Tiu Laurel: Let Marcos decide if I shall be part of his team
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr delivers a speech during the ceremonial turnover of National Food Authority rice to local government units at the NFA warehouse in Valenzuela City on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. — Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta/Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has submitted his resignation, saying that he will let President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. decide whether he “shall continue to be part of his team.”
Laurel’s resignation came after Marcos released on Thursday an order for all of his Cabinet members to recalibrate his administration after the winners of the 2025 midterm elections were proclaimed.
READ: Marcos orders courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries
In a statement, Laurel honored Marcos’ decision, saying that the President only seeks “the flexibility to respond to the people’s clamor as conveyed in the recent midterm polls.”
“As members of his official family, we are called to support his efforts to recalibrate and move forward with renewed focus,” said Laurel.
“I have submitted my courtesy resignation and now leave it to the President’s good judgment to determine whether I shall continue to be part of his team as he advances his vision for the country,” he added.
Laurel, who was appointed as DA chief in 2023, said that in the meantime, he will continue to serve the agency and its stakeholders “to the best of my abilities.”
“I remain guided by a commitment to public service and the greater good of the Filipino people,” he further said. /das
