MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized on Sunday (23 June 2024) that the Philippines’ “calm and peaceful disposition” should not be misconstrued as a sign of submission, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to defending its territory.

Marcos made these remarks during his visit to Camp General Artemio Ricarte, the headquarters of the military’s Western Command (Wescom) in this city.

Known as the “Defenders and Patriots of the Last Frontier,” Wescom oversees the country’s maritime territory, particularly the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The President’s visit follows the June 17 incident at Ayungin Shoal, where the China Coast Guard (CCG) rammed a Philippine government ship, wielded bladed weapons, and seized disassembled rifles during a rotation and resupply mission.

Addressing the troops, Marcos urged Wescom to uphold its duty with integrity and respect, continuing its exemplary defense of the nation.

“We are not here to provoke conflicts,” Marcos asserted. “Our aspiration is to ensure a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino.”

“While we are committed to resolving issues peacefully, we will not resort to force or intimidation,” Marcos emphasized. “Our calm and peaceful demeanor should not be seen as yielding.”

Referring to the Philippines’ history of resilience against foreign influence, Marcos affirmed, “We will never submit or be oppressed by anyone.”

“We are a responsible state,” Marcos added, underscoring the country’s commitment to uphold its freedoms and rights by international law.

‘Never been prouder of AFP’

Marcos also commended Filipino soldiers for their “restraint amid intense provocation,” expressing his utmost pride in their bravery and compassion.

During the event, Marcos awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi to 79 soldiers involved in the incident, and the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan to an injured Navy seaman.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu honors individuals for their outstanding service related to a presidential campaign or advocacy.

Marcos assured the troops of the government’s continued support for their needs and welfare, along with that of their families.

“You are the exemplars of a New Philippines,” Marcos said. “You inspire us to fulfill our sworn duty even better.”

“Let us continue shaping the destiny of our nation,” Marcos concluded, “a destiny strengthened by diversity yet united in our pursuit of peace.”

(ia/mnm/PNA)

NO less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will send off members of the Paris Olympics-bound Team Philippines on Friday (June 21) night at the Marble Hall of the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros.

Sports have been closed to President Marcos’s heart as he conveys his passion and enthusiasm on the Filipino athletes’ participation in the most important global sporting event that will happen during his administration.

Expected to join President Marcos in the ceremony managed by official Philippine Olympics broadcaster Cignal TV are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and members of the POC board, qualified Filipino athletes to the Paris Games and members of the Philippine Sports Commission Board led by chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann and national sports association officials.

Philippine Olympian Association head Gillian Akiko Thomson-Guevara will also grace the ceremony which is staged on the eve of the departure of several members of Team Philippines to their pre-Olympics training facility in Metz, France, where they will conduct their final preparations for the July 26 to August 11 Games Paris is hosting for the second time in a century.

A Holy Mass will usher in the ceremony which will be highlighted by the turnover of the country’s colors from the PSC to President Marcos and to Tolentino that will also be witnessed by Cignal TV and MediaQuest president and CEO Jane Basas and Cignal TV First Vice President and Head Channel Management and Programming Sienna Olaso.

Tolentino will also present to President Marcos the official training and competition apparel from Peak and adidas, while Team Philippines sponsors Cignal TV, Smart, adidas, Peak, celebrated designer Francis Libiran, Samsung, Aice, Delsey, Les Arenes Metz and Olympic Solidarity will be acknowledged.

Cignal TV will also present Team Philippines Paris Olympics song “Isang Daang Taong Laban Para Sa Bayan,” which is themed around the country’s 100 years of participation in the Olympics which, interestinglym, coincides with Paris hosting anew the quadrennial global sports conclave.

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senators have praised President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for signing the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which provides teachers with a yearly allowance.

“I am grateful to the President for signing into law the increase in teaching allowance for our public school teachers. We know that our teachers often dip into their own pockets to purchase teaching materials,” said Senator Win Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and one of the law’s co-authors.

“It is high time we raise their teaching allowance to assist with their expenses and in fulfilling their duties,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe expressed her overwhelming satisfaction, noting that they had advocated for this law since the last Congress.

“The increase in allowance is a timely relief for our hardworking teachers, who sometimes use their funds for school supplies,” she added.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. attended the signing of an alliance between the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) and the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, stating that such a move marks a significant moment for Philippine politics and public service.

The new alliance aims to uplift the lives of the Filipino people under a unified “Bagong Pilipinas.”

“Today marks a significant moment not only for Philippine politics but also for the field of public service, as members of both parties formalize and build an alliance that will propel our country towards the Bagong Pilipinas that we envision,” Marcos said.

“We see that the public wholeheartedly accepts our message of unity. Moreover, when we succeeded in our campaign, we continued to foster unity because we initiated a whole-of-government approach,” he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos emphasized that his government is committed to transformative governance.

“We need to change the way the government is run. We must rethink and consider our governance, and where we are headed. And we have to position the Philippines in a way that will fully leverage the new economy,” he told the members.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Barely a year before the 2025 midterm polls, a veteran political strategist has revealed that former Senator Manny Pacquiao, ex-Senate President Tito Sotto, Speaker Martin Romualdez’s wife, and Tingog Sinirangan party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar-Genuino are most likely among the senatorial bets of a “super coalition” supportive of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.

Veteran political strategist Lito Banayo expressed these possible senatorial contenders after President Marcos said on May 1 that his party, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), is eyeing alliances with other political parties ahead of the midterm polls.

In his May 4 column for The Manila Standard, Banayo named the following as among the possible PBBM bets for the Senate:

Lakas-CMD: Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Romualdez, ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez, and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC): Sotto, Pacquiao and Sen. Lito Lapid.

Nacionalista Party (NP): Villar-Genuino, retired colonel Ariel Querubin, a Medal of Valor awardee; and incumbent senators Imee Marcos and Pia Cayetano.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Several senators have voiced their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to regional wage boards to assess wage rates in their respective areas.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed solidarity with the president’s call for the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards to conduct a review of minimum wages. He emphasized the importance of the National Wages and Productivity Commission ensuring the compliance of these boards.

Additionally, Zubiri highlighted Senate Bill No. 2534, also known as the P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act, which he advocated for.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva welcomed Marcos’ order, noting its significance in providing hope to workers that their earnings will adequately cover their daily expenses. Villanueva referenced Senate Bill No. 2140, aimed at establishing a “living wage” as the benchmark for the minimum daily wage.

Senator Francis Tolentino echoed support for Marcos’ directive, emphasizing its role in helping workers cope with the rising costs of goods and services.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday (10 March 2024) expressed solidarity with the Muslim community as Ramadan begins.

“I stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in the country and around the world as Ramadan commences,” Marcos stated.

The President emphasized that this period is one of spiritual growth, meditation, and the fostering of generosity and concern for others.

“Indeed, this display of faith reflects their profound introspection and shared devotion, strengthening the bonds within their communities through their beliefs,” Marcos remarked.

“It is undeniable that our Muslim brothers and sisters have made significant contributions to our nation’s history and heritage, shaping our beloved motherland into the diverse and united country it is today.”

(el Amigo/MNM)