PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. retained Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and five key economic officials despite a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle aimed at “recalibrating” the government’s performance.
In a Palace press briefing on Friday, Bersamin said the president did not accept his resignation, citing the latter’s “full trust and confidence” in him.
“He communicated to me I have his full backing, for as long as I wish to work for him. And that is a very good gesture of the President because that is a sign of his manifestation of his full trust and confidence in myself,” Bersamin said.
Marcos also retained Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Special Assistant for Investments Frederick Go.
“These five will continue serving the people with sincerity and dedication,” Bersamin added.
Pangandaman expressed gratitude for the President’s continued trust, saying it fuels her commitment to serve the nation.
Around 52 Cabinet and agency heads have submitted courtesy resignations following Marcos’ directive for a “reset.”
Bersamin said these will be carefully evaluated, with further changes expected.
