Senator Rodante Marcoleta raised concerns in the Senate over the appointment of eight key members of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s cabinet serving in an acting capacity, questioning the legality and prudence of their authority.

In his statement, Marcoleta emphasized that several critical government agencies are currently led by acting secretaries who have not undergone confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. “What is at stake is not merely the reputation of individuals, but the integrity of our public institutions,” he said.

The senator cited the Office of the Executive Secretary, Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) as key agencies currently under acting leadership. He warned that these officials control massive budgets, approve major infrastructure projects, enforce laws, and act as the president’s alter egos, yet have not been confirmed.

Marcoleta stressed that while acting officials can perform administrative tasks, the absence of confirmation raises concerns about accountability, transparency, and the proper functioning of government institutions. He urged the administration to submit appointments for confirmation to safeguard public trust and institutional integrity.

The senator’s remarks highlight ongoing debates in the Philippine government regarding the balance between administrative efficiency and constitutional procedures for appointing top officials.