By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reassured the public of an adequate rice supply despite the El Niño phenomenon, alleviating concerns about shortages.
“When it comes to rice, our supply is sufficient. People need not worry. In fact, in areas with irrigation, our yield has even increased, in terms of tons per hectare,” Marcos stated.
“However, there are still challenges. For instance, only about 50 percent of lands are irrigated, leaving others struggling. In Occidental Mindoro, we estimate that only one percent of irrigated lands are affected by El Niño and require assistance,” he added.
The President highlighted the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) efforts to expand irrigation coverage, enabling farmers to cultivate crops, particularly rice, even during droughts.
“We’ve provided a lot, including post-harvest facilities. Instead of transporting paddy to distant locations for milling, we’re establishing facilities locally, ensuring farmers earn more,” he emphasized.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has defended Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio following new calls for her resignation from the Cabinet.
“I don’t see the reason behind that,” Marcos remarked when asked to respond to suggestions to remove Duterte-Carpio as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
He stated his intention to meet with Vice President Duterte to discuss important matters.
When questioned about assuring the Vice President of retaining her post, the Chief Executive emphasized that he didn’t find it necessary.
“She doesn’t need my assurance. She knows that,” he affirmed.
Marcos further asserted that the Vice President would remain as Education Secretary.
“Any cabinet secretaries not fulfilling their duties will be replaced,” he said. “All other matters are not up for discussion. If one can no longer perform due to illness or incompetence, they will be replaced. But that’s not the case with Inday Sara,” he added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has set an ambitious target for the creation of 1 million digital jobs by 2028, potentially generating PHP24 billion to support public services and infrastructure projects.
President Marcos shared this goal during a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) at Malacañan Palace on Friday (April 19, 2024), where updates on Digital Infrastructure Work Plans were discussed.
“We’re committed to generating 1 million digital jobs by 2028, which could inject PHP 24 billion into funding various public services and infrastructure projects,” Marcos stated in a Facebook post on Saturday.
The President’s announcement came after extensive deliberations with the PSAC, focusing on aligning training initiatives with market demands to equip the workforce with the necessary skills and foster digital innovation and economic growth nationwide.
In a subsequent statement released on Sunday, PSAC confirmed that Marcos emphasized a “strategic focus” on achieving the target of 1 million digital jobs by 2028 during their meeting.
Furthermore, the President advocated for strengthening the Inter-Agency Council for Development and Competitiveness of the Philippine Digital Workforce, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in targeted skills development and training programs.
This inter-agency council, mandated by Republic Act No. 11927, also known as the “Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act,” serves as the principal planning and coordinating body to enhance the skills and competitiveness of the Philippine workforce in the digital era.
Among the key initiatives discussed was the implementation of the 10,000 Digital Civil Servants project. This project will commence with the foundational training of approximately 40 participants in Singapore, who will subsequently lead a larger training cohort in the Philippines. This endeavor aims to significantly enhance the government’s digital service capabilities.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has enacted Executive Order No. 56, directing the retrieval of expired special plate numbers to alleviate traffic congestion experienced by commuters.
Under EO 56, Marcos announced the government’s retrieval of expired special plate numbers previously issued to former government officials, reducing the list from 16 to 14 to ensure their legitimate use.
“After carefully considering your suggestions, I’m pleased to announce a series of initiatives aimed at expediting our traffic solutions to improve the lives of every Filipino,” stated the President.
Earlier, Marcos issued Administrative Order No. 18, prohibiting government officials and personnel from using sirens, blinkers, and similar signaling devices.
Furthermore, Marcos emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive plan to improve Metro Manila’s transportation system and address traffic congestion in the metropolis.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA – The Marcos administration on Saturday distanced itself from “unsubstantiated or imaginary promises” of alleged secret non-binding gentlemen’s agreements or deals aimed at creating distractions, divisions, and conflict.
National Security Council (NSC) Adviser Eduardo Año stated in a Saturday (20 April 2024) release that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been unequivocal in asserting that his administration is unaware of any secret or gentleman’s agreement regarding its territories.
“If such agreements were made under a previous administration, they have since been nullified,” Año declared.
He emphasized that any such agreements if proven true, would be detrimental to national interest and the constitution.
“If such agreements exist, it is the duty of those accountable to elucidate them to the Filipino people, but they are not and will never be binding under this administration,” Año affirmed.
He urged all Filipinos to resist and counteract “corrosive narratives” seeking to undermine national interests.
“We must not succumb to tactics aiming to sow division in our nation and weaken our determination in asserting our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” he asserted.
During the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya reassured that the President enjoys full support from the police and the military.
“The National Security Adviser’s call is for us to shield our Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police from partisan political activities. Let us refrain from exploiting them because, in any democracy, the Armed Forces are expected to remain neutral and apolitical – regardless of any change in administration, the commander-in-chief remains the same,” Malaya stated.
“They will not waver in their allegiance to the President just because someone requests it. They are professionals who understand the chain of command, respect the military hierarchy, and remain loyal to the current Commander-In-Chief, President Bongbong Marcos,” Malaya added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In accordance with the marching order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured full government support and assistance for the four Filipino seafarers who were among the crew of container ship MSC Aries, which Iranian forces seized near the Strait of Hormuz.
On Saturday (13 April 2024), Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly seized a container ship, with four Filipino seafarers among the crew on board MSC Aries, in apparent retaliation to an Israeli attack on Iran consulate in Syria.
“Upon directive of the President, we are in touch with the families of our dear seafarers and have assured them of full government support and assistance,” the DMW said in a statement.
It added that it is now coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as well as the seafarers’ manning agency and MSC Aries’ ship manager and operator “to ensure the safety and well-being, as well as the release, of our dear seafarers.”
To recall, some Filipino crew members of an oil tanker that Iran seized in January in response to the US seizure of crude from Iran on the same vessel in 2023 were sent back to the Philippines in March.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Francis Tolentino is urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to promptly issue an executive order to implement adjustments in the work schedules of government employees.
This call comes in response to the Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) appeal to Malacañang to replicate their directive regarding the adjustment of work schedules for employees in local government units and agencies in Metro Manila.
The proposed adjustment shifts the schedule from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tolentino emphasizes the importance of extending this adjustment to all government agencies to ensure consistency across the board.
According to the senator, the MMC’s directive is a step in the right direction for making Metro Manila more sustainable and commuter-friendly.
He argues that aligning the schedules of the government and private sectors will alleviate heavy traffic during peak hours and enhance the commuting experience.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued a directive for the adoption and enforcement of the National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023-2028, aimed at bolstering the security and resilience of Philippine cyberspace.
Executive Order (EO) 58, signed by Marcos on April 4, mandates the implementation of the NCSP 2023-2028, crafted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), as a comprehensive strategy for the integrated development and strategic direction of the country’s cybersecurity efforts.
All national government agencies and instrumentalities are required to develop, adopt, and execute their cybersecurity plans and strategies in alignment with the NCSP 2023-2028, according to EO 58. Local government units (LGUs) are also encouraged to follow suit.
In accordance with its mandate under Section 15 of Republic Act (RA) 10844, the DICT formulated the NCSP 2023-2028 to establish the country’s policy direction and operational guidelines for creating a trusted, secure, and resilient cyberspace for all Filipinos.
The EO emphasizes the necessity for full support and cooperation from all relevant government agencies, instrumentalities, and LGUs to ensure the successful implementation of the NCSP 2023-2028.
Furthermore, the DICT is directed to establish an effective system for monitoring, reviewing, and implementing the NCSP 2023-2028, in compliance with existing laws and regulations. Additionally, the DICT is instructed to collaborate with the private sector to provide technical assistance to other government agencies and offices in implementing the NCSP 2023-2028.
The EO also requires the DICT to submit bi-annual progress reports on the implementation of the NCSP 2023-2028 to the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary and the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee.
Funding for the implementation of EO 58 will be sourced from current appropriations of concerned agencies, subject to relevant budgetary laws and regulations. Future funding requirements will be included in the General Appropriations Act through the standard budget preparation process.
The enhancement of security and resilience in the country’s cyberspace aligns with the key strategies outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 to ensure safety and security in both cyber and physical domains.
A copy of EO 58 was released on Saturday, with the directive taking immediate effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
(By El Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. joined the Catholic community in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus this Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, emphasizing the importance of living a Christ-like life.
In a statement, Marcos remarked, “This auspicious occasion reminds us that, while faith, devotion, and sacrifice are, by themselves, worthy ideals to aspire for, they also yield great rewards both here on earth and in the hereafter.”
“Let us draw inspiration from this important narrative as we overcome our personal and spiritual challenges. May this day also ignite our hearts to live a Christ-like life, especially in sharing our blessings with the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden,” the President added.
Marcos called upon the public to unite in prayer for the continued guidance of God in the endeavor to build a Bagong Pilipinas.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the latest aggressive acts of China in the West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order calling for the strengthening of the country’s maritime security and maritime domain awareness.
This was disclosed on Sunday (31 March 2024) by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) headed by veteran journalist and lawyer Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
The PCO said Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 57 to strengthen maritime security and raise awareness on the maritime domain amid “serious challenges” threatening the Philippines’ territorial integrity and the “peaceful existence of Filipinos.”
“Despite efforts to promote stability and security in our maritime domain, the Philippines continues to confront a range of serious challenges that threaten not only the country’s territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos, including their fundamental right to live in peace and freedom, free from fear of violence and threat,” the President said.
Under EO 57, the National Coast Watch Council has been renamed and reorganized into the National Maritime Council (NMC) chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
“Strengthening the country’s maritime security and domain awareness is imperative to comprehensively tackle the crosscutting issues that impact the nation’s national security, sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction over its extensive maritime zones,” Marcos Jr. further said.
The President also ordered the NMC to formulate and issue guidelines for the effective implementation of EO 57 within 60 days from its effectivity.
It was learned that the NMC will have as members the secretaries of the following departments:
Department of National Defense (DND);
National Security Adviser (National Security Council);
Department of Agriculture (DA);
Department of Energy (DOE);
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
Department of Finance (DOF);
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); and
Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The Solicitor General and the director general of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency were also named members of the NMC.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Belying the “weak” image painted on him by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday (28 March 2024) minced no words when he declared that Filipinos will not yield to China’s “open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks.”
Marcos Jr. made the statement on the heels of the March 23 attack by China Coast Guard (CCG) against a Philippine vessel which was enroute to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission.
Three Philippine Navy personnel were reportedly injured due to the incident.
On the same day, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also reported that a team of Filipino scientists and researchers was “harassed” by a Chinese helicopter, resulting in injuries of some members of the team.
“We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield,” the President stressed in a statement.
“Over the succeeding weeks there shall be, implemented by the relevant national government agencies and instrumentalities, a response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable in the face of the open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks by agents of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia,” he added.
Apparently emboldened by the outpouring of international support, Marcos Jr. revealed that he has been in “constant communication” with representatives of allies, partners, and friends in the international community.
“They have offered to help us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. I have given them our requirements and we have been assured that they will be addressed,” Marcos Jr. further bared.
The President also said that he has given directives to the leaders of the Philippine national security and defense agencies who “made their considered recommendations” after exhaustive consultations.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Debunking unfounded criticisms that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr was just “jet-setting”, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has disclosed that it approved the P2.845-billion investments for March, with almost half of it coming from the President’s foreign trips.
PEZA Director General Tereso Panga has revealed that approval of the investments came after the board meeting last Friday (15 March 2024).
“Ganoon ho kami ka- bullish ngayon. Kahapon (Friday), nagkaroon ho kami ng board meeting and for March, ngayon ko lang po… if you will allow me, I will now share with the media our approval – just yesterday, our board meeting, we added another P2.845 billion,” Panga said on Saturday (16 March 2024) in a news forum.
He pointed out that it is 21.8 percent higher than in the same period last year at P2.343 billion.
“If you will sum up our first quarter performance, January to March, already January to March – P14.951 billion in investments; P14.951 billion in investments, which is 19.25 percent higher than P12.537 billion achieved in the same period last year,” Panga explained.
The PEZA chief said Marcos Jr.’s foreign trips proved to be beneficial to the country’s economy.
PBBM, who just returned from a working visit to Germany and an official visit to the Czech Republic, has attracted more investments.
Panga noted the foreign trips of the President have attracted more investments, with the latest from Germany and the Czech Republic. He said that based on PEZA’s running of figures, it could easily be at 43 percent of its P175.7 billion, or roughly P75 billion.
In 2023, the Philippines achieved a high investment rate – 25 percent growth, or PhP175.7 billion, increasing from the P140.7 billion base figure in 2022. Last year, it posted a 25 percent increase to P175.7 billion.
Panga said all PEZA’s current indicators are up for exports and employment, manifesting the Philippines’ upward trajectory for 2024, which is something that is expected for the year and onwards because of its excellent gross domestic product (GDP) performance since 2022.
“The Philippines happens to have the highest GDP growth rate in ASEAN since ’22 po – for three years in a row now. That makes the Philippines one of the best-performing economies in the region,” he said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit Germany and the Czech Republic from March 11 to 15. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will accompany the President on this visit.
The visit comes following an invitation from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for a Working Visit to Germany, and from Czech President Petr Pavel for a State Visit to the Czech Republic.
During his time in Germany, Marcos will hold meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. In the Czech Republic, he will meet with the four heads of the Czech government: President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, and President of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová.
“This endeavor aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation with the two nations,” stated the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
In addition to diplomatic meetings, President Marcos will also engage with prominent business leaders during his visit to Germany and the Czech Republic, with a focus on bolstering trade and investment opportunities.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the pronouncement of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. that he is still studying the proposed premium hike of the state health insurer, Philippine Health Corporation (PhilHealth) chief executive officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. has pushed anew for higher contributions this year.
Ledesma Jr. justified the proposed premium hike, saying Philhealth members and their beneficiaries will not even need to pay for treatment of certain illnesses under PhilHealth’s planned expansion of coverage.
“Marami kaming nakalatag na enhancements na siguradong mararamdaman ng mga miyembro dahil sa mas mababang bayarin sa ospital, kung hindi man wala nang babayaran pa,” the Philhealth top official said.
He added that PhilHealth will rationalize case rates for bronchial asthma and bacterial sepsis in newborns and COVID-19 inpatient benefits.
Ledesma Jr further said beneficiaries can also expect better packages for severe acute malnutrition in children aged 5 years old and below, and services for physical medicine and rehabilitation.
“Another benefit to look forward to is the enhancement of peritoneal dialysis under the Z Benefits Package,” he bared.
It was learned that PhilHealth members’ contributions were supposed to increase to 5 percent of members’ wages this year, up from 4 percent.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared on Monday (March 4, 2024) that safeguarding Philippine territory and sovereignty is his paramount responsibility.
This assertion came in response to questions about the significance of the West Philippine Sea issue and his firm stance against China’s provocations.
“I took an oath, and in that oath, I pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. The first article of our Constitution defines our territory, both maritime and otherwise,” Marcos stated during a question-and-answer session at the Lowy Institute event in Melbourne, Australia.
“Our territory has been recognized as sovereign Philippine territory. Therefore, upon assuming office, it was clear to me that we had no option but to defend the republic’s territory. This is a fundamental duty of leadership,” he emphasized.
Marcos emphasized that the Philippines has adopted a firm stance because it cannot permit unilateral decisions by foreign powers to alter or redefine its territorial boundaries.
He pledged to maintain this stance, asserting that the Philippines’ territorial integrity cannot be compromised. “If threats emerge, we must defend against them,” he affirmed.
“This wasn’t a matter of policy preference; it’s the duty I embraced upon assuming office, and I continue to perceive it as such. I believe every Filipino shares this view,” the President remarked.
“Filipinos depend on and expect their leaders to fulfill this duty, to remain faithful to their oath, and to defend the republic, its territory, and its people,” he concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to attend the inquiries of the Senate and House on the alleged crimes he committed.
“I would just advise him that, just, kung mayroon naman siyang sasabihin, if … he has an opportunity in the hearings both in the House (of Representatives) and the Senate to say his side of the story. Kaya po sinasabi niya, hindi totoo lahat ‘yan, hindi totoo, walang nangyayaring ganiyan, ‘di sabihin niya,” Marcos said.
Earlier, the Senate and House issued subpoenas against Quiboloy.
Meanwhile, the President stood firm that nobody wanted to have Quiboloy assassinated.
“At pagkaganito, ano nangyayari diyan, hindi siya sisipot. ‘Pag hindi siya sumipot baka ma-contempt siya, tapos tuloy-tuloy. Ay naku, mas malaking gulo. Kung makapunta siya, sagutin niya lahat ng tanong, ‘di tapos na,” he said.
“That’s why my advice for him is to just face the questioning in the House and in the Senate. Marinig natin ang kaniyang side para malaman natin kung ano ba talagang nangyayari dito. We’re trying to be fair here and allowing him, an opportunity and fora to make his case. So, I think he should take advantage of that,” Marcos added.
Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier said that the Senate is open to the side of Quiboloy.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stressing that it will save a lot of money, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. has expressed his preference that the plebiscite for charter change (Cha-Cha) will be held simultaneously with the midterm elections in 2025.
“Oo, pinagaaralan talaga namin yun dahil kung kung paghihiwalayin natin ‘yang election at saka ‘yung plebiscite, parang dalawang eleksyon ‘yun eh, napaka mahal,” Marcos Jr. told reporters before his departure to Australia on Wednesday (28 February 2024).
The President added: “It really comes down to a practical thing. Mag-o-organize tayo kasi yung plebisito, parang eleksyon din ‘yan — so mag-eeleksyon ka, ta’s magpiplebisito ka. It’s very hard also to have a plebiscite before the election kasi mabubulilyaso yung preparation para sa halalan.”
For his part, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia on Monday (26 February 2024) said that it can handle the 2025 midterm elections and the plebiscite for the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution simultaneously.
“Kaya po namin na isabay ang plebisito sa May 2025 elections. Wala po dagdag na gastos except that ihihingi po namin ng dagdag na allowance ang mga guro,” Garcia told reporters through Viber.
The poll body chief made the statement after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his desire to have the Cha-Cha plebiscite coincide with the 2025 elections.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has pledged a permanent solution to agrarian issues faced by farmers, expressing his disdain for “band-aid solutions.”
“I reject Band-Aid solutions. What I seek is a lasting remedy,” Marcos declared during the distribution of land titles to 3,184 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the Caraga region.
President Marcos referenced Executive Order 4, which he enacted on September 13, 2022, placing a one-year moratorium on amortization and interest payments for agricultural debts. This order aims to provide farmers with some financial relief from their debt burden.
Additionally, Republic Act 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, benefiting over 600,000 ARBs nationwide, was signed into law by Marcos.
He emphasized that the EO serves as only a temporary measure for addressing farmers’ issues.
“While we may view this as a success, the fight is not yet over. My goal is to complete the distribution of land under the Agrarian Reform Program before the end of my term,” Marcos affirmed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Cognizant of the crucial importance of high-speed internet service, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed confidence that the installation of the $150-million Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) will facilitate the realization of “Bagong Pilipinas” envisioned to uplift the quality of lives of the Filipinos.
On Thursday (15 February 2024), the President led the lighting up ceremony in Makati City of the $150-million PDSCN, the 2,500-kilometer domestic submarine fiber cable network in the country.
“Because of this connection, we now find a long-term solution that delivers high-connectivity and high-speed internet for our people and facilitates the realization of the Bagong Pilipinas that we envision for our country,” Marcos Jr. said.
The PDSCN is expected to provide Filipino people with faster internet and more efficient digital services, as well as help facilitate efforts to digitalize public data and government services.
“With this project, we will be able to better position our country as an even more attractive destination for technology-centric businesses such as hyperscale data centers and AI computing,” the President noted.
He further observed that the 2,500-kilometer submarine cable network, a joint project of Globe, Eastern Communications, and Japan-affiliated telco InfiniVAN, will position the Philippines as a destination for technology-centered businesses.
“We would like to thank you for choosing to do business in our country and for making possible the much-needed high technology transfer that will allow us to be at par with our more advanced peers in today’s technology-driven global marketplace,” the Chief Executive quipped.
Marcos Jr. also expressed hope for future collaboration and investment opportunities with Japan.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. urged Senator Imee Marcos to support her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
Gonzales pointed out that the success of the Marcos administration would also be the success of the country.
“If I were Senator – especially being Senator Imee’s sibling, I would support the Marcos administration because the success of her brother is synonymous with the success of our country, and this pertains solely to economic provisions, without political implications. That’s what I can say,” Gonzales said.
The lawmaker emphasized that Marcos’s programs and policies aim to improve the lives of all Filipinos.
“We’re all on the same boat or cruise ship called M/S Philippines. Why can’t she just help her brother succeed? The President is the duly-elected head of the Republic with a resounding 31 million votes – the highest in history,” he said.
“This amendment is for the good of the country, focusing solely on the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution, as clearly stated in Senate Resolution of Both Houses 6,” Gonzales added.
(el Amigo/MNM)