Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has requested all non-career Cabinet secretaries to tender their resignations, aiming to initiate a sweeping “reset” of his administration just midway through his six-year term. The move, confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Wednesday, signals a major reshuffle amid concerns over government performance and public dissatisfaction.
According to the statement from Malacañang Palace, the request applies only to presidential appointees who are not part of the career executive service. The purpose, officials said, is to allow President Marcos the opportunity to reorganize his Cabinet, remove underperformers, and appoint individuals who can help refocus the administration’s priorities for the remainder of his term.
“This is part of the President’s desire to recalibrate the administration and improve delivery of government services,” said PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil. She emphasized that the move should not be seen as a political purge but as a governance measure to improve efficiency.
Analysts view the mass resignation call as a strategic effort by Marcos to consolidate power and reset the narrative following recent political and economic challenges. While the Philippines has experienced modest economic growth and stable inflation under his leadership, issues such as infrastructure delays, bureaucratic inefficiency, and dissatisfaction in rural provinces have dented his approval ratings.
“This signals an attempt by President Marcos to assert tighter control and shake off elements that may no longer align with his agenda,” said political analyst Richard Heydarian. “It’s a risky but potentially effective maneuver—provided the replacements are competent and reform-minded.”
The president has not announced which Cabinet members will be replaced or retained, but sources close to the administration suggest that some high-profile officials could be on their way out, including those in departments dealing with agriculture, transport, and social welfare—sectors that have faced criticism over delays, corruption allegations, and ineffective delivery of services.
Marcos, who also holds the agriculture portfolio himself, has faced criticism over food security issues, including high rice and sugar prices. His leadership in that area will likely come under renewed scrutiny in the wake of the Cabinet shake-up.
Opposition figures have reacted cautiously, with some accusing Marcos of using the “reset” narrative to distract from unmet campaign promises. “A change in faces doesn’t mean a change in policies,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros. “What we need is genuine reform, not political theatrics.”
Meanwhile, business groups have urged the president to prioritize continuity and merit-based appointments. The Management Association of the Philippines called on Marcos to appoint technocrats who can improve bureaucratic performance, especially in areas like energy, infrastructure, and digitalization.
The reshuffle comes at a time of geopolitical tension in the South China Sea, where the Marcos administration has taken a firmer stance against Chinese incursions into Philippine-claimed waters. The president’s foreign policy pivot toward stronger ties with the United States and other regional allies may also influence his Cabinet selections.
It remains unclear how many resignations have been submitted so far, and the Palace has not provided a timeline for when new appointments will be announced. For now, Cabinet officials are reportedly continuing in a holdover capacity until decisions are finalized.
As Marcos enters the second half of his presidency, the Cabinet reset will be closely watched as a bellwether for whether he intends to deepen reform or simply realign his political alliances. The next few weeks are expected to bring clarity—and likely significant political maneuvering behind the scenes.
Source: Reuters
