Overview

• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has requested the resignation of all cabinet secretaries, with at least 21 officials, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, complying immediately.
• The move follows midterm elections where Marcos-aligned candidates underperformed, while allies of Vice-President Sara Duterte gained ground, reflecting a shift in political dynamics.
• Marcos emphasized that the mass resignations aim to prioritize performance, urgency, and alignment, not personalities, as he seeks to address governance challenges and public dissatisfaction.
• The presidential palace assured continuity of government services during the transition, with acting secretaries temporarily filling roles until new appointments are made.
• Marcos's approval rating has dropped to 25%, while Duterte remains popular at 59%, further complicating the president’s ability to consolidate power ahead of critical legislative outcomes.