A FASTER CABINET MEANS BETTER GOVERNANCE

A FASTER CABINET MEANS BETTER GOVERNANCE

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) made headlines with a bold move: he called for the courtesy resignations of his cabinet members, stating the need to “recalibrate” the government. The word “recalibrate” is interesting—it suggests a machine that has drifted from its optimal settings. But semantically, there’s a small but important distinction to be made… it is not the government that needs recalibration; it is the administration. Governments are institutions that persist; administrations are temporary stewards. This rhetorical nuance matters, especially in times when public trust in institutions is under strain.

So, what exactly does PBBM mean by “recalibration”? Is this an admission that some parts of his administration have veered off course or failed to meet their objectives? It would seem so. He emphasized the need for “renewed alignment, faster execution, and a results-first mindset.” That’s a polite way of saying some cabinet members may have become misaligned with the administration’s goals, are lagging in performance, or are failing to deliver meaningful results.

From a governance standpoint, this self-awareness is both timely and necessary. The challenges the Philippines faces today—ranging from economic recovery to food security, energy sustainability to climate resilience—require a Cabinet that is dynamic, decisive, and deeply in sync with both presidential directives and public expectations. Bureaucratic sluggishness, political infighting, or a lack of initiative from key departments can quickly turn promising plans into unrealized blueprints.

Calling for courtesy resignations is not unprecedented, but it is unusual at this scale and point in a term. It sends a strong message that complacency will not be tolerated. However, it also reveals a possible lack of internal cohesion in the administration. After all, if a Cabinet is well-selected, aligned, and performing effectively, such a sweeping move would not be necessary.

Still, the President deserves credit for acknowledging the need for recalibration. Inaction would have been worse. This call also opens the door to appointing new faces—possibly technocrats, policy reformers, or even private sector veterans—who can bring fresh perspectives and greater urgency to national programs. The business of governance is not only about vision; it’s about execution, and execution requires speed, clarity, and unity of purpose.

That said, transitions must be managed with care. Uncertainty or infighting during reshuffles can paralyze departments or delay key projects. A faster Cabinet must not only be quick to act, but also deeply rooted in expertise and public service ethos. Speed must not come at the cost of transparency or accountability.

In the end, if this recalibration leads to stronger leadership, clearer direction, and faster, more inclusive development, then it will have served its purpose. The people will not judge PBBM by the number of resignations he accepts, but by the progress his administration makes afterward. Governance is not just about who sits in power—it’s about how effectively they deliver.

A faster Cabinet may well be the key to better governance. But only if that speed is matched with integrity, competence, and results that uplift the everyday lives of Filipinos.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

06-18-2025

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