By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Apparently undaunted by the military might of China, the influential Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI) on Wednesday (14 Feb 2024) expressed its support to the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in asserting sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
Following recent encounters with China vessels within the country’s territory, the CCPI issued the statement of support to the Marcos Jr. administration.
“The policy statements of President Marcos are in accordance with the Chamber’s Economic Pillars 5,” the statement, signed by its CCPI president Jose Luis Yulo Jr., read.
Reputed as the country’s oldest business economic institution, the CCPI said it backs the Marcos Jr. administration on its stand to defend the Philippines’ “territorial integrity and sovereignty,” and its “focus on economic development.”
It can be recalled that last month, Marcos Jr. reiterated the country’s position regarding the South China Sea, as he said there continues to be “unilateral and illegal actions” that violate the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has expressed his gratitude to the United States government for providing emergency assistance to calamity victims in Mindanao.
Marcos conveyed his appreciation during a courtesy call in Malacañang with US Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Loss Carlson.
“When you ask for assistance and it is needed, we are here. Teams from USAID, JUSMAG, and our team from INDOPACOM have been deployed… it’s impressive to see how your own DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) efficiently coordinates relief supplies,” Carlson remarked.
“There’s much that can be accomplished more efficiently through existing mechanisms… however, sometimes an extra push is needed, and it also showcases how effectively the alliance can deliver,” Carlson added.
In addition to providing C-130s, the US government has extended US$1.25 million in emergency support, Carlson noted, emphasizing that the successful delivery of much-needed aid underscores the value of the Philippine-US alliance.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Aimed at providing essential medical services to distressed communities throughout the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has praised his wife First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for continuing the “Lab for All” caravans.
In his latest vlog, the President said the First Lady’s brainchild “Lab for All” caravan project provides free consultation, X-ray, laboratory services, and medicines to the less fortunate in far-flung provinces who cannot afford to undergo medical checkups.
“It’s a very, very good project,” Marcos Jr. said.
It can be recalled that on May 16 last year, the First Lady LAM (monicker for Liza Araneta-Marcos) launched the “Libreng Laboratory, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat” or LAB for ALL caravan at the Dreamzone Capitol in Batangas.
Araneta-Marcos said the “Lab for All” caravans are held every Tuesday in various provinces to provide free medical services from government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
“But, really, galing, galing nila. They put a lot of their time and effort into helping senior citizens get medical services and all that. It’s nakakataba ng puso because some are wearing crutches,” the First Lady noted.
FL LAM’s initiative has been praised for its dedication to helping those in need, especially senior citizens, highlighting the significant effort and time invested in making healthcare accessible.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to expedite the assessment of public infrastructure in the Davao region, which suffered damage due to heavy rainfall brought by a low-pressure area.
“We need to complete the assessment of all damages and formulate a funding plan,” Marcos stated during a situation briefing in Davao City.
Governor Dorothy Montejo Gonzaga of Davao de Oro presented a report indicating initial damages totaling over P3.6 billion for local and national roads, bridges, and flood control infrastructure in the province.
“We obtained these figures from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) after requesting assessments and cost estimates for repairing and rehabilitating our roads, bridges, and revetments,” Gonzaga explained.
In the interim, Marcos instructed both local and national government agencies to provide shelter and support.
“At this point, our priority is to offer shelter and assistance to those who have been displaced,” remarked the President.
Davao de Oro was one of the hardest-hit areas, with over 36,000 families affected by the heavy rains caused by the shearline weather pattern over the region.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — All current presidential appointees are undergoing a comprehensive “performance review,” as announced by Malacañang, aimed at verifying their ongoing qualifications for their designated positions.
Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil clarified that this directive extends to all presidential appointees, including those selected by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
The statement from Garafil was issued in response to inquiries regarding a memorandum dated February 2, initiated by the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) under the directive of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
The memorandum outlines the requirement for all presidential appointees in office before February 1, 2023, to submit pertinent documents for the performance review.
According to the memorandum, individuals holding presidential appointments are mandated to submit their updated Personal Data Sheet along with clearances from the Civil Service Commission, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Sandiganbayan.
The deadline for submission to the PMS is set at 30 days from the memorandum’s issuance.
Furthermore, heads of various government entities, including departments, agencies, offices, instrumentalities, government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, are instructed to ensure compliance by all presidential appointees within their respective domains.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the recommendation of two United Nations (UN) experts to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), two creative artists’ groups have urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong ” Marcos Jr. to heed the call.
Raymund Villanueva of AlterMidya, said the President should personally address the recommendations, rather than allowing other government officials to speak on his behalf.
“Una, magsalita naman si Presidente. The president as chief executive must not let people like [Jonathan] Malaya, [Eduardo] Año, and others like them to speak for his policies and his government. Kasi kinokontra na siya directly ng mga underlings na ito. We need to hear the president and hear directly from him kung ano ang reaksyon niya doon sa mga recommendations na ito,” Villanueva noted.
Lito Ito of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) also exhorted PBBM to consider the special rapporteur’s recommendations.
“The best way of engaging is to act in the recommendations of the special rapporteur. [Former president Rodrigo] Duterte was quite offensive and loud but on the other hand the total or polar opposite na spineless and silent, that is not a good thing either,” Ito quipped.
On Friday (February 2), UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan on Friday recommended the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to “address critical drivers of red tagging” and allow for more inclusive peacemaking platforms.
Khan made the recommendation after she concluded her 10-day investigation in the country, which included meetings with government officials, civil society members, journalists, and activists to determine the state of the freedom of opinion and expression in the Philippines.
Before Khan’s visit, UN Special Rapporteur Ian Fry also recommended the abolition of NTF-ELCAC.
But National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año shot down Khan’s recommendation to scrap the NTF-ELCAC.
“We respectfully disagree with UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan’s recommendation made this morning to abolish the NTF-ELCAC,” Año said in a statement.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the UniTeam remains despite the criticisms that the President is getting from the father of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
When asked about his relationship with the Vice President given the attacks made against him by her family, the President said their relationship remains the same.
“Well, it’s exactly the same because she has – of that nature. And, wala naman siyang sinasabi na ganyang klase. So, hindi naman nagbabago,” Marcos said.
The President also emphasized that his “UniTeam” with Vice President Duterte is still intact.
I believe so because if you remember ‘Uniteam’ is not just one party or two parties or three parties. It’s the unification of all political, hopefully, all political forces in the Philippines to come together for the good country,” the Chief Executive said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — It’s not rocket science not to be able to comprehend that Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Zimmerman Duterte wanted President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to resign so that his sister Vice President Sara Duterte could take over the country’s top post.
This, in essence, was former Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez was driving at when he questioned on Tuesday Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense that her younger brother only made the “resign PBBM” dare out of “brotherly love.”
“Excuse me po, pero huwag natin kalimutan na kapag nasunod ang kapatid mo, ikaw bigla ang Presidente. Wow lang, diba?” said Gutierrez in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Under the rules of succession in the 1987 Constitution, the vice president will take over if the president resigns.
“Hindi yan ‘brotherly love’ kundi ‘blatant self-interest’,” Gutierrez pointed out.
In a rally last Sunday (January 28), Baste called on Marcos Jr. to resign, expressing dismay with his alleged laziness and uncaring leadership.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Like a sore thumb, Vice President Sara Duterte’s stay in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is no longer tenable.
This is according to Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares who, on Monday (29 Jan 2024), said VP Sara should resign following the word war between PBBM and former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“It’s her choice, and it’s President Marcos’ choice. Ang sinasabi ko lang naman, how can you maintain your position in the Cabinet after your father and your brother called your principal (out) for being a drug addict and at the same time dapat mag-resign,” Colmenares said.
On Sunday (January 28) in a Davao City rally, FPRRD assailed Marcos Jr. and accused him of being a drug user while Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte spewed expletives at the President and dared him to resign.
However, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the President was “never on our watch list.”
On Monday, Marcos Jr. shot back, saying the elder Duterte’s tirade may have been prompted by the effects of fentanyl, a powerful painkiller that Duterte admitted in 2016 he used to take for a motorcycling injury.
“Para sa akin, the Vice President cannot continue to be a part of the Cabinet ni President Marcos… Hindi na yan tenable na mag-stay ka pa dyan. What will you do in Cabinet meetings? Puwede ba yun, wala nang tiwala sayo ang buong gabinete?” Colmenares stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) disclosed on Monday (29 Jan 2024) that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was never on their drug watchlist.
This was after the allegations of former president Rodrigo Duterte, claiming that the agency showed Marcos’ name in the supposed drug list.
“Based on all the foregoing facts, the PDEA asserts that President Marcos Jr. is not and was never in its watchlist,” the PDEA said in a statement, contradicting Duterte.
Duterte said that the alleged evidence was shown to him when he was mayor of Davao.
Based on records, the PDEA said that the agency was activated on July 30, 2002, when it established its National Drug Information System (NDIS), which serves as an intelligence database of all drug personalities that is responsible for gathering inputs from law enforcement and intelligence counterparts.
The PDEA also emphasized that President Marcos was never included in its NDIS since the time it was created in 2002 and up to the present.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In what could be a historic show of force between two erstwhile UniTeam allies, about 200,000 people are expected to attend the “Bagong Pilipinas” kick-off rally in Manila called by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr while more than 50,000 people are also anticipated to participate the demonstration of DDS (Duterte Diehard Supporters) against charter change (Cha-Cha) on Sunday (28 Jan 2024).
On Saturday (27 January 2024), Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Director Cris Villonco said the President himself will lead the event together with his family, Cabinet secretaries, government officials, and celebrities like Andrew E., Jose and Wally, Geneva Cruz, Arci Munoz, and Ronnie Liang.
“We are calling on every citizen all over the world, all the Filipinos not just nationwide because we know that we cannot do this, the administration cannot do this without the participation of our new Filipinos, our citizens,” Villonco said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program on Friday (January 26).
On the other hand, the rabid supporters of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte will stage a rally at San Pedro Square in Davao City to oppose a campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.
Organizers claim that around 50,000 people will attend the event.
The PCO official added that those who will be at the “Bagong Pilipinas” rally can also avail of various services from participating government agencies.
Malacañang has urged the public to attend the “Bagong Pilipinas” kick-off rally at the Quirino Grandstand, saying their cooperation is crucial in achieving the country’s whole transformation.
Villonco said the “Bagong Pilipinas” kick-off rally is “a call to action of our administration… to remind ourselves, to remind the Filipinos and to transform the Filipino with Filipino pride in mind, in word, in action.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Short of saying that the term limit of public officials has spawned political dynasties, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has hinted his preference for its lifting in the possible political amendments to the 1987 Constitution even as he stressed that economic reforms should be the priority.
“Let’s be practical. In terms of the term limits, look at what happened. When I was mayor for nine years, hindi na ko makatakbo, so patakbuhin ko ‘yung asawa ko, patakbuhin ko ‘yung anak ko, ako ‘yung magiging vice mayor. So, wala ring nagbago. They are still running the show. We have a term in Ilocos. We call them mayor vice. Because they are the vice mayor but they are running the administration of the town. We have to think about that,” Marcos Jr. said in a 24 Oras interview on Tuesday (January 23), apparently referring to political dynasties.
Ironically, although political dynasties are prohibited in the 1987 Constitution but they still proliferate because both the Senate and the House of Representatives failed to pass an enabling law or deliberately did not craft one.
“But in present day, we can have these discussions later on. But for the present day, my concern are the economic provisions, and I don’t want to confuse the issue any longer. I do not want to jeopardize the success of the amendments to the economic provisions by putting any other issues. Let’s keep the issue clear,” the President stressed.
Marcos Jr. undescored the need for economic reforms to attract more foreign investors to invest in the Philippines.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — It’s just a text or phone call away between BFF (best friends forever), but it’s seemingly not the case between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte with regards to the latter’s 2025 election plans.
On Wednesday, the feisty Vice President said she has yet to discuss her election plans with PBBM.
“Hindi pa po kami nakakapag-usap ni President Marcos about elections,” Duterte said when asked by reporters in a chance interview.
The Vice President said this in reaction to her 2022 UniTeam running mate’s statement that she is “testing the waters” when it comes to her political plans.
Inday Sara — monicker of the Vice President — recently announced in a Davao City event that she’s running for an elective position in next year’s midterm elections after hearing that his brothers Davao City 1st district Representative Paolo “Pulong” Zimmerman Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte would no longer run.
However, she did not reveal what position she would be running for.
Duterte was at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City for the launch of the School Mental Health Program and School-Based Feeding Program for 2024.
There have been rumors that the UniTeam no longer exists and that the camps of PBBM and Inday Sara are cutthroat with each other.
Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV even warned that PBBM is in a “perilous situation” as long as Inday Sara remains Vice President.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — In a groundbreaking move, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. unveiled the Philippines’ inaugural lung transplant program on Tuesday (23 January 2024) at the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) in Quezon City.
Developed in collaboration with the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the Lung Transplant Program is poised to provide essential services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals grappling with irreversible lung diseases.
In his address, President Marcos emphasized the program’s commitment to public health, highlighting its significance as a covenant with the Filipino people.
“Let us remember that healthcare is our covenant with the people, a public commitment driven by neither political agenda nor personal legacy projects. In this hospital where heroes walked and worked, may this program be a testament to our unwavering duty to serve the Filipinos,” remarked Marcos.
He further lauded the partnership between LCP and NKTI, viewing it as a model for other hospitals to pool resources and share assets, ultimately bolstering patient care and improving overall outcomes.
“The launch of the LCP and the NKTI Lung Transplant Program is an application of the proven maxim that two heads – two hospitals – are better than one,” he added.
Notably, Marcos became the second president, following in the footsteps of his father and namesake, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., to visit the institution.
The collaboration between NKTI and LCP began to take shape on November 25, 2022, with the initiation of a joint lung transplant program.
This endeavor formalized through a memorandum of agreement, aimed to address barriers such as the lack of infrastructure, organ donation and allocation systems, limited access to trained personnel, and financial constraints through the development of a comprehensive lung transplant manual.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has received an invitation to attend the wedding of the Royal Prince of Brunei, Prince Abdul Mateen, and Yang Mulia Dayang Anisha Rosnah Binti Adam.
The invitation comes from the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.
“The President’s attendance at the royal wedding reaffirms the strength of the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Brunei,” stated the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Prince Abdul Mateen is the sixth in line of succession to the Bruneian throne, while Yang Mulia Dayang Anisha Rosnah Binti Adam is a businesswoman who owns a fashion brand and a tourism company.
More than 22,000 overseas Filipino workers are currently in Brunei.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed on Tuesday (02 Jan 2023) Vietnam’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Lai Thai Binh.
“It comes at an opportune time as we have many initiatives planned between our two countries, and I am delighted to have received your letter of credence,” President Marcos stated while welcoming Ambassador Lai in Malacañang.
Marcos highlighted that the Philippines and Vietnam can explore various areas, emphasizing his extensive discussions with the Vietnamese Prime Minister during various Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gatherings.
“There are many more topics that your PM and I have delved into during our numerous ASEAN meetings. We have numerous areas to explore, and I eagerly anticipate our collaboration,” the President expressed.
Vietnam and the Philippines officially established diplomatic relations on July 12, 1976.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called upon Filipinos to contribute to the future of our beloved motherland in his New Year’s message for 2024.
“As we welcome 2024 with great optimism, I urge every Filipino from every corner of the world to contribute to the future of our beloved motherland. Let us embody the spirit of solidarity through acts of kindness, volunteerism, and compassion, recognizing that each of us is a catalyst for our country’s meaningful social transformation,” Marcos said.
“As a nation, we bid farewell to the challenges and triumphs of the past year and embrace a new dawn of opportunity and hope that heralds another fresh start for all. Indeed, every new beginning allows us to reflect on what we have accomplished, move forward with the lessons we have learned, and reinforce the unity we have forged as a people,” the Chief Executive added.
Marcos also expressed delight in welcoming the new year, committing to “strengthen bonds and chart a new roadmap for tomorrow.”
“Let the dream of a revitalized Philippines—a Bagong Pilipinas—guide our every endeavor as we bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity for all,” he said.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that his administration remains committed to implementing programs aimed at enhancing their quality of life.
One notable initiative is the establishment of the “One Repatriation Command Center,” featuring a 24/7 hotline (1348) available for those requiring rescue and repatriation, as well as counseling and legal assistance.
Additional programs encompass the Livelihood Development Assistance Program, Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap-buhay, the Financial Awareness Seminar-Small Business Management Training, the Enterprise Development Loan Program, and the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs.
“Numerous projects are in the pipeline, and we are continually improving existing programs. I trust that you will make the most of and utilize these benefits wisely,” remarked Marcos during the OFW Family Day in Pasay City.
“Alongside your hard work overseas for the betterment of your families, we are exerting efforts to further develop our country, so that upon your return, you will witness significant positive changes,” added the President.
Marcos commended OFWs for their diligence, emphasizing that they are individuals the Philippines takes pride in.
“To our OFWs who demonstrate diligence, excellence, and resilience in your professions daily, becoming true examples of the modern Filipino worker: You are the genuine embodiment of pride for our nation,” declared the Chief Executive.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the public stance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. supporting the easing of restrictive economic provisions in the Constitution to allow for more foreign investments ostensibly for economic development, his big sister Senator Marcos has remained adamant against charter change or “Cha-Cha”.
The lady senator from Ilocos Norte — rumored to be eyeing as the running mate of Vice President Sara Duterte of Davao City in the 2028 presidential race — said she was surprised by PBBM’s proverbial change of heart because she thought they both agreed earlier that “Cha-Cha” is just a distraction from the country’s more pressing problems.
“Ako mismo, hindi ko ipagtatanggol yang Aquino na Konstitusyon. Siyempre Marcos ako. Maraming probisyon diyan talagang paghihiganti, paninigurado na wala nang Marcos na uupo,” Senator Marcos said in an ambush interview on Friday, December 15.
Earlier, she also ribbed her cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for pushing for “Cha-Cha” in 2004, hinting that just because he couldn’t win in presidential elections he wanted to become a Prime Minister.
Romualdez, however, only echoed PBBM’s preference for the tinkering of economic provisions in the Constitution and did not mention a shift to a unitary parliamentary system that will have a Prime Minister as head of government.
Senator Imee stressed that “Cha-Cha” should not be the government’s priority now as the country is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has called on government agencies to accelerate the construction of irrigation projects and other initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.
Marcos emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and the Filipino people in preparing for the potential adverse effects of El Niño. He has set a deadline for government agencies to complete all El Niño-related mitigation projects.
“Given the limited time we have left, these projects have become more crucial and urgent. With just four months remaining, we need to ensure the completion and operational readiness of all these endeavors,” Marcos stated during his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the Balbalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (BSRIP) in Nueva Ecija.
He further stressed that he has tasked government departments to evaluate what can be accomplished by April of the following year, ensuring that by May, sufficient water supply is available in anticipation of the dry season.
Additionally, Marcos reminded the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to swiftly finalize the construction of irrigation facilities.
The Department of Science and Technology predicted that at least six (6) provinces in the Philippines will be hardest hit by the El Nino phenomenon beginning in March next year.
(ai/mnm)