MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday dismissed suggestions that he should resign, defending his leadership and the sweeping changes he has ordered within his administration.
Speaking to the media in Kuala Lumpur following the 46th ASEAN Summit, Marcos made it clear that he has no intention of stepping down, even as he ordered all Cabinet members and agency heads to submit their courtesy resignations last week.
“I will resign? Ba’t ko gagawin ‘yun? At wala sa ugali ko ang tinatakbuhan ang problema. What good will that do?” Marcos told reporters, emphasizing that he remains committed to leading the country through its current challenges.
The President’s remarks came in response to criticisms questioning the rationale behind his directive for a government “reset” — a move he said was aimed at making the bureaucracy “more focused and performance-driven” following the outcome of the May 12 midterm elections.
Despite the shake-up, the Palace has assured the public that essential government operations will continue without disruption.
Marcos stressed that the changes are not for appearances, but part of a serious effort to overhaul how government operates. “We are looking at the problem deeply,” he said. “I don’t do things for optics. If there is a problem, I like to fix it.”
He added that the performance review would extend beyond top-level officials, saying: “Expect us to be doing a rigorous performance review, not only at the Cabinet level, but even deeper.”
While some officials have stepped down, others have been retained. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin remains in his post, along with Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go.
Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla has been transferred to lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, following the resignation of Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has been reassigned as the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, replacing Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo, who is stepping down from public service. Veteran diplomat Ma. Theresa Lazaro will assume Manalo’s former role starting July 31.
Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar was also appointed Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, maintaining Cabinet rank.
As the Marcos administration pushes ahead with these structural changes, the President reiterated that his focus remains on governance and effective public service, not politics.
