President Bongbong Marcos has accepted the resignation of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. According to Usec. Claire Castro, both officials voluntarily stepped down out of delicadeza after their departments were mentioned in allegations tied to the flood control anomaly currently under investigation.
Castro stated that the resignations were intended to allow a deeper probe into the issue following the accusations made in former congressman Zaldy Co’s tell-all video.
Castro said the President acknowledged Bersamin’s leadership, citing his legal background and institutional contributions, and thanked Pangandaman for strengthening fiscal management and ensuring the timely passage and funding of key national budgets.
To ensure continuity, President Marcos has appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto as the new Executive Secretary. Castro said Recto’s experience in economic policy and national planning positions him to oversee day-to-day government operations and coordinate high-impact programs.
The President has also placed Undersecretary Rolando Toledo as officer-in-charge of the Department of Budget and Management. Castro said Toledo brings extensive expertise in national budgeting and fiscal transparency.
During the briefing, Castro reiterated that the resignations were voluntary. “Both officials respectfully offered and tendered their resignations out of delicadeza after the departments were mentioned in allegations related to the flood control anomaly,” she said.
She also noted that the President does not want to dignify Zaldy Co’s accusations, but acknowledged that the officials’ decision to step down allows investigators to pursue a full review of the matter.
Castro emphasized that no one is exempt from the investigation and that the President himself ordered the probe. She said the administration intends to uncover irregularities in flood control projects and continue efforts to eliminate corruption.
She added that agencies will continue to operate without interruption as the government prepares next year’s budget and maintains disaster recovery and social program funding.
Further details from Malacañang are expected as the transition progresses and the investigation continues.
