MANILA, Philippines – Sinuportahan ng ilang senador ang itinuturing na “bold moves” ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., na maghain ng courtesy resignation ang lahat ng miyembro ng Gabinete bilang paghahanda sa malawakang balasahan sa administrasyon.
Unang nagbigay ng suporta sina Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, outgoing Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, at Senador Win Gatchalian sa namimintong balasahan sa Gabinete upang tigpasin ang “non-performing assets” ng administrasyon.
Ayon kay Escudero, na nauna nang nagpahayag ng suporta sa panawagan ng Pangulo na isantabi ang pulitika at ituon ang atensyon sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan:
“I am thankful that he has acknowledged that there is a problem, displayed sensitivity to the sentiments of our countrymen, and humbly taken responsibility by addressing it and demanding accountability from those tasked with implementing the vital programs of the administration: the members of his Cabinet,” aniya.
Sinabi ni Escudero na magandang simula ang panawagan sa paghahain ng courtesy resignation ng official family ng administrasyon na nabigong ilako ang kandidato ng Alyansa sa nakaraang halalan.
Lima lamang sa 10 kandidato ni Marcos ang pumasok sa Magic 12—sina Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo, Panfilo Lacson, Vicente Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, at Lito Lapid.
“Calling for the courtesy resignations of his official family is a good start. It highlights the need for the entire bureaucracy to recalibrate and align government initiatives with the expectations of our people. For when government fails to meet these expectations, it is the public who suffers—and I commend the President for taking immediate action,” giit ni Escudero.
Aniya, hindi kakayanin nang mag-isa ni Marcos na ipatupad ang lahat ng programa ng pamahalaan kaya’t kailangan nito ang “mapagkakatiwalaang katulong at dapat meron siyang matinong katuwang.”
“I view this revamp as a mid-game substitution—a reshuffling of key players based on their performance. But via their ballots, our countrymen told us they want more than just a personnel adjustment. The President’s course correction must include his entire political house, starting with his own backyard. He must distance himself from reckless allies who squandered his goodwill and burned through his political capital for selfish ends,” paliwanag ni Escudero.
“Much more still needs to be done. Simula pa lamang ito. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay magtulungan tayong lahat—hindi para sa kapakanan ng anumang partido o politiko, kundi para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” dagdag niya.
Itinuring naman ni Pimentel na “best move” ang pagbalasa ni Marcos sa Gabinete upang magkaroon ito ng pagkakataon na muling igrupo ang kanyang kaalyado habang ibinabalik ang mga naapektuhan ng intriga.
Pinayuhan din ni Pimentel ang Pangulo na pumili ng sinuman na walang planong tumakbo sa susunod na halalan.
“I urge the President to recruit those who still have idealism in them and those who will focus on the ‘success’ of his administration by being more efficient and effective in helping the Filipino people and not focused on their own political ambitions,” ayon sa outgoing Senate Minority Leader sa statement.
“Best to recruit those with no ambitions to be elected in the 2028 elections. These non-political personalities will be more ‘objective and scientific’ in their work,” dagdag niya.
Buo naman ang suporta ni Gatchalian kay Marcos sa pagsasabing dapat ipaalala sa lahat ng opisyal na taumbayan ang tunay na pinaglilingkuran.
“I support the President’s call for the courtesy resignation of all his Cabinet members and this should prompt them to reflect on their own performance. They should be reminded: ang taumbayan ang tunay na pinaglilingkuran,” aniya.
“All Cabinet appointees, whether newly appointed or long-serving, must prove they can lead with urgency and competence. As it is, red tape is killing the country, slowing down progress and fueling public frustration. Panahon na para magserbisyo nang tapat, mabilis, at epektibo—hindi para maging sagabal sa pag-unlad ng bayan,” paliwanag ni Gatchalian.
