President Marcos on Thursday dismissed reports of an impending Cabinet shakeup, calling such talks counterproductive to government stability.
Speaking to Philippine media in Kazan, Russia, where he attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Russia Commemorative Summit, Marcos stressed the need for continuity in public service.
“It’s counterproductive. What you are trying to promote in government is stability and the steadiness of work,” he said. “If you keep moving people around, they have to start learning their job again. And we just don’t have time for that.”
Marcos noted that current officials, including those rumored for replacement such as Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, were performing their roles effectively. He added that he had heard the rumors mainly from the media rather than within government.
The President also addressed speculation about former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, saying he would welcome Abalos in a more active official capacity but emphasized that this would not require removing anyone else.