Philippine President Marcos Retains Key Cabinet Officials Amid Executive 'Reset'

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has retained several senior Cabinet officials, following his call for mass courtesy resignations in a post-election government reshuffle.

The President initiated the move after a disappointing performance by administration-backed senatorial candidates in the May 12 midterm polls. The decision was aimed at ushering in a "reset" within the executive branch, but the latest announcement signals a strong vote of confidence in several key figures.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin revealed the list of retained officials during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, emphasising stability across essential departments.

✅ Who's staying in:

• Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. – Secretary of Agriculture

• Conrado Estrella III – Secretary of Agrarian Reform

• Sonny Angara – Secretary of Education

• Teodoro Herbosa – Secretary of Health

• Gilberto Teodoro Jr. – Secretary of National Defense

• Bienvenido Laguesma – Secretary of Labor

• Rex Gatchalian – Secretary of Social Welfare

• Christina Frasco – Secretary of Tourism

• Renato Solidum Jr. – Secretary of Science and Technology

• Vince Dizon – Secretary of Transportation

• Manuel Bonoan – Secretary of Public Works and Highways

• Henry Roel Aguda – Secretary of ICT

• Hans Leo Cacdac – Secretary of Migrant Workers

• Jose Francisco Benitez – TESDA Secretary

• Juan Ponce Enrile – Chief Presidential Legal Counsel

• Elaine Masukat – Presidential Management Staff Secretary

• Romand Artes – MMDA Chair

• Leo Tereso Magno – Mindanao Development Authority Chair

• Antonio Cerilles – Presidential Adviser for Mindanao

• Romeo Lumagui Jr. – BIR Commissioner

• Bienvenido Rubio – Customs Commissioner

• Sharon Almanza – National Treasurer

🌍 Foreign Affairs Role in Transition

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will also remain in his post for now. President Marcos declined his resignation as he awaits confirmation for his next assignment as the Philippines' permanent representative to the United Nations.

Despite the ongoing reshuffle, the retention of this broad slate of leaders reflects a message of continuity in governance, particularly in economic and national security portfolios.