Marcos asks Cabinet to submit courtesy resignations after midterm losses

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. directed all Cabinet secretaries and presidential advisers to submit courtesy resignations on May 22, 2025, following the disappointing results of the 2025 midterm elections.

Marcos's directive aims to recalibrate his administration in line with public expectations, as he stated during a speech that government officials were in transition.

Historian Manolo Quezon noted that this move is a 'midterm tradition' that occurs when an administration faces significant electoral setbacks; only six of Marcos' 12 candidates won in the May 12 polls.

Several Cabinet members have already complied, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and others, while the Palace assured that services will remain uninterrupted during the transition period.

Marcos's decision to ask everyone to resign simultaneously is seen by some experts as a risky move that could disrupt ongoing projects and partnerships with various stakeholders in the private sector and multilateral organizations.