Balisacan to submit courtesy resignation as DEPDev chief

Arsenio Balisacan — File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Thursday said that he is ready to transfer his leadership to someone President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thinks is capable.

Balisacan made this statement after the President ordered all Cabinet secretaries to submit their courtesy resignations.

READ: Balisacan says Philippine economy can reach $2-trillion size by 2050

“If deemed necessary, I stand ready to hand over the leadership to someone the President believes can better drive our nation’s development goals,” Balisacan said in a statement.

Marcos named Balisacan as the head of DEPDev (previously National Economic and Development Authority) shortly after he won the presidential elections in May 2022.

Balisacan also served as the socioeconomic planning secretary during the late President Benigno Aquino III’s administration from 2012 to 2016.

READ: Marcos orders courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries

Marcos made the call to recalibrate his administration following the results of the 2025 midterm elections.

Marcos emphasized that the order “is not about personalities — it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency.” /das