When asked during a Malacañang press briefing on May 29, 2025 about the courtesy resignations of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla and Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin did not hesitate.

“Declined,” he said, for each name.

Days later, on June 3, 2025, in another Palace briefing, Bersamin laid out which among the remaining cabinet secretaries’ resignations had been accepted and which had not. Among those retained was Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who, like the Remullas, had earned renewed trust from the President.

When asked why many Cabinet officials appeared to have been retained despite the President’s call for courtesy resignations, Secretary Bersamin responded plainly: “If you are asking for blood, there will still be blood.”

It was a reminder that while some officials were allowed to stay, others had already been removed or reassigned, and that the process of review was far from symbolic.

Key members of the President’s official family were either removed or reassigned. Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, known for spending a lot of her time abroad and was absent during the DENR’s times of crises, was replaced by Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla. Housing Secretary Jose Acuzar, for his failure to deliver on the President’s public housing requirements, was relieved of his post and appointed Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Development.

About a week after the midterm elections delivered a setback to the administration, with only half of the President’s endorsed senatorial candidates winning, Mr. Marcos offered a blunt assessment. The public, he said, had grown tired of politics and frustrated with a government that was too slow and too distant.

Three days later, he asked his entire Cabinet to submit their courtesy resignations, signaling that real change was expected at the highest levels. In the days that followed, three Upsilonians were asked to stay. Justice Secretary Boying Remulla, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and Health Secretary Ted Herbosa received renewed confidence from the President and were retained in their posts.

“They know that the President demands a high degree of performance,” Secretary Bersamin said when asked about Mr. Marcos’ marching orders to the officials who will continue to serve in his Cabinet.

Secretary Boying Remulla has demonstrated such competence at the Department of Justice since assuming its leadership at the start of the Marcos administration in 2022. He has implemented reforms that have led to measurable improvements. In 2023, the DOJ recorded a 98.97 percent case resolution rate. Case backlogs were reduced by more than 60 percent. A Prosecution Integrity Board was established to strengthen internal accountability. These actions reflect a commitment to addressing long-standing structural issues. The work is not yet finished, but progress has been made.

Secretary Jonvic Remulla has taken a similar approach at the Department of the Interior and Local Government. He led major operations against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, including a raid in Cavite that exposed human trafficking and cyber fraud. He also introduced internal reforms within the Philippine National Police, including the reduction of generals and the tightening of promotion criteria. These are steps toward professionalizing law enforcement, which is critical for maintaining public trust and effective governance.

Secretary Ted Herbosa has focused on strengthening primary care, improving hospital capacity, and expanding health services to underserved communities. He brings experience in emergency medical response and public health management. During his term, he has used this expertise to enhance the Department’s responsiveness, without relying on high-profile announcements. His leadership has been steady, and the department’s priorities more clearly defined.

Secretary Herbosa released a statement thanking the President for his continued trust. He said:

“It is with humility and gratitude that I accept the renewed trust and confidence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., a President who has the health of all Filipinos close to his heart. Maraming salamat po, mahal na Pangulo.

“Makakaasa po kayo at ang sambayanan sa patuloy, pinaganda, at pinalapit na serbisyo para ang bawat Pilipino, ramdam ang kalusugan!”

The President’s decision to retain these three officials is not based on loyalty alone. It reflects an assessment of performance. The public expects government to function, not merely to speak. These three departments, Justice, Interior and Local Government, and Health, are essential to delivering basic services. They require leaders who understand their institutions and are capable of making them work.

Boying Remulla, Jonvic Remulla, and Ted Herbosa have shown that they can manage their agencies and implement needed reforms. They are not without flaws, and no official is beyond criticism. But based on their performance and impact, the decision to keep them is justified.

The administration still faces serious challenges. Keeping proven and effective officials in place is one necessary step in meeting them.