By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has expressed full support for the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP).
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the VIP is being established to conduct research on viruses and viral diseases.
“I think in the immediate future, yes, we need to prepare for the big one, the next big pandemic,” Marcos told the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) chief. “But really, it’s also for animals and plants,” he added.
The President made these remarks during a meeting with DOST officials to discuss the agency’s 2025 budget, as well as its upcoming programs and projects.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. pointed out that the 2025 national expenditure program for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) did not allocate funding for the VIP.
In response, the President assured that the government would explore ways to secure the necessary funding.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. retained majority support, with trust and satisfaction ratings exceeding 60 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024.
This comes as Vice President Sara Duterte’s ratings dropped below the majority threshold for the first time, according to OCTA Research.
The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from Nov. 10 to 16, 2024, showed that President Marcos earned a trust rating of 65 percent and a performance rating of 64 percent for the fourth quarter. These figures represent a slight decline from the third quarter’s ratings of 69 percent trust and 66 percent satisfaction.
“The majority of Filipinos continue to trust and are satisfied with the performance of President Marcos, Jr.,” OCTA said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte’s trust rating fell by 10 percentage points to 49 percent, while her performance rating dropped to 48 percent, a decline of four points from the previous quarter. These figures mark her lowest ratings since December 2023 and reflect a continuing downward trend.
“This is the first time both the trust and performance ratings of the Vice President have fallen below the majority threshold,” the research firm added.
President Marcos saw his highest trust and satisfaction ratings in Balance Luzon and among respondents in Classes ABC and D. In contrast, Duterte performed best in Mindanao and among Class E respondents.
Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez continued to enjoy majority trust, with ratings of 63 percent and 58 percent, respectively. In terms of performance, Escudero recorded a 65 percent satisfaction score, while Romualdez garnered 59 percent.
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo remained at the lower end of the ratings, with only 10 percent trust and 8 percent satisfaction.
The survey, based on face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents, has a margin of error of ±3 percent at the national level.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to practice discipline and actively contribute to nation-building.
“Through improving and enhancing ourselves in any way, big or small, all of this contributes to the betterment of our country,” Marcos said Monday (13 Jan 2024).
In addition, the President encouraged all Filipinos to pursue health and fitness goals.
He also emphasized the importance of discipline in using social media, particularly when communicating or delivering messages.
Furthermore, Marcos called on Filipinos to embrace a deep love for their homeland.
“[A]ng Bagong Pilipino ay mapagmahal sa bayan,” he said.
“There is a renewed sense of patriotism. As we set our New Year’s Resolutions, let’s always include our love for our beloved Philippines. We will love our country even more,” the Chief Executive added.
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MANILA –The Philippines is set to enhance its global presence by opening four new foreign missions in North America and the Asia-Pacific region in 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Saturday.
During his speech at the Vin d’Honneur event at Malacañang Palace in Manila, President Marcos highlighted the country’s growing diplomatic outreach as part of its independent foreign policy. “From the start of my presidency, I committed to reintroducing the Philippines to the world and fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships that will drive growth in the 21st-century economy,” Marcos stated.
He emphasized that the Philippines’ diplomatic agenda over the past two years has focused on enhancing international partnerships and increasing cooperation with both traditional allies and emerging partners. These efforts have led to numerous high-level visits by foreign leaders and officials, further strengthening the country’s global ties.
In 2024, the Philippines successfully opened four embassies in Europe and Latin America. With the new missions slated for North America and Asia-Pacific, the country’s foreign service posts will reach a total of 102 by the end of this year. Marcos expressed optimism about the opening of additional embassies in the future, including new diplomatic missions from Central Asia.
“The opening of these new foreign missions is a testament to our commitment to expanding our global presence,” Marcos added. “Our independent foreign policy continues to guide us as we navigate the complex web of international relations.”
The President also reiterated that the country’s foreign policy would remain focused on promoting peace, cooperation, and the faithful adherence to international law.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on various government agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, emphasizing the need for robust support to the nation’s maritime workforce.
The President made the appeal during the signing ceremony of Republic Act No. 12021 in Malacañang, highlighting the importance of the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers.
“Monitor its strict compliance by all stakeholders and assist our seafarers to maximize the benefits that it provides,” Marcos stated, urging the Department of Transportation, Maritime Industry Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Migrant Workers to take an active role in its enforcement.
“Let us ensure that every provision of this law and its IRR are not just words that appear on paper, but a bulwark that our seafarers can rely on,” he added.
The IRR was crafted to bolster the welfare and protect the rights of Filipino seafarers, who are integral to the global maritime industry and the Philippine economy. Provisions in the law address employment standards, social protection, health and safety, skills training, and family support, all aimed at improving the quality of life for seafarers.
In addition, the Magna Carta shields Filipino seafarers from exploitation, offers legal aid, and strengthens regulations to ensure that they are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, both locally and abroad.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to “compare notes” in preparation for the days ahead in the brand-new year.
Communications Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez stated that the meeting was held in anticipation of the administration’s first full Cabinet meeting, scheduled for 2025.
He emphasized that this is a significant step for the administration as they look to solidify their plans and strategies for the days ahead in the brand-new year.
“The President will be comparing notes with the Executive Secretary today,” Chavez said. “This includes the agenda for the first Cabinet meeting, which will cover key issues such as economic recovery, healthcare improvements, and national security.”
Chavez confirmed that the meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 7, and noted that it will serve as an important platform for aligning the administration’s priorities and ensuring cohesive governance.
Additionally, Chavez mentioned that the President will also hold private meetings with various sectoral representatives to gain insights and feedback on pressing national concerns. These meetings are expected to provide valuable input that will inform the administration’s policy-making process.
The upcoming Cabinet meeting is highly anticipated, with many stakeholders eager to see the administration’s plans and policies for the coming year.
The meeting is expected to address critical issues facing the nation and set the tone for the administration’s approach moving forward.
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on Monday (December 30, 2024), vetoing over P194 billion in line items deemed “inconsistent with the administration’s priority programs.”
The national budget for 2025, initially pegged at P6.352 trillion, was reduced to P6.326 trillion, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
“While the final version of the budget reflects many of our shared priorities, some provisions required careful scrutiny. The Filipino people have spoken: every centavo must go to programs that truly uplift lives, strengthen communities, and secure the future development of the Philippines,” Marcos said.
“We take our role as stewards of taxpayers’ money seriously. After an exhaustive and thorough review, we have directly vetoed over P194 billion worth of line items that are not consistent with our programmed priorities,” he added.
Of the P194 billion, P26.065 billion worth of projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were vetoed, along with P168.240 billion allocated for “Unprogrammed Appropriations.”
The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), will also be implemented.
The signing of the budget was initially scheduled for December 20 but was delayed for further review of its provisions.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 80, implementing the Philippine schedule of tariff commitments under the Free Trade Agreement with South Korea (PH-KR FTA).
The EO was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
The President emphasized the need to adjust import duty rates on specific goods to align with the Philippine Schedule of Tariff Commitments under the PH-KR FTA.
“All goods originating from the Republic of Korea listed in the Philippine Schedule of Tariff Commitments under Section 1, when entered into or withdrawn from warehouses or free zones in the Philippines for consumption or introduction to the customs territory, shall be subject to the prescribed duty rates, contingent on the submission of a Proof of Origin in compliance with the PH-KR FTA requirements,” the EO states.
The EO was signed on December 23.
The Philippines and the Republic of Korea signed the PH-KR FTA during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia in September 2023, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet members are thoroughly reviewing the P6.352-trillion national budget to ensure it complies with the 1987 Constitution, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
The budget, approved by the bicameral conference committee, sparked controversy due to the reduced funding for the Department of Education and the removal of the PhilHealth subsidy.
“The President and the Cabinet are currently (with or without calls) carefully reviewing the various items of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) to ensure it aligns with the Constitution and to prioritize the administration’s key legacy initiatives,” Bersamin said.
“The President has been highly prudent in managing and allocating our limited fiscal resources,” he added.
The President is expected to sign the budget on December 30.
“Signing will take place on December 30, 2024, following the Rizal Day program in Manila,” the Presidential Communications Office previously stated.
Originally, the budget was scheduled for signing on December 20 but was postponed for further review of some provisions.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is scheduled to sign the 2025 General Appropriations Act on December 30, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed.
Senator Imee Marcos disclosed on Monday that the budget signing would occur before the year ends, ensuring the timely release of funds critical for the administration’s programs and initiatives in the upcoming year.
However, the budget approval has not been without controversy. The bicameral conference committee recently faced scrutiny for alleged insertions and adjustments in certain allocations, which critics claim may favor specific districts or projects linked to influential lawmakers. Some opposition members raised concerns over the “pork barrel-like” provisions, questioning the transparency and fairness of the budget process.
Among the contentious issues were the reallocation of funds originally intended for health and education programs and the increase in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for certain government agencies. Advocates for fiscal accountability have urged the Marcos administration to address these issues to ensure that the budget reflects equitable and efficient spending priorities.
In preparation for the signing, President Marcos held discussions with key officials, including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and representatives from major agencies. These included the Department of Finance (DOF), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The 2025 budget, which is the second full-year spending plan under Marcos Jr.’s administration, is expected to focus on economic recovery, infrastructure development, and essential public services. The government has emphasized that the timely approval of the budget underscores its commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing needs while ensuring sustained progress.
With the controversy surrounding the bicam’s version of the budget, all eyes will be on the President’s signing, as stakeholders anticipate how these issues will be resolved.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and other department heads to review the 2025 national budget.
The meeting included officials from the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), “President Marcos Jr. conferred with the Executive Secretary, the Economic Cluster (DOF, DBM, and NEDA), and the Secretary of Public Works and Highways while reviewing the proposed national budget for next year.”
“The printed copy of the spending measure was only received late Friday afternoon. President Marcos Jr. hopes to act on the measure before the year ends,” the PCO added.
Bersamin earlier stated that the President plans to veto certain parts of the 2025 national budget.
He explained that the veto is meant “to allow more time for a rigorous and exhaustive review of a measure that will determine the course of the nation for the next year.”
“The ongoing assessment is being led by the President himself, in consultation with the heads of major departments.”
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 will offer free rides on Friday, December 20, 2024.
Marcos said in a statement on Thursday (Dec. 19, 2024) that approximately 1.1 million commuters could benefit from the free rides.
“Ang inisyatibong ito ay isang simpleng paraan upang maibsan ang gastos ng ating mga kababayang abala sa paghahanda para sa Pasko,” the President said.
“Naway magdulot ito ng ginhawa at maramdaman ng lahat ang malasakit ng pamahalaan ngayong kapaskuhan.”
The LRT-1 connects Dr. A. Santos Station in Paranaque City to Fernando Poe Jr. Station in Quezon City, while the LRT-2 connects Recto Station in Manila to Antipolo Station in Rizal Province.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the safety of Filipino drug convict Mary Jane Veloso as she continues to serve her sentence in the Philippines.
Veloso’s transfer to Philippine custody spared her from execution, as the country does not have the death penalty. She had been behind bars in Indonesia for nearly 15 years, convicted of drug trafficking.
“We assure the Filipino people that Ms. Veloso’s safety and welfare are our top priority, and our agencies in the justice and law enforcement sectors will continue to ensure her well-being, just as our Indonesian counterparts have done for so long,” Marcos said.
The President also expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for their assistance in Veloso’s transfer.
“We take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Indonesian government and everyone who has supported Ms. Veloso’s welfare,” he added.
“We are pleased to announce that she was turned over to Philippine officials on the evening of December 17,” Marcos said.
Veloso arrived back in the country on Wednesday morning, with her flight landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 5:40 a.m.
“The flight, which departed from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 12:05 a.m., marked the end of a difficult chapter in Veloso’s life,” said the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has on Saturday (14 Dec 2024) ordered the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to intensify actions against agricultural smuggling.
The President said the agency must intensify the implementation of Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
He issued the order following the inspection of P178.5 million worth of smuggled mackerel in Manila on Saturday.
“Kaya’t ito ‘yung buong tinatawag na chain na kailangan nating buwagin,” Marcos said.
“At ito’y, as I said, is the first case under the new law of the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act. So, I’ve spoken to our Bureau of Customs, and I’ve spoken to the Department of Agriculture, and we have to keep going. Kailangang patibayin pa natin ito,” he added.
The President led the inspection of 21 container vans of frozen mackerels at the Port Area in Manila.
The shipment was intercepted by the BOC’s Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is expected to sign the P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 before Christmas.
On Thursday (12 Dec 22024), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated: “Following standard practice, the Congress-approved national budget bill will be transmitted to the Office of the President for review.”
“And that, the national budget for 2025 is usually signed before Christmas Day,” the PCO added.
On Wednesday, the bicameral conference committee of Congress, composed of senators and congressmen, approved the final version of the budget. This move highlights their commitment to supporting programs that will benefit Filipinos.
Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, emphasized that both Houses of Congress agreed on a budget that prioritizes Filipinos.
The budget includes significant increases in allocations for social protection, livelihood programs, health, education, and disaster response.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. inaugurated the new Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center at the OFW Hospital in Pampanga.
Marcos noted that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the country, citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
He emphasized that this alarming statistic prompted the government to take more aggressive action.
“Aggressive as this terrible disease is, we need to be equally aggressive in providing treatment for our patients — giving them hope, providing them with care, making them feel right at home at the time they need it most,” the President said.
“This is why the hospital’s second floor will be dedicated to the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center. While this vision is clear, we acknowledge that much work remains to ensure that this facility is equipped to serve those in need,” he added.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the new cancer care center is expected to accommodate 64 patients and will offer various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, diagnostic and staging services, and surgical oncology, among others.
Construction of the facility is set to begin in January 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by November 2025.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure that grants a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) for non-resident tourists, aimed at attracting more visitors to the Philippines.
The VAT Refund System will apply to goods purchased locally.
During the signing ceremony on Monday (December 9, 2024), Marcos emphasized that the law also provides an opportunity to promote the Philippines’ unique craftsmanship and indigenous products in communities near local tourist destinations.
“It is no secret that shopping has become an essential part of the travel experience, and we are poised to capitalize on that momentum. In 2023, the Philippine tourism sector played an instrumental role in our nation’s economic recovery, contributing an impressive 8.6 percent to the GDP. Within this significant share, shopping emerged as the second-largest expenditure for inbound tourists,” the President said.
“With this in mind, we are introducing the VAT refund program for non-resident tourists—designed not only to stimulate more spending but to promote the Philippines as a premier global shopping destination,” he added.
Under this program, tourists can claim a refund on purchases made at accredited stores worth at least P3,000, provided the goods are taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to emulate Mary in observing the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, (08 Dec 2024).
Marcos said that Filipinos and Catholics should follow the Virgin Mary’s example of devotion to serve with love, humility, integrity, and devotion.
“As we celebrate this holy feast, I encourage my fellow Catholics and Filipinos to emulate Mary by serving others with compassion and humility, especially as we strive to build the Bagong Pilipinas we desire for our people,” the President said in his message.
“Let us lead and embrace the journey towards holiness and remain connected through the common aspiration to live a life filled with integrity, devotion, and love. I pray that this day brings meaning to all,” he added.
The President underscored the significance of the feast among Catholics, saying it is an opportunity for all people of faith to reflect on the themes of grace, purity, and devotion.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Echoing the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos’s storied rise to power, the presidency of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. appears to have been written by destiny, despite Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that she could have won the presidency in 2022 but chose to step aside.
“Then why didn’t she run if she had it in the bag? Dapat tumakbo siya [as president],” said House Assistant Majority Leader and Taguig City Second District Rep. Pammy Zamora during a press conference at the House of Representatives.
Zamora questioned the timing of Duterte’s statement, remarking, “I mean, 2025 na eh, ngayon mo pa sasabihin ‘yan? The presidency, kita naman nating lahat sa history, destiny ‘yan. Eh kung talagang para sa kanya ’yun, then dapat para sa kanya yun.”
She emphasized that the presidency is determined by destiny, history, and the will of the people, urging Duterte to focus on her current responsibilities instead of speculating on what could have been.
1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez also criticized Duterte’s remarks, suggesting they were an attempt to deflect from the issue of unresolved confidential funds.
“She’s answering the issue by bringing up politics and the presidency, but I think what we have to note here is that this issue goes way back—before the Good Government Committee and before people were talking about whether it’s the presidency or not,” Gutierrez said.
It is worth noting that the 1965 film Iginuhit ng Tadhana, which depicted the life of then-Senate President Ferdinand Marcos, faced brief suspension by the Board of Censors for Motion Pictures, reportedly on the orders of then-President Diosdado Macapagal.
This latest exchange reignites discussions on political destiny, accountability, and leadership in the Philippines.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The “striking difference” between the selflessness of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. over the self-styled political drama of Vice President Sara Duterte can be clearly seen in their pronouncements, a Mindanao House leader said Sunday (01 Dec 2014).
“The President is laser focused in addressing the most pressing issues of the nation,” said House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur First District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, House Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation chairman, referring to the Chief Executive’s request for House members to refrain from impeaching the Vice President despite her rants, emphasizing that it is unimportant and a waste of time.
“There is a striking contrast between the character of the President who is looking out for the welfare of the Filipino people and putting the interest of the country first,” Adiong pointed out.
“And the VP who seems to evade accountability by threatening the security of the highest officials of government,” he reiterated, even as Duterte has been taunting government to impeach her, with repeated threats to Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
According to one of the leaders of the “Young Guns” group of the House of Representatives, Duterte’s problems started with herself when she refused to leave the House premises when she visited her detained chief of staff, lawyer Zuleika Lopez, who was released late Saturday afternoon by the House Blue Ribbon panel.
Duterte has been defying invitations from the House for her to explain the P612.5 million confidential funds in 2022 and 2023 that her offices, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education (DepEd), that she headed in July 2022 until July of this year.
She specifically refused to attend hearings of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on the basis that she has her hands full, but all of a sudden went to the House before midnight of Nov. 25 to visit Lopez, and insisted on spending the night there.
And when the members of the panel headed by Manila Rep. Joel Chua decided to transfer Lopez to the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, it was at this point where Duterte unleashed her ire, vowing to have the First Couple and the Speaker killed.
“So, let’s make this very simple: When the President is killed, who will take over?” Adiong asked, noting that it doesn’t take a scientist to make sense out of the grumblings Duterte has been making for the past week.
“A threat is a threat no matter what, even if it’s perceived to be conditional. The intent is there, the plan to kill the President was made in public. And she uttered ‘no joke’ not once, but twice. What can be clearer than that? Filipinos are not stupid,” he stressed.
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