By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated that the alliance will continue to support Senator Imee Marcos despite her decision to withdraw from the administration’s Senate slate.
“That’s fine… That’s her choice. I suppose it gives her a little bit of scope and freedom to make her own schedule to campaign the way that she would like to do,” the President said.
On Monday, Imee announced that she would not be joining the administration’s Senate slate and has chosen to run independently.
Despite this, Marcos affirmed that the alliance will continue to support her.
“The Alyansa is still behind her; we are continuing to support her, and if down the road she chooses to join us in the campaign sorties, she’s very welcome,” he said.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is composed of various political parties, including the President’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), and Nacionalista Party (NP).
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared special non-working holidays in five localities across the country.
Through Proclamation No. 693, Marcos designated Friday, October 4, 2024, as a special non-working day in Infanta, Pangasinan, in celebration of its 148th Founding Anniversary.
Proclamation No. 694 declares Wednesday, October 16, 2024, a special non-working day in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, to mark its 67th Founding Anniversary. Similarly, Proclamation No. 695 designates Friday, October 25, 2024, as a holiday in Negros Oriental for the Buglasan Festival.
Additionally, Proclamation No. 696 declares Saturday, October 26, 2024, a special non-working day in Angeles City, Pampanga, for the Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan Festival, commemorating the city’s recovery from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in June 1991.
Finally, Proclamation No. 697 designates Monday, October 28, 2024, as a special non-working day in Dingle, Iloilo, to allow residents to participate in the commemoration of the Cry of Lincud, the first declaration of revolution against Spain in the province of Iloilo and the island of Panay.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, or Republic Act No. 12022, on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
The new law aims to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector by addressing illegal activities that disrupt the food supply chain and drive up prices.
RA 12022 defines offenses related to agricultural economic sabotage, including smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel operations that affect the availability and affordability of food in the country.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the law is designed to make food more accessible and affordable for Filipinos while boosting income opportunities for local farmers and fisherfolk.
The new legislation repeals Republic Act No. 10845, the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, replacing it with more comprehensive measures to ensure stricter enforcement and better implementation.
“Ultimately, this legislation aligns with the Administration’s broader commitment to achieving food security and supporting the agricultural sector, which remains a vital pillar of the Philippine economy,” the PCO added.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his support for the Private Sector Advisory Council’s (PSAC) proposals to enhance internet connectivity and improve flood mitigation, emphasizing their significance for Filipinos, especially those in remote areas.
During a meeting with PSAC’s infrastructure and digital sector groups at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, Marcos acknowledged the importance of the council’s recommendations.
“The Private Sector Advisory Council’s (PSAC) recommendations on expanding internet access and strengthening flood mitigation efforts are crucial for ensuring better connectivity and services in the most remote areas of our country,” Marcos stated in a Facebook post.
“With the help of our private sector partners, we are building a future where every Filipino, no matter how far, is connected and empowered to succeed for a New Philippines,” he added.
Although Marcos did not go into detail about the specific recommendations presented by PSAC during the meeting, recent discussions have focused on addressing water security and enhancing flood control.
On August 29, Marcos also met with the PSAC-Infrastructure Group to deliberate on proposals that prioritize flood control measures, including the establishment of flood control basins. These basins are part of the government’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects, which focus on managing 88 rivers identified by the Integrated Water Resources Management Office.
PSAC further noted that improved pipelines and water systems have played a significant role in reducing system losses and mitigating flood risks in vulnerable areas.
In a related development, the National Economic and Development Authority Board approved a PHP16.1 billion budget in July for the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project (PDIP), aimed at enhancing internet connectivity nationwide, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. However, the allocated funding was lower than the PSAC’s initial proposal of PHP240 billion.
The PDIP is designed to bridge the digital divide by improving broadband connectivity, especially in underserved regions.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has certified the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), which outlines the 2025 fiscal year budget, as urgent.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed this development.
A letter signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin affirms the certification for the swift enactment of House Bill 10800.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of House Bill No. 10800,” the letter stated.
This allows the House of Representatives to approve the proposed ₱6.352-trillion national budget on both second and third readings on the same day.
Earlier, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed the House’s commitment to pass HB No. 10800 before Congress adjourns for its short break.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday (23 Sept 2024) welcomed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 12021 or An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is the law which, among other provisions, prescribes the rights and duties of Filipino sailors, their qualifications, terms of employment, and education, and training requirements.
“This historic piece of legislation will ensure the protection and continuous employment of our Filipino sailors, most of whom are employed by foreign shipping companies. They will be able to continue to support their families back home,” Romualdez said.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said the law updates existing regulations to keep them abreast with world standards.
“With this measure, we hope we can remain to be the largest supplier of seafarers in the world,” Romualdez said.
He added that the signing of the law is timely, since the world is celebrating Maritime Day 2024 on Thursday.
Romualdez also noted that the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers also protects women sailors against discrimination.
He said aside from continuing to support their families, Filipino mariners account for a large part of foreign exchange remittances to the country.
“Their remittances contribute significantly to keeping the economy on the high-growth path,” Romualdez said.
“Our seafarers are among our modern-day heroes,” the Speaker stressed.
The highlights of the law include provisions on seafarers’ rights and duties, women in the maritime industry, emergency rescue of domestic seafarers, manning levels and crew competency requirements, terms and conditions of employment; accommodation and food;
Medical care, inspection and enforcement, green lane for overseas and domestic mariners, requirements for Philippine-registered ships on shipboard training, incentives and awards granted to the maritime industry, repatriation, reintegration, education and training, and dispute resolution.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acide, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, said the law sufficiently addresses the concerns of foreign employers on the education, training and competency of Filipino seafarers.
“We hope our sailors will not face the same threats of being blacklisted made in the past by some shipping companies in Europe due to these concerns,” he said.
“Our law conforms with international legislation and standards, which means that foreign companies will mostly likely continue employing our sailors,” Acidre said.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced Thursday (19 Sept 2024) his commitment to promote agricultural studies to encourage more students to pursue this vital field.
Marcos emphasized the importance of agricultural courses in achieving the nation’s goal of a sustainable food supply.
The President made these remarks during the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs), e-titles, and the inauguration of farm-to-market roads in Coron, Palawan.
He noted that many students tend to avoid agriculture-related courses, prompting his administration to highlight their significance to the country’s development.
“Ngunit kailangan natin ng mga magsasaka. Kaya’t kasama po sa charter ng Agrarian Reform Program na ang lahat ng mga kabataan na dumaan at naging estudyante sa kurso ng agrikultura ay mabibigyan din… ng lupa,” Marcos stated.
He further explained that land titles will be granted to graduates of agricultural courses to support their ventures into farming.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio stated on Wednesday (Sept. 18, 2024) that she is not personally friends with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Duterte-Carpio, who was Marcos’ running mate in the 2022 elections under the UniTeam banner, clarified their relationship.
“We’ve never really talked much. We’re not friends,” Duterte-Carpio said, referring to the President.
“We only got to know each other because we became running mates. Even before that, we weren’t in communication. We only talked during the campaign and because of work,” she added.
The Vice President did mention, however, that she shares a close relationship with Marcos’ sister, Senator Imee Marcos.
“My real friend is Senator Imee Marcos. She’s known me since 2012,” Duterte-Carpio said.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Department of Health (DOH) to collaborate on bolstering the public information campaign for child immunization.
Marcos directed PCO Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez to assist in effectively communicating the initiative to the public.
“We need to get people talking, so they understand that this is necessary for their children,” the President emphasized.
He also underscored the importance of partnering with media outlets to disseminate public service announcements.
“We should utilize all available air time,” Marcos added.
According to a report from the DOH, the country has consistently fallen short of the 95% target for fully immunized children (FIC) since 2010.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will cover the hospital bills of patients currently confined or undergoing treatment in government hospitals in celebration of his 67th birthday today, Friday (13 Sept 2024).
“Today, we will shoulder the hospital expenses of all patients in public Level 3 hospitals across the country, such as the Dr. Paulino Garcia Memorial Hospital here in Nueva Ecija,” Marcos announced during the launch of the “Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program” in Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
The Department of Health (DOH) is set to release P328 million to 22 tertiary hospitals nationwide to cover the medical expenses of these patients.
The “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat” program was also launched on Friday.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), this program involves the simultaneous nationwide distribution of assistance and government services to all 82 provinces in the country.
“It aims to empower Filipinos by providing starter programs, training, and assistance, making government services more accessible, and working together toward a Bagong Pilipinas.”
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero praised President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for keeping his promise that “heads will roll” in connection with the escape of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
This follows the announcement by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Chief Cesar Chavez that Marcos approved the dismissal of Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
“I commend President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for acting decisively and swiftly in delivering on his promise to the nation that ‘heads will roll’ regarding the embarrassing escape of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo,” Escudero stated.
However, Escudero expressed skepticism that no other Filipino aided in Guo’s escape.
“I believe there were other individuals, possibly government officials beyond the Bureau of Immigration, who assisted her,” he added.
The Senate President also emphasized that non-Filipino individuals who helped facilitate Guo’s escape, particularly her financiers and associates, should be held accountable.
During a recent hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, senators once again cited Guo in contempt for repeatedly lying about her identity.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has vowed to ensure equal access to healthcare under his administration, regardless of political affiliations.
Marcos emphasized that politics should have no place in healthcare services.
“My instruction to GM Mel is clear—when it comes to ambulances and healthcare, we’re talking about people’s lives. Politics should be left out of it because I know how the system works,” the Chief Executive said during the distribution of 129 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to various local government units (LGUs).
The President also highlighted how, in the past, those with connections received priority, while ordinary citizens had to wait for services.
“That’s why I said, healthcare should not be politicized. Just wait for the ambulances to arrive,” Marcos added.
“This is why I am very, very happy—it’s true service to the people. It is free from political color and removed from political influence,” he concluded.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to eliminate favoritism in the distribution of medical transport vehicles to local government units (LGUs), ensuring fair access regardless of political ties.
Speaking at the Quirino Grandstand Tuesday (10 Sept 2024) during the handover of 129 ambulances under PCSO’s Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program, Marcos stressed the need for transparency and equality in providing healthcare resources.
“I told PCSO General Manager Mel Robles, healthcare should not be politicized. When I was governor, those with more influence got ambulances faster, while others had to wait,” said Marcos. “That should no longer be the case.”
The ambulances, valued at PHP2.1 million each, come equipped with stretchers, oxygen tanks, blood pressure monitors, and wheelchairs. Beneficiaries include 87 LGUs in Calabarzon, 25 in the Bicol Region, eight in Central Luzon, six in the Cordillera Administrative Region, and three in Cagayan Valley.
Marcos reiterated his administration’s commitment to healthcare, emphasizing that the ambulances would ensure swift patient transport during emergencies.
To date, 356 ambulances have been distributed, with plans to roll out a total of 1,000 units under a PHP2.2 billion budget approved by the President.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that all individuals implicated in assisting the escape of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo will be removed from their positions, with the government planning to file charges against them.
“Ang tanong ninyo sino ang sisibakin. Hindi lang namin sila sisibakin, kakasuhan pa namin sila dahil ang kanilang ginawa ay labag sa batas at against all the interest of the Filipino,” Marcos stated.
The President has not yet disclosed the identities or the number of individuals involved in Guo’s escape.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” he added.
Marcos also mentioned that the government is currently arranging Guo’s return to the country.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that Guo will be sent back to the Philippines “the soonest.”
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. commended law enforcement personnel for the successful arrest of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
Marcos made the statement after authorities confirmed that Guo was apprehended in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia, at around 1 a.m. on Wednesday (04 Sept 2024).
“I congratulate all law enforcement personnel who made this apprehension possible. The public may not be aware of the intricate details of this mission that you have successfully accomplished, but on their behalf, accept my thanks,” Marcos said.
The President assured that Guo will be entitled to legal protections but emphasized that the Philippine government will not allow the case to be prolonged.
“We will not allow this to delay the resolution of the case, whose outcome will be a victory for the Filipino people,” he added.
Marcos also expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for their assistance, noting that close cooperation between the two nations made the arrest possible.
The President further warned those who might attempt to evade justice, saying, “Such attempts are exercises in futility. The arm of the law is long, and it will reach you. This Government remains committed to upholding the rule of law.”
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Monday, September 2, 2024, that he has instructed relevant agencies to make early announcements on class suspensions due to Tropical Storm Enteng.
“We will try to release the bulletin as early as possible for both work and school tomorrow,” Marcos stated.
“My instruction to them is, if possible, we should already know by tonight whether there will be classes tomorrow so that people can adjust accordingly,” the President added.
Early Monday morning, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced the suspension of classes at all levels in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Additionally, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that government work in the NCR was suspended effective 8:30 a.m. due to continuous rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Enteng, which also caused flooding in some areas.
Later in the day, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla suspended classes in the province for Tuesday, September 3.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the vision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to reintegrate former rebels, a total of 300 housing units were officially turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) former combatants and their families in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).
During the turn over ceremony on Friday (30 August 2024) led by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, together with Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Alan Tanjusay and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., 200 indigenous peoples of the Sama, Kalibugan and Subanen indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) received their certificates of ownership in the municipality of Sibuco.
“Bahagi ito ng programa ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na masigurado natin na yung pinaka bulnerable nating komunidad—yung mga indigenous peoples (IPs), mga dati nating combatants—ay siguradong mare-reintegrate nang maayos sa ating lipunan,” Gatchalian told the beneficiaries of the housing units.
An additional 75 housing units funded by the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program – Modified Shelter Assistance Project (MSAP) will also be built in the municipality of Sibuco through the initiative of the local government unit (LGU).
The MSAP is a program jointly-implemented by the DSWD and OPAPRU that provides limited financial or material assistance to augment resources of families in constructing houses in relocation sites.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has enacted Republic Act No. 12019, the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act, aimed at bolstering the global response to climate change impacts.
Signed into law on Wednesday, RA 12019 grants the Loss and Damage Fund Board juridical personality and legal capacity. This global financial mechanism will support vulnerable nations grappling with climate-induced challenges.
The law, revealed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Thursday (29 Aug 2024), empowers the Board to manage both immovable and movable properties, engage in legal actions, and negotiate agreements, including a hosting arrangement with the World Bank, which will serve as the interim trustee and host of the Fund’s secretariat.
The Philippines has been chosen to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board, a decision made by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
This Fund is designed to aid developing countries in addressing economic and non-economic losses linked to climate change, such as extreme weather events and gradual environmental changes.
As the governing body, the Board will set strategic directions and oversee the Fund’s operations and work programs.
President Marcos highlighted that hosting the Board’s next meeting will enhance the Philippines’ capacity to secure financial support for climate initiatives and address climate impacts.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, that he has a strong lead on who may have assisted the escape of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
“Oh yes. The DOJ is almost finished with a very thorough investigation. I was just with the Secretary earlier today. We will identify all those involved and act swiftly,” Marcos said.
When asked if he had an idea whose ‘heads will roll,’ the President replied, “A very, very good idea. I have a very good idea.”
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed that Guo is currently in Jakarta, Indonesia. This information was revealed during a Senate panel inquiry into Guo’s whereabouts.
Earlier, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reported that Guo was in Batam, Indonesia, following the capture of two of her companions.
Currently, Alice Guo’s sister, Shiela Guo, and Cassandra Ong are in the custody of the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s trust and performance ratings saw an improvement in the second quarter of 2024, while Vice President Sara Z. Duterte experienced a decline, according to the latest survey from the OCTA Research Group.
OCTA’s “Tugon ng Masa” survey, conducted from June 30 to July 5, revealed that President Marcos’ trust rating increased to 71 percent, up from 69 percent in the first quarter of 2024. In contrast, Vice President Duterte’s trust rating dropped by 3 percentage points, landing at 65 percent from the previous 68 percent.
“This marks the first time President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has registered a higher trust and performance rating than Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in the last three years of the TNM surveys,” OCTA stated.
The survey highlighted that Vice President Duterte’s trust and performance ratings have been trending downward for two consecutive quarters in 2024.
President Marcos’ trust score saw a significant 8-percentage-point increase in Mindanao, Duterte’s home region, rising from 48 percent to 56 percent. His highest trust rating was recorded in Balance Luzon at 80 percent, followed by Metro Manila at 70 percent, and the Visayas at 69 percent.
Trust ratings for Marcos also saw an increase of 22 percentage points among adult Filipinos in Class ABC (74 percent), followed by Classes D (71 percent) and E (66 percent).
Approval of Marcos’ performance similarly rose by 3 percentage points, reaching 68 percent, up from 65 percent in the first quarter. His performance rating was highest in Balance Luzon at 75 percent, with an 8-percentage-point improvement in Mindanao (56 percent). Metro Manila and the Visayas followed with ratings of 68 percent and 65 percent, respectively.
Marcos’ performance approval also increased by 11 percentage points among Class ABC respondents (71 percent), with Classes D (68 percent) and E (64 percent) showing similar improvements.
Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte maintained her highest trust score in Mindanao, which increased by 9 percentage points to 95 percent. However, her ratings declined in Balance Luzon by 4 percentage points (from 48 percent to 52 percent) and in the Visayas by 3 percentage points (from 63 percent to 66 percent). In Metro Manila, her trust score stood at 60 percent.
Despite these declines, Duterte still earned her highest trust score from Class E respondents, although it fell by 4 percentage points, from 68 percent to 64 percent. This was followed by Classes D (65 percent) and ABC (64 percent).
Duterte’s performance ratings dropped across all regions, with the most significant declines in Metro Manila (a 6-percentage-point decrease, from 56 percent to 50 percent) and the Visayas (a 4-percentage-point decrease, from 64 percent to 60 percent). Her performance rating remained highest in Mindanao at 92 percent, while Balance Luzon recorded her lowest at 48 percent.
Among socioeconomic classes, Duterte’s performance rating decreased by 6 percentage points in Class E (from 71 percent to 65 percent) and by 3 percentage points in Class D (from 60 percent to 57 percent). Her lowest performance rating was among Class ABC, at 56 percent.
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