Marcos Cabinet Goes on Spiritual Retreat Ahead of Midterm Elections
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A Pause from Politics: A Weekend of Reflection at Malacañang
MAY 06,2025
MANILA, Philippines — With the 2025 midterm elections approaching fast, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet took time away from the political noise to attend a spiritual retreat at Malacañang over the weekend.
Fr. Tito Caluag, the executive director of Caritas Philippines, facilitated the retreat. The gathering focused on spiritual reflection, guidance, and the moral responsibility of public service.
“They came together on Saturday and received spiritual advice — not just for their government roles but for their personal lives too,” said Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro in Filipino.
Palace confirms Marcos cabinet’s ‘spiritual retreat
Marcos Cabinet-Pres. Message: “God Is in the Details”
Education Secretary Sonny Angara shared a notable quote from the President during the retreat:
“No help or favor is too small for the public. For a department secretary, God is in the details.”
Angara posted photos from the event on Facebook, calling it a “spiritual and planning session” and noting that President Marcos led by example.
He also thanked Fr. Caluag and playfully acknowledged First Lady Liza Marcos with,
“Kahit wala po kayo, mukhang may kinalaman kayo lol.”
Marcos Cabinet-Unity in the Cabinet
The event drew many high-ranking officials, including:
- Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
- Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro
- Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian
- Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla
- Health Secretary Ted Herbosa
- Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon
- Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma
- Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum
- Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo
Castro clarified that while they discussed some plans, the gathering mostly focused on spiritual grounding and renewal. “It was a light and meaningful moment,” she added.
Sara Duterte’s New Attacks and Palace Response
While the Cabinet sought peace, Vice President Sara Duterte fired new accusations at the Marcos administration. She called the charges against her brother, Rep. Paolo Duterte, a political attack.
Malacañang hit back, saying her claims were false and simply “excuses.”
Paolo Duterte allegedly headbutted a businessman in Davao City in February. He faces charges of physical injuries and grave threats, although he claims he hasn’t received any formal complaint yet.
Marcos and Duterte: Once Allies, Now Rivals
Sara Duterte’s criticisms signal a deeper rift within UniTeam, the alliance she and Marcos led in the 2022 elections.
As the country prepares for the upcoming polls, tensions between former allies continue to grow — making the Cabinet’s spiritual retreat a rare calm before a potentially stormy political season. NOWTREND
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