MARCOS ACCEPTS RESIGNATIONS OF BERSAMIN, PANGANDAMAN

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally accepted the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the announcement during a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday.

“Both officials respectfully offered and tendered their resignations out of delicadeza, after their departments were mentioned in allegations related to the flood control anomaly currently under investigation, and in recognition of the responsibility to allow the administration to address the matter appropriately,” Castro said.

Castro announced that Bersamin will be replaced by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto while Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go will assume Recto’s post.

“Secretary Recto’s long record in economic policymaking, fiscal legislation, and national planning positions him well to oversee the day-to-day operations of government and coordinate the implementation of high-impact programs,” said Castro.

On Secretary Go’s appointment, Castro noted that he “has played a central role in advancing investments, strengthening investor confidence, and aligning economic initiatives across agencies.”

“He will now oversee the country’s fiscal direction and the implementation of the administration’s economic agenda,” she said.

The DBM will now be led by Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo, who has been designated as officer in charge, according to Castro.

“As head of the Budget Preparation and Execution Group, OIC Toledo brings extensive technical expertise in national budgeting, fiscal transparency, and budget execution. His designation ensures uninterrupted operations as the government prepares for the rollout of next year’s budget, ongoing recovery efforts in disaster-affected regions, and the continued funding of social and economic programs,” said Castro.

Meanwhile, Castro said President Marcos has conveyed his deep appreciation to both Bersamin and Pangandaman for their exemplary leadership at the Office of the Executive Secretary and DBM, respectively.

“A former Chief Justice, ES Bersamin brought to Malacañang decades of legal wisdom, calm stewardship, and a deep respect for institution-building. His contributions will remain part of the foundation on which continuing reforms stand,” said Castro.

“The President likewise extends his sincere gratitude to Secretary Pangandaman, whose work at DBM strengthened the government’s fiscal management, guided the timely passage of national budgets, and ensured that social programs and frontline services were funded and delivered,” she added.

Castro stressed that the changes in the Cabinet “reinforce the President’s commitment to strengthening institutions, improving coordination across government, and keeping the administration focused on delivering stability, opportunity, and security to Filipino families.”

“The Office of the President assures the public that all agencies will continue to operate without interruption and with the same commitment to effective governance and public service,” she said.