Marcos jokes about Cabinet changes at Palace event
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, joked about not having his Cabinet present at a Palace event following his order for the courtesy resignation of all his secretaries several hours earlier. –Screengrab from a video posted on his Facebook page.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday joked about not having his Cabinet present at a Palace event following his order for the courtesy resignations of all his secretaries several hours earlier.
In his opening speech during the presentation of two newly enacted laws to stakeholders at Malacañan Palace, Marcos acknowledged the top officials in attendance at the event. Right after greeting his Cabinet members, the president asked:
“Teka may laman pa ba ‘yung Gabinete ko? (Wait, are there still people in my Cabinet?) Who am I addressing now? We are in flux,” he said, laughing.
READ: Marcos orders courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries
The Cabinet members who were present at the event were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Presidential Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, among others.
DEPDev will facilitate national development projects.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Marcos noted that the newly established Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) will not only formulate plans but also ensure the completion of key infrastructure projects.
“Hindi lang po puro plano, dapat nakikita at nasusubaybayan natin ang progreso ng ating mga proyekto,” he said as he presented the newly signed Republic Act 12145 or the Economy, Planning and Development Act.
(It shouldn’t just be all plans — we should be able to see and monitor the progress of our projects.)
“Titiyakin natin na ang DEPDev na pagka may ipinangakong tulay, paaralan, health center, mga kalsada ay matatapos sa tinakdang panahon at magagamit ng sambayanan,” Marcos also said.
(We will make sure that the DEPDev, when it promises a bridge, school, health center, or roads, will complete them on time and ensure they can be used by the people.)
READ: LIST: 29 members of Marcos’ cabinet have filed courtesy resignations so far
Marcos also encouraged government workers to uphold professionalism and patriotism in their work.
He made this call as he presented the newly signed Republic Act No. 12180, which modernizes the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and establishes a Modernization Fund.
“Gaano man kalaki ang pondo ay mawawalan ng saysay kung walang puso at paglilingkod,” the president said.
(No matter how big the budget is, it will be meaningless without heart and genuine service.)
“Patuloy po ang pagbibigay ng suporta ng pamahalaan upang mas mapalalim ang inyong kaalaman,” he added.
(The government continues to provide support to further deepen your knowledge.)
