President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is calling on 21 retained Cabinet members and top government officials to demonstrate renewed commitment and enhanced performance as a comprehensive evaluation of their mandates continues. The announcement was made Tuesday by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin during a Malacañang press briefing, aiming to quell speculation surrounding recent courtesy resignations.
“All of them who have been retained, including myself, are expected to give fresh attention to the mandates and to show more performance in our respective areas,” Executive Secretary Bersamin stated.
The briefing confirmed the retention of a significant portion of the President’s leadership team, emphasizing the administration’s focus on delivering tangible results. This marks the third tranche of accepted and declined courtesy resignations, a process initiated by President Marcos Jr. to assess the capabilities and dedication of his appointees.
Among the key officials retained are:
- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
- Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III
- Education Secretary Sonny Angara
- Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma
- Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian
- Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa
- Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac
- Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.
- Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco
- Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda
- Transport Secretary Vince Dizon
- Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan
In addition to these secretaries, the President also retained:
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez
- Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile
- Presidential Management Staff Secretary Elaine Masukat
- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes
- Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Leo Tereso Magno
- Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Concerns Secretary Antonio Cerilles
- Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr.
- Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio
- Treasurer of the Philippines Sharon Almanza
Executive Secretary Bersamin clarified that the announcement of retained officials was crucial to prevent further unfounded rumors and to address the “intrigues and harassment” faced by those under review. “It’s just simple justice to them,” he added.
While individual marching orders will be given by the President to each retained official, Bersamin underscored the President’s unwavering expectation of the “highest degree of performance” from all members of his administration.
