MANILA — Malacañang declined to reveal the reason behind the dismissal of former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday, stating that the Palace hopes to “leave it at that” and that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has already spoken with the former Cabinet head.
Malacañang had earlier declared that Bersamin had “voluntarily resigned” from his position “out of delicadeza” over his alleged involvement in the 2025 national budget.
However, the former Executive Secretary refuted the claim, emphasizing that he was told he “had to go” by someone “not from Malacañang.”
In a Palace press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said, “The Palace acknowledges former Executive Secretary Lucas Besamin’s clarification regarding the manner of his transition. As he himself stated in his interview, he submitted himself to the President’s discretion and prerogative as part of the ongoing reorganization.”
Bersamin’s unexpected exit has raised questions in political circles, especially given his key role in coordinating inter-agency efforts and overseeing crucial government projects. His sudden departure came just weeks after a series of contentious policy debates within the administration.
Some insiders suggest that internal disagreements on policy implementation and administrative priorities may have contributed to the resignation, although no official confirmation has been given.
In a rare personal comment, Bersamin thanked his colleagues and the President for the opportunity to serve but chose not to address the rumors swirling around his resignation.
Political analysts say Bersamin’s departure comes at a delicate time for the administration, which is facing growing scrutiny over economic and social reforms. The exit of a high-profile Cabinet member may affect the government’s cohesion, though the Palace insists that governance will continue uninterrupted.
The Palace has not yet announced Bersamin’s replacement, but sources hint that a formal announcement could be expected in the coming days.
For now, the real reason behind the Cabinet Secretary’s resignation remains a matter of speculation, with Malacañang maintaining a firm stance on keeping the details confidential.
