On May 22, 2025, news broke out that 29 Cabinet secretaries from the current Philippine administration have submitted their resignations. This mass resignation followed President Bongbong Marcos’ formal request for courtesy resignations as part of his administration’s efforts to reorganize and refresh the government team.
This article explains what courtesy resignations mean, why they happen, the current status of resignations, and what this means for the country’s governance moving forward.
What is a Courtesy Resignation? 🤝
A courtesy resignation is a formal process where government officials, particularly Cabinet members, voluntarily submit their resignation upon the request of a new or sitting President. This is a common political practice in the Philippines and many other countries, signaling respect and allowing the President to reorganize his team for effective governance.
Key points:
- It is not necessarily a sign of failure or scandal.
- Provides the President the flexibility to appoint new officials or keep some of the current team.
- Often happens during transitions between administrations or mid-term reshuffles.
Why Did the Cabinet Secretaries Resign? 🔄
President Marcos’ request for courtesy resignations is intended to:
- Reorganize the Cabinet: Refresh the team to better align with the administration’s goals and priorities.
- Demonstrate respect: Officials acknowledge the President’s prerogative to assemble the best possible leadership team.
- Improve governance: It allows an opportunity to address gaps, improve efficiency, and introduce fresh perspectives.
The Current Situation: Who Resigned and Who Remains? 📋
Already Resigned:
- 29 Cabinet secretaries have stepped down as of the latest report.
Still to Resign (10 officials):
- DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa
- DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan
- Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile
- Presidential Management Staff Secretary Elaine Masukat
- Presidential Assistant on Maritime Affairs Andres Centino
- Presidential Adviser on Military & Police Affairs Roman Felix
- Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon
- Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr.
- Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.
- Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs Mark Llandro Mendoza
What Happens Next? 🔜
- Resignation Acceptance: The President reviews and accepts resignations.
- Appointment Process: New officials may be appointed or some incumbents retained based on performance and alignment with goals.
- Transition Period: Ensuring smooth transfer of duties to avoid disruption in government services.
Public Reactions and Insights 🗣️
The move has sparked discussions on social media platforms and news outlets. Many view the courtesy resignations as a positive step towards government accountability and renewal, while some express concerns over possible delays in projects and services.
Follow updates and hot takes on this topic at OMG Marites for real-time chika and insights! 🔥
Summary 📌
- Courtesy resignations are a normal part of political transitions.
- 29 Cabinet secretaries have resigned, with 10 more expected to follow.
- The process allows the President to refresh his team for better governance.
- Public opinions are mixed but mostly focused on accountability and progress.
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Maria Theresa Mondragon, better known online as Antie Marites, is a 33-year-old Filipina content creator who’s turning “chismis” into credible news and meaningful conversation.
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