Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (PNA photo)
Executive secretary says he remains on the job as investigations widen
MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Sunday, November 16, 2025, denied rumors that he is resigning or about to be replaced, saying speculation about his departure has no factual basis.
“Not true until it actually happens,” he said, adding that he did not know where the rumors began.
Bersamin oversees the day-to-day operations of the Office of the President. His comments come as the administration continues to face questions over alleged irregularities in multi-billion-peso flood-control projects now under review by the Senate and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. The investigations focus on procurement procedures, project verification and reported failures in construction quality across several regions.
Officials leading the inquiries have emphasized that their work is grounded in documentary evidence, field validation and sworn testimony. No investigative body has identified Bersamin in connection with the alleged irregularities, and the Office of the President has not issued any announcement indicating a change in his status.
Rumors about shifts inside Malacañang have intensified as the infrastructure probe widens. Public scrutiny remains high after the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Commission on Audit began looking into reports of unimplemented or substandard projects. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, created earlier this year, has been conducting its own review of spending and implementation patterns.
The renewed speculation about Bersamin also mirrors earlier periods of uncertainty. After the 2025 midterm elections, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. required Cabinet secretaries and select senior officials to submit courtesy resignations. Bersamin later said the President asked him to stay, noting that he continued to enjoy the Chief Executive’s confidence.
Similar unverified resignation rumors circulated in previous years, prompting denials from both Bersamin and Malacañang. Government officials have repeatedly reminded the public that personnel changes are made only through formal appointment papers or administrative orders.
As of Sunday evening, there has been no official directive regarding Bersamin’s post. He said he remains focused on his duties and emphasized that any decision about his future in government rests solely with the President.
For now, Bersamin continues to serve as the chief administrative officer of the Office of the President while the administration works to navigate the ongoing flood-control investigations and heightened public scrutiny.
