President Marcos’ abrupt call for the courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries on Thursday, May 22, has sparked mixed reactions from key education stakeholders — with teachers’ groups warning against "political maneuvering" and demanding genuine reform.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines strongly condemned the move, calling it a “desperate diversion” from widespread allegations of electoral fraud and the worsening national crisis.

Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) expressed caution and concern over the possible disruption in the education sector should Cabinet-level changes be politically motivated.

For ACT Philippines, Marcos’ directive was mere “political theatrics” aimed at salvaging a crumbling administration beset by internal power struggles, socio-economic turmoil, and a fraud-ridden 2025 midterm election.

“This so-called ‘bold reset’ is nothing but political theatrics meant to rebrand a crumbling regime,” said ACT Chairperson Vladimer Quetua. “It is a blatant attempt to divert the people’s outrage from the fraud-ridden elections, internal power struggles, and the administration’s anti-people track record,” he added.

Quetua noted that the administration has failed to deliver on its promise of a “Bagong Pilipinas” — instead overseeing a steep decline in democracy, economic stagnation, and intensified political repression.

“The recently concluded midterm elections further exposed the rottenness of the country’s automated electoral system, which has once again cemented the power of political dynasties and elite rule while marginalizing genuine progressive voices,” he said.

“The elections have proven to be a mere formality manipulated to maintain the grip of the ruling class, with state agencies increasingly weaponized to suppress opposition and democratic dissent,” he added.

ACT cited the crisis in public education as a glaring example of government neglect.

The group pointed to underfunded schools, overburdened teachers, and inadequate facilities, even as state spending continues to prioritize military funding, debt servicing, and corrupt projects.

“Public schools remain overcrowded and underfunded, with teachers overworked, underpaid, and undersupported,” Quetua said, noting that students suffer from chronic shortages in classrooms, learning materials, and basic facilities — all while government spending “favors” militarization, debt servicing, and corrupt patronage projects over basic social services.

“Teachers and education workers bear the brunt of this crisis every day,” Quetua said. “The government’s failure to prioritize education reflects its utter disregard for the future of the nation,” he added.

In a separate statement, Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) Chairperson Benjo Basas acknowledged the surprising nature of the President’s call but urged that any potential Cabinet reshuffle prioritize public service.

“This is a surprising development, and we sincerely hope it is driven by the intention to strengthen public service rather than by mere political realignment,” Basas said.

The group also expressed concern that the “education sector may be affected” — especially if the heads of key agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are replaced.

“This could disrupt the continuity of critical programs,” Basas said.

However, Basas noted that if the President chooses to accept the resignations of his Cabinet members, “we urge that their replacements be more competent, sincere, and honest — and most importantly, genuinely committed to public service, not to positioning themselves for the 2028 elections.”

With this development, ACT urged Filipinos to reject what it calls “deceitful distractions” and instead rally for genuine, systemic change that addresses the root causes of the national crisis.

“The only reset we need is a shift to a pro-people, democratic government,” Quetua said. “The future lies in our collective resistance and action,” he ended.