Marcos keeps core cabinet team, says performance reviews ongoing
In a Malacañang press briefing on Tuesday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced that the President had declined the courtesy resignations of several key officials, ensuring their continued leadership.
'The secretaries whose resignations have been declined need to be announced because there have been many speculations… They have been the victims of intrigues and harassment from many quarters. It's just simple justice to them,' Bersamin stated. Retained cabinet and high-ranking officials: Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. – Secretary, Department of Agriculture
Conrado Estrella III – Secretary, Department of Agrarian Reform
Juan Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara – Secretary, Department of Education
Bienvenido Laguesma – Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment
Rex Gatchalian – Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development
Teodoro 'Ted' Herbosa – Secretary, Department of Health
Hans Leo Cacdac – Secretary, Department of Migrant Workers
Renato Solidum Jr. – Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
Christina Frasco – Secretary, Department of Tourism
Henry Aguda – Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology
Vivencio 'Vince' Dizon – Secretary, Department of Transportation
Manuel Bonoan – Secretary, Department of Public Works and Highways Other officials who will remain in post: Romando Artes – Chairman, MMDA
Romeo Lumagui Jr. – Commissioner, Bureau of Internal Revenue
Bienvenido Rubio – Commissioner, Bureau of Customs
Sharon Almanza – Treasurer of the Philippines
Elaine Masukat – Secretary, Presidential Management Staff
Juan Ponce Enrile – Chief Presidential Legal Counsel
'All of them who have been retained, including myself, are expected to give fresh attention to the mandates and show more performance in our respective areas,' Bersamin said.
While most top officials were kept in place, the Palace confirmed the acceptance of resignations from several presidential advisers and assistants: Meynardo Sabili – Chairperson, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor
Terence Calatrava – Presidential Assistant for the Visayas
Almarim Tillah – Presidential Assistant on Muslim Affairs
Menardo Espineli – Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns (terminated)
'The assessments about them is that they did not perform up to par. Let us assume that the President has good reasons, the best reasons, not to continue with their services at this time,' Bersamin explained.
President Marcos also appointed veteran lawyer Atty. Francis Edralin Lim as the new Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing Emilio Aquino, whose term ends on June 5.
Lim previously served as President and CEO of the Philippine Stock Exchange and is known for his expertise in corporate and securities law.
Addressing speculation about a sweeping overhaul, Bersamin rejected the notion that the review was a purge.
'If you are asking for blood, there will still be blood… but at least for the major departments, wala hong masyadong movement,' he said.
Bersamin emphasized that all officials, including those retained, are still subject to high standards and ongoing performance reviews.
'Even if you have been retained now, you will still be expected to deliver on your marching orders,' he said.
The Executive Secretary added that evaluations are ongoing for undersecretaries and heads of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), with announcements expected in the coming months.
'The performance evaluation is a continuing process. You can be sure that at any time, anyone who is not performing according to standards of the President will be replaced or relocated.'
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