Following a comprehensive performance assessment, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office to two new Cabinet members on Thursday, underscoring his administration’s commitment to responsive and effective governance.

Engr. Jose Ramon Aliling took his oath as the new Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), succeeding Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who has been designated Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development.

Secretary Aliling is not new to the department, as he previously served as a DHSUD undersecretary.

Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe, Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, also took her oath as the new Solicitor General, succeeding Atty. Menardo Guevarra.

Aside from her expertise in the academe, Berberabe also served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Pag-IBIG Fund.

Earlier, President Marcos ordered all Cabinet members to submit courtesy resignations as part of the efforts to recalibrate his administration and better address public needs.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the recently concluded 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, the President emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough performance evaluation that extends beyond the Cabinet.

“I don’t do things for optics. If there is a problem, I like to fix it. So that’s what we are doing. So expect us to be doing a rigorous performance review, not only at the Cabinet level, but even deeper,” President Marcos said during the interview.

The President acknowledged the importance of addressing the immediate and everyday needs of the Filipino people.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin recently announced that President Marcos has retained his economic team and accepted the courtesy resignations of two Cabinet members.

The President has also retained Bersamin as his executive secretary. | PND