FORMER Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Executive Vice President Carlos Isagani Zarate on Thursday criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for courtesy resignations from cabinet officials, describing it as a “mere political maneuver rather than a genuine effort to address the nation’s pressing issues.”
“President Marcos’ move to consolidate his faction in the wake of the administration's electoral debacle should not be used as a smokescreen to cover up bad governance and the worsening economic situation of the country,” Zarate said in a statement.
He warned that the impending reshuffle could be used to appease the Duterte political faction, calling it “a reconciliation overture” that lacks sincere reform.
“This cabinet reshuffle, if it proceeds as a mere political ploy, will only serve to appease anti-Marcos forces, particularly the Duterte dynasty,” he said.
Zarate argued that the public deserves real solutions to the country’s worsening cost of living, high unemployment, and broken public services — not a “political spectacle.”
“The call for resignations must not be a superficial exercise aimed at pacifying political rivals or diverting attention from the administration's shortcomings,” he said.
He also cautioned the Marcos administration against politicizing sensitive legal matters.
“More importantly, we warned the Marcos administration not to make political pawns out of critical issues of accountability and good governance, such as the coming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte. These are matters of profound public interest and justice, and they must be allowed to proceed independently, free from political interference or manipulation meant to serve power plays between these dynastic factions,” Zarate said.
Zarate added that the cabinet reshuffle exposes the “inherent vulnerabilities” and “perceived weakness” of the Marcos administration.
“Such a move clearly demonstrates internal instability… It signals a defensive posture rather than a confident and proactive approach to governance in the remaining term of the Marcos administration,” he said.
Zarate warned that the ongoing power struggle between the Marcos and Duterte factions could lead to “unli-politicking” and a “non-stop war of dominance” through 2028.
“We demand that the Marcos administration prioritize substantive reforms and good governance over political machinations. The country is facing severe economic headwinds, and what we need are competent leaders with clear strategies, not a revolving door of cabinet members dictated by political expediency,” he said.
“Any government reshuffle must genuinely aim to improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos, not to broker political peace for convenience or consolidate power,” he added.
