MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has decided to keep more than a dozen Cabinet officials and agency heads, rejecting their courtesy resignations as his administration continues its assessment process. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin made the announcement on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Bersamin indicated that the President’s decision signals these officials have “performed up to par,” suggesting they would have been terminated otherwise.

Among those whose courtesy resignations were rejected and who will remain in their positions are:

• Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
• Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III
• Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara
• TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez
• Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma
• Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian
• Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa
• Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac
• Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.
• Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco
• DICT Secretary Henry Aguda
• Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon
• DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan
• Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile
• MMDA Chairman Romando Artes
• MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno
• Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs Antonio Cerilles
• BIR Chief Romeo Lumagui Jr.
• Customs Chief Bienvenido Rubio
• National Treasurer Sharon Almanza

Bersamin also clarified the status of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, whose courtesy resignation was not accepted. Manalo will continue as Foreign Affairs Secretary until his new appointment as Permanent Philippine Representative to the United Nations is formally confirmed, likely taking effect on August 1.

Three resignations accepted, one official terminated

Conversely, the President accepted the courtesy resignations of three officials:

• Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor Chairperson and CEO Meynardo Sabili
• Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Terrence Calatrava
• Presidential Assistant on Muslim Affairs Almarim Tillah

Additionally, Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns Menandro Espineli was terminated from his post. Bersamin explained that the President determined these four individuals “have not delivered on their respective mandates.”

New SEC chief appointed, Supreme Court appointment eyed

In a new appointment, President Marcos Jr. named Atty. Francis Edralin Lim as the new Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Lim will succeed SEC Chairman Emilio Aquino, whose term concludes on June 5, 2025. Bersamin expressed optimism that Lim’s leadership will “strengthen investor confidence and further promote transparency, innovation, and inclusive growth in the Philippine financial sector.”

Bersamin also hinted at an upcoming “historic appointment to the Supreme Court,” noting that the President is currently deliberating on the shortlist recently received from the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC). This appointment will fill the vacancy left by Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, who is set to retire on June 4, 2025.