President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday hinted that more candidates who lost in the 2025 midterm elections may soon be appointed to positions in his administration following the expiration of the constitutional one-year appointment ban.
During an interview with Philippine media in Japan, Marcos said losing in an election does not automatically disqualify individuals from serving in government, especially those with proven qualifications and experience.
“Possible… Nag-lapse na ang one-year ban for candidates who did not make it to the election. Marami namang magagaling diyan,” the President said.
“Don’t be surprised if we get more appointments from those candidates who ran in the last elections who did not make it. Sayang naman. We have to get the best talent that we can. That is a natural progression,” he added.
The President’s remarks came days after former Senator Francis Tolentino officially joined the Cabinet as secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, replacing Bienvenido Laguesma.
Tolentino, who was part of the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate, failed to secure another Senate term in the 2025 midterm polls.
Marcos’ statement has sparked speculation over a possible reshuffle within the administration as it moves into the latter half of its term.
Among those being mentioned for potential government posts are former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
Political observers have floated Abalos and Trillanes’ names for possible appointments to the Department of Justice or a return to the Department of the Interior and Local Government amid reported concerns in some sectors regarding the leadership of Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Like Tolentino, Abalos was unsuccessful in his senatorial bid during the midterm elections, while Trillanes lost his mayoral race in Caloocan City.
Under the Constitution, candidates who lose in an election are prohibited from being appointed to government positions within one year after the polls, a provision intended to prevent appointments from being used as political consolation prizes.