Malacañang, inihayag unang batch ng gabinete; nag-anunsyo ng inisyal na retentions at appointments

- Malacañang Palace has announced the first batch of cabinet after asking all secretaries to tender their courtesy resignations

- Five key economic managers were retained in the cabinet

- They include the Secretaries of DTI, DOF, NEDA, DBM, and the Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs

- It was also announce during the press briefing about the major changes in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development

Malacañang Palace, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, officially announced the initial set of cabinet members who will be retained following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive for courtesy resignations across his administration.

The announcement, made on Friday, May 23, confirms the President’s initial decisions as part of a broader “recalibration” effort post-midterm elections.

Addressing circulating “disinformation” regarding the purpose of the reorganization, Secretary Bersamin clarified that all cabinet members, presidential advisers, and other presidential appointees are inherently subject to the President's will.

“Wala kaming ilusyon na panghawakan ang mga kanya-kanyang pwesto at oras na gusto ng Pangulo na palitan kami o umalis kami sa puwesto, gagawin namin 'yun, dahil para kaming mga ordinary soldiers, mga sundalo kami,” Bersamin stated, emphasizing that all officials readily submitted their resignations without hesitation, acknowledging the President’s prerogative to determine their tenure.

Bersamin highlighted the immediate focus on the economic team, citing its critical importance to the nation’s well-being.

Following a careful evaluation, President Marcos decided to retain five key figures in this crucial sector.

These are:

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque

Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph C. Recto

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go

“Itong lima na ito ay magpapatuloy sa kanilang panunungkulan at paninilbihan sa ating taumbayan, at makakaasa kayo na sila naman ay sinsero, dedicated sa kanilang sinumpaang katungkulan,” Bersamin affirmed.

He indicated that decisions regarding other cabinet secretaries would be made in the coming days, with more announcements expected next week, possibly after Wednesday.

Beyond the economic cluster, significant changes in the diplomatic corps were also revealed.

Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, the current Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, is set to retire effectively July 31, 2025, after decades of dedicated service.

To fill this vital diplomatic post, President Marcos has appointed current Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo as the new Permanent Representative to the United Nations, effective August 1.

Succeeding Secretary Manalo as the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will be former Ambassador Ma. Theresa “Tess” Lazaro, who is currently serving as an Undersecretary of the DFA.

Lazaro, a seasoned diplomat, will assume the Secretary position effectively July 31, 2025, upon Manalo’s appointment to the UN.

Further adjustments in other departments were also announced.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla will transition to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Consequently, current DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga will step down from her position, with a possibility of being assigned another cabinet role in due time, after a period of rest.

Moreover, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose “Jerry” Rizalino Larion Acuzar will transition into a new role as Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development, maintaining a Secretary rank.

He will be succeeded at DHSUD by Engineer Jose Ramon P. Aliling, a former undersecretary of the department, known for his involvement in the government’s “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing” program.

These initial changes mark the first phase of the President’s cabinet overhaul, signaling a strategic realignment of his administration's leadership after the recent electoral exercise.

The Palace reiterated that the reorganization is performance-driven and aimed at bolstering government efficiency in addressing the needs and expectations of the Filipino populace.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a 61-year-old woman died after being run over three times by two SUVs and a sedan at Illinois Street and Aurora Boulevard in Barangay Silangan, Quezon City, on May 17. The victim was initially struck by an SUV, then hit again by a second SUV and a sedan moments later, GMA News showed. QCPD is reviewing CCTV footage and has urged the involved drivers to cooperate with the investigation. The incident has raised public concern over road safety and calls for stricter traffic enforcement in the area.

Still in other news, a 16-year-old girl in Antipolo accused a tricycle driver of forcibly taking her to a hotel instead of bringing her home after work around 3 a.m. The victim said the driver ignored her pleas and sped up when she asked to be let off, "binilisan pa niya lalo 'yung takbo ng tricycle niya, natatakot na po ako nun." At the hotel, CCTV showed the driver holding her arm, and the girl said: *"hihingi po sana ako ng tulong kaso natatakot po ako sa kanya." The hotel cashier refused to let them check in after suspecting something was wrong, prompting the girl to threaten to report the driver, who then fled the scene, according to ABS-CBN.

Source: KAMI.com.gh