Malacañang on Tuesday said it has not received any official information regarding a possible Cabinet reshuffle amid reports that several officials appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may be replaced.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said there was no update so far on any movement within the Cabinet.
“Sa ngayon po ay wala pa rin pong ipinapaabot sa atin na update pero kapag mayroon, ibibigay ko po agad sa inyo,” Castro said during a briefing.
Asked whether the President still maintains his trust and confidence in his Cabinet secretaries, Castro answered in the affirmative.
The statement came amid speculation that several Cabinet officials could either step down or be replaced in the coming weeks.
Among those mentioned in recent reports was Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, who was rumored to have resigned. Aguda, however, denied the claim.
Other officials reportedly being considered for possible replacement include Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo, and Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.
Reports have likewise circulated regarding possible new appointments, including former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. as justice secretary and Budget Undersecretary Kim Robert de Leon as budget secretary.
Meanwhile, Malacañang also dismissed reports of alleged destabilization efforts against the administration.
Castro said the government was aware of the supposed sources of the rumors, including claims about individuals allegedly being pushed to replace the President.
She urged the public to remain cautious and discerning when dealing with unverified information and fake news.
Rumors of supposed destabilization efforts surfaced amid two major political developments: the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte by the House of Representatives and reports that the International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.