MANILA, Philippines — Several senators have expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sweeping reorganization of the executive branch, describing it as a necessary step toward improving governance amid concerns about the performance of certain Cabinet officials.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the move, saying it was time for decisive leadership within government agencies. He noted that some secretaries have failed to make a meaningful impact in their roles.
Senators JV Ejercito and Pia Cayetano also voiced support for the initiative, with Ejercito describing it as “a good start” while emphasizing that reshuffling personnel alone would not be enough to address deeper institutional problems. He called on the administration to remove underperforming officials and appoint leaders who are grounded in the realities of public service.
Cayetano underscored the importance of ensuring that the changes directly benefit Filipino families, stressing that public service delivery must be at the center of the realignment.
The overhaul of the Cabinet comes on the heels of disappointing results for administration-backed candidates in the recent midterm elections, with Marcos framing the move as an effort to “realign government with the people’s expectations.”
Malacañang Defends Cabinet Reshuffle Amid Criticism
Malacañang has pushed back against criticism from allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte, describing them as “obstructionists” and defending the President’s call for courtesy resignations from his Cabinet.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said calls for Marcos to resign were politically motivated and aimed at paving the way for Vice President Sara Duterte to assume power. She dismissed the criticism as baseless and politically self-serving.
Her remarks were made in response to statements from former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who claimed the Philippines is “heading to hell” and urged Marcos to resign. Roque, who is reportedly seeking political asylum in the Netherlands citing political persecution, said Cabinet reshuffles would not resolve the country’s fundamental issues.
Former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez also weighed in, calling the reorganization a “cosmetic change” and suggesting that the President himself is at the root of governance problems.
Castro, in turn, dismissed the critics’ motivations, suggesting that some are promoting a Duterte presidency to avoid legal troubles. She also echoed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin’s earlier criticism of Rodriguez, characterizing him as someone unworthy of serious attention.
The Palace remains firm in its stance that the reorganization is in line with the President’s broader goals of revitalizing the bureaucracy and ensuring that government officials deliver results aligned with the public’s needs.
