Philippine Cabinet Reshuffle Begins: Lazaro Appointed Foreign Secretary as 52 Ministers Resign

[Manila] On May 23, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially appointed former Deputy Foreign Affairs Secretary Lazaro as the new Secretary of Foreign Affairs, succeeding Manalo who resigned the day before. The appointment marks a major step in Marcos’s broader cabinet reshuffle.

According to the Presidential Palace, Marcos on May 22 requested all cabinet members to submit courtesy resignations, paving the way for a government realignment following the midterm elections. So far, 52 minister-level officials have submitted their resignations.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin noted that while most ministers have tendered their resignations, President Marcos intends to retain key members of the economic team to ensure policy continuity and stability.

Lazaro, the newly appointed Foreign Secretary, has long served as a deputy within the Department of Foreign Affairs and is recognized for his extensive experience in international diplomacy. He is seen as a suitable figure to lead during this transition period.

Background & Analysis:
This wave of resignations and restructuring reflects the Marcos administration's intent to leverage the post-midterm environment to enhance administrative efficiency and recalibrate cabinet roles. Lazaro’s appointment also signals the president’s emphasis on maintaining consistency in foreign policy, especially amid increasing regional complexities.

The reshuffle may not only reshape the domestic political landscape but also influence the Philippines’ foreign policy trajectory—particularly its evolving relations with major powers like China and the United States.