Philippines' Marcos revamps cabinet in ‘bold reset' after midterms setback
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has ordered the mass resignation of his cabinet in what observers view as a strategic reset aimed at regaining momentum after a stinging midterm election setback.
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All cabinet-level secretaries were asked on Thursday to submit their 'courtesy resignations' to allow the president to assess their performance and 'determine who will continue to serve in line with his administration's recalibrated priorities', according to a statement from the presidential palace.
The move, described by the palace as a 'bold reset', came days after only five of the president's 10 endorsed candidates secured Senate seats in the May 12 vote – a result widely seen as a political blow. Marcos framed the resignations as part of a broader effort to reassert discipline and urgency across government.
'This is not about personalities – it's about performance, alignment, and urgency,' Marcos said. 'Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognised. But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over.'
Presidential communications undersecretary Claire Castro said she was not aware of any specific officials being targeted for removal. As of press time, all secretaries had either tendered their resignations or announced they would comply.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (right) with Senate President Francis Escudero at the presidential palace in Manila on Thursday. Photo: AP
Risk analyst Jonathan Ravelas, managing director of eManagement for Business and Marketing Services, told This Week in Asia this 'appears to be a strategic move to reassess performance and realign priorities after the midterm elections. It signals a push for greater accountability and results within the administration'.
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