President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has retained Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and five other Cabinet members, following the directive for courtesy resignations as part of efforts to recalibrate the administration.
In a press briefing on Friday, Bersamin announced that President Marcos declined the courtesy resignation he submitted, stating that he has the President’s “full backing.”
"The President declined the courtesy resignation that I tendered. Just this morning, he communicated to me that I have his full backing, for as long as I wish to work for him. And that is a very good gesture of the President because that is a sign of his manifestation of his full trust and confidence in myself," said Bersamin.
"Nasa kamay na talaga ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas kung sino-sino sa amin, sa 52 na ‘yan at probably more, ang mare-retain," he added.
However, he noted that many of those who will be retained are already aware that they will remain in their positions.
Aside from Bersamin, Marcos also declined the courtesy resignations submitted by members of his economic team, signaling continued confidence in their service.
- Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Ralph Recto — Department of Finance (DOF)
- Arsenio Balisacan — Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev)
- Amenah Pangandaman — Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
- Frederick Go — Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs of the Philippines
"Itong lima na ito ay magpapatuloy sa kanilang panunungkulan, paninilbihan sa ating taumbayan. Makakaasa kayo na sila naman ay sinsero o dedicated sa kanilang sinumpaang katungkulan," said Bersamin.
He further noted that in the coming days, more urgent evaluations will be conducted for officials of each government agency.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is set to welcome new leadership as former Ambassador Tess Lazaro has been appointed to head the agency, effective July 31, 2025.
Current DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo will transition to a new role as the Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations.
These developments come following Antonio Lagdameo Jr.’s formal request to retire, which will also take effect on July 31, 2025.
Bersamin stressed that the said position holds great importance. It is highly regarded by the President, especially as the Philippines is campaigning for a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2027–2028.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is also set to undergo a leadership change, with Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla poised to assume the role.
DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin has been designated as the Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Energy (DOE).
Meanwhile, current DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga will be “taking a break” for now, though she may be assigned another Cabinet position in the future.
Lastly, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will now be led by former DHSUD Undersecretary Engr. Jose Ramon Aliling.
Meanwhile, Jose Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar has been appointed as Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, with the rank of Secretary.
