Malacañang announced on Thursday that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has accepted the courtesy resignations of Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III.
"Each resignation accepted is based on a careful assessment of whether the standards set by the President for efficiency and leadership had been met," Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a press briefing.
"Some had delivered, others have not," he firmly added.
Bersamin further noted that the concerned officials have already been informed that their resignations have been accepted.
Solicitor General
University of the Philippines College of Law Dean, Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe will replace Menardo Guevarra as the new Solicitor General. Berberabe took her oath of office before the President today, May 29.
Bersamin explained that Guevarra had served since the start of the administration, and it may now be time for him to explore new opportunities.
"So, the President accepted his resignation to allow for fresh blood to come in," he added.
CHED Chairperson
Following the acceptance of de Vera's resignation as CHED Chairperson, Commissioner Shirley Agrupis is poised to take over the post. De Vera is stepping down after serving two terms.
"I respect the President’s decision and thank him for the trust and the opportunity to continue with the educational reforms in higher education that I started when I was appointed Commissioner in 2016, Chairman in 2018, and under his administration," de Vera said in an official statement.
He further stated that it has been the “honor of a lifetime” to serve the Filipino people and to help provide every aspiring young Filipino the opportunity to pursue and complete their university education through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931).
"It has also been a privilege to work with committed colleagues in CHED and across the higher education sector to promote access, equity, and equality in Philippine higher education," he added.
Bersamin, meanwhile, expressed the administration’s appreciation for the officials who are stepping down, and reiterated that the recent changes should not be seen as a purge.
"We are grateful for the service of those who are stepping down. As most transition is being implemented to ensure continuity and stability in their respective institutions," Bersamin explained.
"This is not a purge, let me remind you of that, this effort is the President’s commitment to a government that works fast, delivers results, and meets the expectations of the Filipino people," he added.
In the same briefing, PMGen. Nicolas Torre III was also announced as the incoming Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), succeeding PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
The resignation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo was also accepted, and he is expected to transition to a new role as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
He will be replaced by former Ambassador Tess Lazaro, who has been appointed to lead the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) effective July 31, 2025.
Moreover, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga will be “taking a break” from her post and will be replaced by Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla.
In turn, DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin has been designated as the Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Energy.
Lastly, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will now be headed by former Undersecretary Engr. Jose Ramon Aliling.
Former DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar has been appointed the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, with the rank of Secretary.
Previously, Bersamin also announced that five other Cabinet members would be retained as part of the administration’s efforts to recalibrate its leadership.
