MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a rigorous approach to evaluating government officials, stating that those failing to meet performance expectations should be removed from their positions.

In a recent video teaser promoting the second episode of his podcast, Marcos pointed to military standards, where underperformance leads to reassignment, and indicated this philosophy should apply to his administration.

The president remarked, "And that’s what we should do.

We have to be very, very strict." He emphasized the necessity of prioritizing governmental service over personal relationships, stating, "Look, even if you are my friend, I love you and all, but if you are not doing your job, it is not about friendship or our love for each other, but the service for the people."

In a move intended to enhance governmental efficiency, Marcos has requested that Cabinet members submit their courtesy resignations as part of a thorough performance evaluation process that encompasses a wide range of officials, including heads of agencies and entities under state control.

This review, framed as a “bold reset” by Malacañang, aims to elevate the quality of public service and address citizen concerns more effectively.

The president has indicated that all government officials will be regarded as being on a probationary status, with plans for quarterly performance reviews to monitor progress towards agency targets.

Clarifying that this initiative is not merely a reshuffle, Marcos described it as an ongoing effort to ensure better fulfillment of the government's responsibilities.

Malacañang has already disclosed several leadership changes, though a significant number of Cabinet members have retained their positions.

The second episode of Marcos’ podcast, which provides further insights into his administration's direction, is anticipated to be released to the public through his social media platforms, following the debut episode that aired the previous month.