The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) have expressed full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to evaluate the performance of Cabinet secretaries through a call for courtesy resignations.
The LCP in a statement signed by Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, LCP national chairman, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte-Alimurung, LCP acting national president, said they recognize that the results of the recent midterm elections reflect the people’s growing demand for faster, more transparent, and more effective public service.
The president 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, Malacañang announced on Friday.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Marcos decided to retain Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, and Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, a Palace press release said.
He also retained Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go.
The president accepted the courtesy resignations of Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, the press release said.
Lagdameo will be succeeded by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Manalo, in turn, will be replaced by DFA Undersecretary and former Ambassador Tess Lazaro.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla will replace Loyzaga as Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources.
The Department of Energy (DOE) will be temporarily headed by Undersecretary Sharon Garin.
Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar has been appointed Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, with the rank of Secretary. Former Undersecretary Jose Ramon Aliling will replace him.
The LCP, in its statement, said “ As a responsive and listening leader, the President underscores his commitment to accountability and to building a government that is not only competent but also empathetic to the needs of every Filipino”.
The president’s move sends a strong message that public service must always be rooted in trust, performance, and the greater good, it added.
The league said its members commend and deeply appreciate the Cabinet members who have responded to the president’s call to submit their courtesy resignations.
The Lague of Provinces of the Philippines, in a separate statement, said it stands behind the president’s call for courtesy resignations from Cabinet officials and key members of
“When our people are demanding faster service, real results and honest leadership, we must all rise to the challenge or step aside, “ the league said.*