Cabinet overhaul begins

Marcos names new DENR, DFA, DHSUD chiefs; Bersamin, economic team retained

- By BETHEENA UNITE

A day after issuing a call to all his Cabinet members to resign, President Marcos has decided to retain key officials in his administration, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and his economic team.

Marcos also started replacing and moving some of his Cabinet secretaries who had tendered their courtesy resignations.

Of the 52 officials who submitted their courtesy resignations on Thursday, May 22, Bersamin and the economic team composed of Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go were retained.

In a press briefing on Friday afternoon, May 23, Bersamin disclosed that Marcos declined his courtesy resignation, saying he continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the President.

"The President declined the courtesy resignation that I tendered. And 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 a manifestation of his full trust and confidence in myself," Bersamin said.

Bersamin also disclosed some of the firsts movement in the Cabinet which involved the departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Foreign Affairs (DFA), Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga will be replaced by Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla. DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin will be the agency's officer-in-charge.

Former DHSUD undersecretary Ramon Aliling will replace DHSUD Secretary Jerry Acuzar, who will be designated as Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development.