Palace: Appointment of acting Cabinet secretaries are legal

September 3, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s continued appointment of acting Cabinet secretaries comply with existing laws and are within the ambit of his authority, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro made the remarks after Senator Imee Marcos asked why over 12 officials are still in acting capacity.

“Prerogative po ng Pangulo iyan at tumutupad po ang Pangulo sa batas,” she said in a press briefing, adding that Marcos won’t violate the law or go around constitutional processes.

Castro cited the case of PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, who is an ad interima appointee as of July 10.

The 1987 Constitution states that Cabinet secretaries are among presidential appointments that are subject to the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments.

However, the Chief Executive may appoint department secretaries in an acitng capacity to temporarily fill vacancies.