Senator Imee Marcos voiced serious concern on Thursday, August 27, regarding the high number of Cabinet officials operating in an acting capacity, warning that their restricted mandates could impede vital decision-making as discussions for the 2027 national budget commence.
Speaking during a Development Budget Coordination Committee hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Marcos pointed out that Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon is among at least a dozen top executive officials lacking full confirmation.
The lawmaker, sister to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stressed that officials in acting positions generally possess limited administrative reach—typically confined to routine operations and executing pre-existing policies—which curtails their ability to exercise administrative discretion or authorize personnel realignments.
Marcos questioned how the administration plans to navigate major economic hurdles while key agencies remain under temporary leadership.
“How are we supposed to address what is a worldwide crisis with a Cabinet that is constituted by 12, at the very least, merely acting secretaries?” Marcos asked.
Among the unconfirmed officials highlighted in her remarks were Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Environment Secretary Mitch Cuna, and Health Secretary Edwin Mercado.
The senator underscored that these officials oversee critical portfolios responsible for addressing climate resilience, public infrastructure, and foreign-assisted social assistance programs. She raised doubts over whether these leaders could introduce meaningful reforms under their current status.
“Ang tanong, makakaasa po ba tayo ng pagbabago at tunay na aksyon kapag nakatali ang kamay ng ating mga Cabinet members?” Marcos said.