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Ranier Allan Ronda - The Philippine Star
May 13, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — As speculation over a possible Cabinet revamp under the Marcos administration continued to circulate, several officials moved to dismiss rumors surrounding changes in key government posts.
Yesterday morning, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda denied online reports claiming he had resigned from his post.
“I deny the false reports and speculations that I have resigned from my position as secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology,” he said in a statement.
Aguda said the spread of the rumor underscored the continuing problem of disinformation and fake news, which the DICT has been actively addressing.
“The DICT has been steadfast in its efforts to combat disinformation and the spread of fake news, and this latest rumor is yet another example of how false narratives can be weaponized to sow confusion and undermine public trust,” he said.
Aguda added that the attacks were “unsurprising.”
“While unfortunate, these attacks are unsurprising given the department’s recent gains and successes in pushing meaningful digital transformation initiatives that directly benefit the Filipino people,” he said.
Aguda also reiterated that he continues to enjoy the confidence of President Marcos.
“As with all members of the Cabinet, I continue to serve at the pleasure of the President and remain fully committed to carrying out the mandate entrusted to me by the administration,” Aguda said.
Jonvic: I serve at BBM’s pleasure
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla likewise dismissed online rumors that he is on his way out.
“I serve at the pleasure of the President,” he said in a message on Viber, adding that he is leaving his fate to President Marcos.
Meanwhile, speculation has also emerged over a possible leadership change at the Department of Budget and Management, with reports naming Kim Robert de Leon as the possible next budget chief, replacing acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo. However, no official statement or confirmation has been issued regarding the reported change.
De Leon served as DBM undersecretary from 2021 to 2022 during the Duterte administration before transferring to the Department of Transportation.
Toledo has held the acting secretary post since November 2025 following the resignation of former DBM secretary Amenah Pangandaman after Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co accused her of involvement in the alleged insertion of P100 billion into the proposed 2025 national budget, which she denied.
‘Change may spell disaster’
Political and economic analysts warned that abrupt leadership changes during a period of economic uncertainty could pose risks to both the administration and the economy.
Michael Henry Yusingco, senior research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center, said it is prudent not to make drastic changes to the Cabinet during a global crisis unless there are compelling reasons for doing so.
“Any change has to be about the best interest of the department. If the change is simply about political considerations, then that will spell disaster for the administration and the country,” he told The STAR.
Yusingco stressed that regardless of who heads the DBM, transparency and accountability in the budget process must remain the government’s priorities.
“Regardless of who is in charge of the DBM, the priorities are still the following: ensuring transparency and accountability in the budget process, ensuring every cent of public funds are spent for public welfare and that economic targets are met,” he said.
The Philippines posted a 2.8-percent economic growth in the first quarter of 2026, the weakest expansion since the first quarter of 2021, amid the lingering effects of the flood control corruption controversy and the ongoing Middle East war.
The government is banking on its catch-up spending plan to ramp up public spending and boost weaker-than-expected economic growth.
For his part, Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said leadership changes at the DBM during an economic shock are “not ideal” but “not fatal either.”
“What matters is continuity and credibility, not the name on the door. If the shift stabilizes execution, markets will move past it quickly. If it signals uncertainty, risk premiums rise,” he told The STAR.
Ravelas said the next DBM chief must focus on protecting growth and ensuring efficient government spending.
“Right now, the priority for any budget chief is clear: protect growth by front loading productive spending, keep a credible and transparent deficit path, build buffers for food, fuel and climate shocks and – most importantly – fix execution delays,” he said.
Malacañang maintained that Marcos continues to trust his official family.
“For now, no update has been sent to me, but if there is, I would give it to you immediately,” Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro told the media. – Aubrey Rose Inosante, Alexis Romero, Emmanuel Tupas
