President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underwent a major cabinet shake-up last week amid a corruption scandal involving flood control projects. Officials like Lucas Bersamin and Amenah Pangandaman were forced to resign or were fired, as political tensions escalate with drug allegations against the Marcos family. These developments highlight a deepening crisis challenging his leadership.
Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s cabinet experienced a significant shake-up rooted in a corruption scandal over multibillion-peso flood control projects. Reports indicate that former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin did not resign but 'serves at the pleasure of the President,' suggesting a dismissal. Similarly, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman was removed, as she was responsible for vetting budgets for these projects. House Speaker Martin Romualdez is set to become the new executive secretary.
The scandal, which Marcos himself initially exposed, is now boomeranging against him, eroding investor confidence. Business sectors view the changes as a 'critical step toward restoring investor confidence' due to the political turmoil's impact. Many question why Marcos waited until November to act, pointing to his laid-back leadership style.
Tensions have intensified with accusations from Sen. Imee Marcos against her brother, the president, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, labeling them drug addicts during an Iglesia ni Cristo rally. Malacañang denied this, stating Marcos's drug test was negative. However, Vice President Sara Duterte urged Marcos to undergo a drug test and neuropsychiatric exam amid circulating rumors. Malacañang countered that it is unnecessary, referencing former President Rodrigo Duterte's admissions of using marijuana and fentanyl.
Amid these issues, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson rejected proposals like a transition council or military-backed reset, calling them unconstitutional. 'I hope such military-backed intervention would not happen because nothing good can come out of it,' Lacson said. Experts argue that restoring public confidence requires upholding social justice, the rule of law, and swift prosecution of those involved in the corruption to avert a larger crisis.
