A Cabinet revamp should start with the removal of inept, corrupt, anti-people officials and their replacement with genuinely competent, pro-farmer, and pro-people leaders.”

BULACAN – Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Chairperson Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos criticized Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘s call for the courtesy resignation of Cabinet secretaries. He warned that it may lead to “political recycling” bereft of meaningful change. 

He stressed the need to replace ineffective officials with leaders genuinely committed to agrarian reform, food security, and the welfare of farmers, condemning what he described as ongoing failures in agriculture and superficial Congressional oversight.

“Filipino farmers are not interested in political theatrics,” Ramos said in a statement. “We need concrete policies that will alleviate our plight and genuinely pro-people leadership that prioritizes the rural poor’s rights, welfare, and livelihoods. A Cabinet revamp should start with the removal of inept, corrupt, anti-people officials and their replacement with genuinely competent, pro-farmer, and pro-people leaders.”

Marcos Jr. called for the courtesy resignation of about 30 Cabinet secretaries following his political party’s poor showing in the recent midterm polls. The revamp is also Marcos Jr. ‘s attempt for a “bold reset” to realign government with public expectations and deliver faster, results-driven service. Among those who submitted their resignations was Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Ramos criticized the Department of Agriculture (DA) under Tiu Laurel, stressing that the sector continues to suffer despite the leadership change after Marcos stepped down as Agriculture Secretary in 2023. “Under Tiu-Laurel, the Department of Agriculture has remained incapable of addressing the chronic issues of food insecurity, hunger, and high food prices. PH also remains as the world’s top rice importer.”

He also condemned House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s endorsement of the Cabinet shake-up and vow of “stronger oversight” as a “political ploy disguised in reformist rhetoric.” Ramos said that “the House leadership under Romualdez has failed to exercise genuine Congressional oversight on urgent matters like the misuse of confidential funds, the militarization of rural communities, and the worsening food crisis.” 

“What kind of oversight allows billions in intelligence funds while farmers cannot even afford the cost of fertilizer?” Ramos asked.

He challenged the incoming Department of Agriculture and Department of Agrarian Reform secretaries to deliver on key demands like the implementation of genuine agrarian reform, ending land-use conversion and stopping the criminalization of agrarian struggles.

“Ensure that farmers earn from their toiling and are protected from exploitative importers and traders. Redirect confidential and discretionary funds and allocate these billions toward free irrigation, compensation for farmers affected by disasters, and long-term food security programs. Stop red-tagging and state violence against rural communities,” Ramos added. 

Meanwhile, while Marcos Jr.’s call is for all of his Cabinet secretaries to resign from their posts, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday announced that at least five Cabinet members were retained from their posts. They were Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Ralph Rector, Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Special Assistance to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go. (AMU, DAA)

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