TOWARDS A FIERCELY INTENSE CABINET

TOWARDS A FIERCELY INTENSE CABINET President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision to revamp his Cabinet has sparked both praise and speculation. Some legislators lauded the move, saying it was a necessary step to remove so-called "lazy and corrupt" officials. But is that really the case? Are there Cabinet members who fit that description? While political rhetoric often seeks to dramatize reform, the truth may be far less sensational and more nuanced. It is unlikely that laziness or corruption is the core issue in the current Cabinet. After all, these positions are not only high-profile but also closely scrutinized by the media, watchdogs, and the public. What may be a more accurate diagnosis is that some officials are simply slow—not in intellect or intention, but in execution. In today’s fast-moving, hyperconnected world, sluggish implementation of policies and programs can be as damaging as overt misconduct. A reform that arrives too late is often no reform at all. This seems to be the crux of the President’s dissatisfaction. According to Palace insiders, what PBBM wants is a Cabinet that is “mabagsik”—a Filipino word that translates roughly into fierce, formidable, or intensely driven. In the context of governance, this means a Cabinet that acts decisively, responds rapidly, and operates with a palpable sense of urgency. It is not just about competence, but also about momentum. A “mabagsik” Cabinet does not tolerate complacency. It is a team that pushes the boundaries of bureaucracy, breaks bottlenecks, and cuts through red tape. It is goal-oriented and data-driven, with officials who are present on the ground, engaged with communities, and relentless in achieving results. This is especially necessary as the Marcos administration approaches the midpoint of its term—a phase where delivery, not promises, becomes the public’s main metric of judgment. Perhaps what the President envisions goes even beyond being "fierce." Perhaps he is aiming for a “malupit” Cabinet—a Filipino slang term which, in its modern usage, connotes something extraordinary, awesome, or impressive. He may be searching for a team that not only governs effectively but inspires confidence. One that is “hanep”—a term for something or someone that exceeds expectations. Such a vision is laudable, but it comes with a price. The culture of the bureaucracy must shift to match the tempo. Coordination must be seamless between departments. Monitoring systems must be embedded to track performance in real time. And most importantly, appointments must be based on merit, not merely loyalty or patronage. Recalibrating a Cabinet to become more “intense” is not just a matter of reshuffling people—it requires a complete shift in work ethic, management structure, and accountability mechanisms. It is about creating a team that works smart and fast—while upholding integrity and public trust. If PBBM succeeds in building such a team, it won’t just be fierce. It will be transformational. The country needs not just a Cabinet that works—but one that delivers, innovates, and inspires. In these critical years of governance, intensity may just be the edge that makes the difference between promises made and promises fulfilled. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 06-20-2025