EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin submitted his courtesy resignation on Thursday, promptly responding to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for all Cabinet secretaries to do the same.
In a letter addressed to the President, Bersamin stated his intention to facilitate a smooth transition of responsibilities upon acceptance of his resignation. He expressed his continued commitment to serving the Filipino people and contributing to the President’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines).
Bersamin’s resignation is the first concrete step in President Marcos Jr.’s broader plan to recalibrate his administration following the recent national and local elections.
The President’s call for courtesy resignations aims to comprehensively assess the performance of each government department and ensure alignment with the evolving priorities of his administration. This initiative reflects a commitment to responsiveness and accountability to the electorate.
President Marcos emphasized the need for a decisive shift in governance, stating that “This is not business as usual.” He highlighted the public’s expectation for tangible results, rejecting excuses and prioritizing action.
The President’s words underscore a determination to address public concerns and implement necessary changes to better serve the needs of the Filipino people. This move signals a potential for significant changes within the government structure and a renewed focus on delivering on campaign promises.
The acceptance or rejection of Bersamin’s resignation, and those of other Cabinet members, will be closely watched as a key indicator of the direction and priorities of the Marcos Jr. administration in its next term.
The process of evaluating and reshaping the Cabinet will likely involve a thorough review of each department’s performance and a careful consideration of the individuals best suited to lead the nation forward.
