Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin resigned on November 17, after his name surfaced in corruption allegations involving flood control projects and budget insertions linked to the 2025 national budget.
Malacañang confirmed his resignation along with that of Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said both officials stepped down “out of delicadeza” to allow investigations to proceed.
Former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co alleged that the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Department of Budget and Management were involved in irregular budget allocations for flood control projects. Co claimed the supposed insertions reached more than P100 billion, with concerns also raised about questionable allocations and potential irregularities within flood control funding.
Former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo brought forward similar concerns in separate statements. Both Bersamin and Pangandaman denied involvement and said all budget items proceeded according to the President’s National Expenditure Program.
Bersamin dismissed the accusations and rejected claims tying him to any budget manipulation. He denied ever saying “we will take care of it” and called the allegations hearsay. He acknowledged being told to step down but did not disclose who delivered the message or the circumstances surrounding it.
President Bongbong Marcos accepted the resignations and appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto as the new Executive Secretary. Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo was designated as the officer-in-charge of the Department of Budget and Management.
The Palace said the leadership changes allow space for a thorough review of the allegations and underscore the administration’s position on political accountability.
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Carlos Bersamin also resigned following the controversy. His departure was accepted by the Palace as an act of delicadeza while the investigation into the alleged budget insertions continues.
