Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman have submitted their resignations, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted. Their decision comes amid growing scrutiny linked to alleged anomalies in flood control projects. According to the Palace, they stepped down “out of delicadeza,” acknowledging their departments were mentioned in ongoing investigations.
In Bersamin’s place, Ralph Recto has been appointed as the new Executive Secretary, while Frederick Go — previously presidential adviser for investment — will become the next Finance Secretary. Meanwhile, Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo has been named as the officer-in-charge of the Department of Budget and Management to ensure continuity ahead of the 2026 national budget preparations.
Palace officials emphasized that these leadership changes underscore the administration’s commitment to institutional integrity and steady governance, even as probes into flood control funding deepen.