governance.” Estrada reassured the public by stating, “Wala akong nakikitang dahilan para mabahala ang publiko sa direktiba ng Pangulo.”
Another senator described the move as a genuine reform effort aimed at restoring the people’s trust in government institutions.
Calls for Idealistic and Effective Leadership
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also praised the President’s decision, calling it a “great move” that allows the administration to regroup and avoid internal conflicts. He urged the President to appoint individuals who possess idealism and prioritize the success of the administration over personal political ambitions.
“Best to recruit those with no ambitions to be elected in the 2028 elections. These non-political personalities will be more objective and scientific in their work,” Pimentel advised.
Ensuring Responsible Budget Management
Beyond the courtesy resignation of Cabinet secretaries, another senator-elect stressed the importance of the President using his influence over Congress to eliminate unnecessary allocations and self-serving projects in the upcoming 2026 national budget deliberations. He pledged to assist in curbing excessive spending and ensuring the budget truly responds to the public’s needs.
He suggested that except for the 4Ps program, all other social assistance initiatives should be consolidated to maximize efficiency and transparency. “It is time to give the Filipino people a chance to benefit more from the taxes that they pay out of their hard-earned money,” he added.
Election Results Influence Cabinet Reshuffle
A senator noted that the President’s decision was influenced by the outcomes of the recent May 2025 elections, which were unexpected even to the administration. Another senator expressed respect for the President’s prerogative and shared that she would consider the same approach when she assumes a leadership role.
This collective response from lawmakers underscores a shared desire for a more effective, accountable government that aligns with the Filipino people’s aspirations.
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