Midway through his six-year term, Marcos made it clear that results and accountability would take precedence over political considerations, ordering a review of agency performance and initiating targeted leadership adjustments across the executive branch.
The recalibration efforts involved the submission of courtesy resignations by Cabinet secretaries and heads of agencies; retention of key officials to ensure continuity; and reassignment or replacement of others to better respond to emerging governance challenges.
“We cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over,” Marcos said on May 22 when he ordered a bold government reset, stressing that public office demands responsibility and measurable outcomes.
The move formed part of broader reforms aimed at improving coordination, addressing operational gaps, and accelerating the implementation of key programs, ensuring that his administration’s agenda remains aligned with public expectations.
Performance over politics
Presidential appointees who demonstrated competence and effectiveness were retained, while others were reassigned or replaced to better match evolving priorities.
Marcos emphasized that Cabinet positions are not permanent, noting that regular performance reviews are essential to responsive and effective governance.
“Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized,” he said. “This is not about personalities — it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency.”
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier said government officials will continue to stay at the President’s pleasure, unless they fail to perform.
“Mananatili sila sa kanilang posisyon. Siguro ito ‘yung tamang panahon na dapat ipakita nila na dapat silang manatili sa kanilang posisyon (They will stay in their respective positions. Maybe this is the right time for them to show that they should stay in their posts),” Castro said in May.
Key leadership adjustments
Among the most notable moves was the appointment of former Finance chief Ralph Recto as his new Executive Secretary, replacing Lucas Bersamin who left the post in November out of “delicadeza” after being embroiled in the flood control scandal.
Recto’s designation as Executive Secretary — the post often referred to as the “Little President” — reflected confidence in his ability to coordinate inter-agency policies and advance Marcos’ governance agenda.
The leadership adjustments reflected Marcos’ intent to reinforce accountability at the highest levels of government, while ensuring that critical reforms remain on track.
Marcos’ governance strategy in 2025 underscored his broader push to streamline government operations, reinforcing discipline, efficiency, and responsiveness across the executive branch.
Continuous evaluation process
Marcos reiterated his goal of ensuring that government institutions remain focused on outcomes that directly benefit the public.
He stressed that the reshuffle was not a one-time move but part of a continuous evaluation process.
“It is an ongoing thing. This is something, it is essentially putting all government agencies, departments on notice that we have to do better. And we will be looking very, very closely and we will make that review on a periodic basis. Maybe a quarterly basis,” Marcos said.
Marcos’ performance-driven approach seeks to translate government programs into tangible gains for Filipinos, signaling a results-oriented leadership style while maintaining continuity in key policy areas.
Satisfied
Speaking to reporters on Dec. 10, Castro said there was no further reorganization for now, as Marcos remained satisfied with the performance of his Cabinet.
“Sa ngayon nakikita po ng Pangulo na ang kanyang mga Cabinet secretary ay nagta-trabaho. Kuntento po ang Pangulo sa kanyang lahat ng Cabinet secretaries (For now, the President sees that his Cabinet secretaries are working. The President is satisfied with all of them),” Castro said.
“At habang nanatili sila d’yan, nandyan pa rin ang tiwala ng ating Pangulo sa kanila (And as long as they remain in their posts, they continue to have his trust).”
Moving into 2026, Marcos’ emphasis on performance-based governance emerged as a defining feature of his administration’s midterm leadership, setting the tone for sustained reforms, closer monitoring of government performance, and heightened accountability in the years ahead.
