PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has retained key members of his economic team, citing the need to sustain financial stability, but accepted the resignations of two out of 52 Cabinet officials who have submitted their courtesy resignations.
In a press briefing, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said President Marcos decided to retain Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, and Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
President Marcos also retained Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go.
Secretary Bersamin also noted that President Marcos declined his own courtesy resignation.
“Just this morning, he communicated to me that I have his full backing for as long as I wish to work for him. And that is a very good gesture from the President because that is a sign of his — manifestation of his full trust and confidence in myself,” the Executive Secretary added.
Secretary Bersamin, however, said the President accepted the courtesy resignations of Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga.
Lagdameo, retiring after decades of service, will step down on July 31. He will be succeeded by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, who will assume the post on August 1.
Secretary Manalo, in turn, will be replaced by DFA Undersecretary and former Ambassador Tess Lazaro.
Secretary Loyzaga’s resignation, on the other hand, was accepted to allow her a short break, though she may be reassigned in the future. Energy Secretary Raphael “Popo” Lotilla will replace her as Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Department of Energy (DOE) will then be temporarily headed by Undersecretary Sharon Garin.
Meanwhile, Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar has been appointed Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, with the rank of Secretary. Former Undersecretary, Engr. Jose Ramon Aliling will replace him.
Incoming Secretary Aliling previously led the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program and the Pasig River Bigyan Buhay Muli (PBBM) revitalization project.
President Marcos had earlier directed all Cabinet members to submit their courtesy resignations.
