President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the public may see more appointments to government posts after the one-year ban on appointing defeated candidates from the 2025 elections lapsed.
Speaking to reporters during a Kapihan interview in Japan, Marcos said there are many qualified individuals who ran in the last elections but did not win, and some of them could still contribute to public service.
“Possibly, possibly. Kasi nga nag-lapse na ‘yung one-year ban for candidates that did not make it in the last election. Marami namang magagaling diyan. I’m not talking just the senatorial candidates,” Marcos said.
“Maraming iba na tumakbo for whatever position na sa palagay ko magagaling at makakapag-contribute sa pamahalaan. So, don’t be surprised if we start, we get more appointments from those candidates who ran in the last election who didn’t make it,” he added.
Marcos said tapping capable former candidates is part of the government’s effort to bring in people who can help improve public service.
“Sayang naman. We have to get the best talent that we can,” he said.
The President recently appointed former senator Francis Tolentino as acting Labor secretary after Bienvenido Laguesma stepped down due to health concerns. Tolentino ran for senator in the 2025 elections but lost.
Another name being floated for a possible government post is former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.
Marcos, however, denied rumors that Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla would be replaced, saying there were no such plans.
“I don’t know why that rumor went around. I think somebody wants his job. Kaya kinakalat na matatanggal na siya para siguro ang inaasahan nila sila ‘yung mailagay. Pero wala kaming pinaplano na ganyan,” Marcos said.
The President said the latest Cabinet change involved only the Department of Labor and Employment following Laguesma’s resignation.