MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are celebrating a remarkable milestone today, Wednesday (17 April 2024), as they commemorate their 31st wedding anniversary.
The First Couple, known for their enduring bond, took to social media to express their heartfelt wishes to each other on this special occasion.
In a touching gesture, President Marcos shared a collage of cherished moments on his Instagram account, accompanied by a heartfelt “Happy Anniversary” message dedicated to the First Lady.
“Thank you for a wonderful 31 years of marriage,” expressed the President in the caption of his post, encapsulating their journey together.
Not to be outdone in expressing love and gratitude, the First Lady also shared a collage of their shared memories captured in April 1993, April 2018, and April 2024, offering a glimpse into their journey over the years.
Their union, which began in Italy on April 17, 1993, blossomed from a chance encounter in New York in 1986, where the President met the First Lady, then a distinguished lawyer.
Together, they have been blessed with three sons: Senior House Deputy Majority Leader Sandro, Joseph Simon, and William Vincent.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) has affirmed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to support President Ferdinand Marcos “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., despite calls to withdraw support from the Chief Executive.
As the President, Marcos also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the AFP.
“The AFP remains steadfast in upholding the Constitution under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” stated Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro in a declaration on Tuesday (April 16, 2024).
Teodoro emphasized, “Efforts to sway them from this duty or to coerce them into supporting a partisan agenda are futile, especially when such agenda aligns with foreign interests conflicting with our national interests.”
He added that demands for the AFP to “withdraw support” would only lead to potential criminal investigations.
Earlier, Davao del Norte First District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez had urged the AFP to revoke their support for Marcos.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The cat is out of the bag, so to speak.
This is after former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte affirmed his love for China as he also expressed doubts that the United States will defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack in the South China Sea.
This developed as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (12 April 2024) questioned Duterte as to what he compromised in the “secret agreement” he made with China.
“The first question that I have is clear so now, we need to know, what did you agree to? What did you compromise? Ano ‘yung pinamigay niyo? Bakit nagagalit sa atin ang mga kaibigan natin sa China dahil hindi kami sumusunod? Ano ‘yung dapat naming gawin? Ano ‘yung laman nu’ng secret agreement na ‘yan?” Marcos Jr. said.
But this time, FPRD could no longer conceal where his heart was.
“I love China more than the Americans, simply because I do not believe in their habit, and the habit of saying things and doing what they are doing now,” Duterte said in the article posted on April 12 in the Global Times, a Chinese state-funded English language newspaper.
The feisty ex-president also told Chinese journalists that the US is provoking the Philippine government to “find a quarrel and eventually maybe start a war.”
“So I am very sure of that – America is giving the instructions to the Philippine government to ‘not be afraid because we will back you up,’” Duterte said.
“But I do not think that America will die for us. And yet America has so many bases in the Philippines now,” he stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken a decisive step by prohibiting government officials and personnel from utilizing sirens, blinkers, and similar signaling or flashing devices.
In his Administrative Order (AO) No. 18, Marcos highlighted the rampant unauthorized and indiscriminate use of such devices, which have led to traffic disruptions and compromised road safety.
The order specifically bans the use of gadgets producing exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and blinkers.
However, exemptions have been made for vehicles of essential services such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), fire trucks, hospital ambulances, and other emergency vehicles. Marcos cautioned that any unauthorized or improper use of signaling or flashing devices would face legal consequences in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Furthermore, Marcos directed the Department of Transportation and other relevant government agencies to review, regulate, and update existing policies to ensure the effective implementation of AO 18. This underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining order and safety on the roads while ensuring the smooth passage of emergency responders.
In a parallel move, Marcos also addressed the proliferation and unauthorized use of protocol license plates by government officials. Executive Order (EO) 56, which amends EO No. 400 (s. 2005), now limits the number of officials entitled to use protocol license plates to 14, down from the previous 16. This measure aims to streamline the issuance process and curb misuse.
The revised list includes top-ranking officials such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, among others. The EO specifies that the assignment of protocol license plates is subject to recommendations from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and approval from the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Furthermore, the EO prohibits the transfer of protocol license plates to unauthorized individuals or vehicles, emphasizing strict adherence to regulations. The DOTr is mandated to maintain a registry of issued protocol license plates and develop guidelines in collaboration with the LTO to prevent any expansion of the list of authorized users.
Both AO 18 and EO 56, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, will come into effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to promoting accountability, safety, and efficiency in public service.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (April 10, 2024) said that he is considering to revert to the old school calendar as there have been suspensions of classes due to extreme heat.
“Sa aming palagay baka mahirapan pa tayo. Ngunit hangga’t may paraan ay gagawan natin ng paraan para mapaaga at mabilis ang pagbalik sa normal na schedule ng mga bata,” Marcos said.
“Hangga’t maaari gusto nating ibalik sa dati. Dahil, I think, medyo may consensus na talaga na mas maganda ‘yung dating schedule kaya’t hindi naman sinasabi na hindi natin gagawin before next year, or the year after that.
Earlier, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said that it hopes the school calendar will revert to the original schedule from June to March.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that reducing the timeline for the gradual shift of reverting the school calendar would have significant impacts on learning outcomes and well-being of learners and teachers due to the lack of sufficient breaks.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In what could be described as a proxy battle between those leaning towards the United States and those friendly to China, more adult Filipinos support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who is pro-US than the Duterte family and their political allies who are perceived to be “subservient” to the country whose coast guard and maritime militia are frequently incursing into the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
On Monday (8 April 2024), Octa’s Tugon ng Masa survey revealed that 31% of adult Filipinos support the current PBBM administration while 20% still support the Duterte political dynasty and their allies.
Octa said the survey was conducted nationwide from March 11 to 14 with a margin of error of ±3%.
It added that there were 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 and above from Class AB, C, D, or E homes who were interviewed for the study.
Based on the survey, Marcos Jr. garnered the highest support from the National Capital Region at 43% and received the lowest support from Mindanao at 17%.
PBBM received the highest support from Class D at 32% and received the lowest support from Class ABC at 27%.
For the Duterte political dynasty and their allies, the highest support came from Mindanao at 53% while they received the lowest support from Balanced Luzon at 7%.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos have made a complete recovery from their recent bout of flu-like symptoms, according to Malacañang. The presidential couple is now deemed to be “in excellent health.”
Following their illness, which necessitated the cancellation of several public engagements, both Marcos and the First Lady have been cleared of all symptoms by their attending physician, allowing them to swiftly return to their regular duties.
“Their attending physician has confirmed that they are free from all symptoms, enabling them to promptly return to their regular duties, effective immediately,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated.
Marcos wasted no time in resuming his responsibilities, convening several meetings throughout the day. He is scheduled to resume his public duties fully starting tomorrow.
Upcoming engagements for the Chief Executive include a courtesy visit to Malacañang by a congressional delegation from the United States on Tuesday and the change-of-command ceremony of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame on Wednesday (27 March 2024).
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged Catholics to make the most of the Holy Week as a time for reflection, emphasizing the importance of embodying kindness and selflessness.
“In this solemn occasion, let us not only seek to unravel the mysteries of our faith but also illuminate the path for others through acts of kindness and selflessness,” Marcos stated in his Holy Week message.
“I pray that we may humbly accept our authentic selves as imperfect beings, for it is by embracing our humanity that we can experience the divine,” he added.
Filipino Catholics commenced the Holy Week by attending Palm Sunday masses and engaging in various activities in different churches.
The President also expressed hope that Catholics would be remembered not for their achievements, but for the light that ignites within everyone’s hearts.
“Let us be the light that shines through the shadows, the love that triumphs over despair, and the hope that radiates to all humankind,” he concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced that both chambers of Congress have aligned in their efforts to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
In a media interview in Prague on Friday (15 March 2024), President Marcos stated, “The Senate is continuing with the hearings, and the House [of Representatives] has already passed the proposal on second reading. What is crucial to note is that the resolutions put forward by both chambers are practically identical. This convergence signifies a significant milestone in our legislative process. We have reached a consensus.”
Reflecting on the journey of these discussions, President Marcos remarked, “We were well aware of the initial contentious nature of this endeavor. However, we are now traversing a common path between the two chambers. This unity is paramount.”
House Speaker Martin Romualdez emphasized the substantial deliberation the lower chamber has dedicated to the Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH 7), indicating a focused commitment to advancing the discussions.
RBH 7, which seeks to enhance foreign ownership in critical industries, was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday (13 March 2024).
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri affirmed that the Senate’s progress is on schedule, with approximately three more hearings remaining before advancing to further deliberation.
President Marcos previously underscored that existing economic provisions are impeding potential investors from engaging in operations within the country.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA – During President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to Germany, the Philippines has successfully secured investments totaling at least USD 4 billion (PHP 222 billion) across various sectors.
President Marcos announced this achievement in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, highlighting the significance of the business deals in Germany, the economic powerhouse of the European Union.
“Last year’s significant investments from Germany underscore their confidence in us as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific. We eagerly welcome further collaborations in climate action and energy transition,” President Marcos stated.
During his visit, President Marcos became the first Philippine president in a decade to address German business leaders, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Germany, established on October 8, 1954.
At the Philippine-German Business Forum, President Marcos witnessed the exchange of eight agreements, comprising three letters of intent (LOI) from various German companies, two memoranda of agreement (MOA), and three memoranda of understanding (MOU).
Among these agreements, the first LOI aims to develop a partner hospital into a training center supporting the needs of lower-tier hospitals.
In contrast, the second focuses on establishing an Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub to foster an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines.
The third LOI involves a strategic and digital partnership in healthcare with the Department of Health to revolutionize healthcare in the country.
Additionally, a MOA was signed between the Philippine government and a German company to rehabilitate and reclaim degraded farmlands, and an MOA was established to expand collaborations in various sectors such as mobility solutions, software services, and manufacturing.
Furthermore, three MOUs were signed during President Marcos’ visit, including agreements to invest in a fully integrated solar cell manufacturing facility, manufacture high-end automobiles, and establish data centers for a digital insurance platform.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of Germany as a key partner for the Philippines, given its status as the largest economy in the European Union and its global leadership in technology and innovation.
He also highlighted the Philippines’ trade relations with Germany, which ranked as the country’s 12th largest trading partner in 2022, with total trade reaching USD 4.7 billion, making Germany the top trading partner within the European Union.
President Marcos concluded his speech by reaffirming the government’s commitment to implementing policy reforms and key legislations further to enhance the Philippines’ attractiveness to foreign investors.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. arrived on Sunday (03 Mar 2024) evening in Melbourne to attend the 50th ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.
He was joined by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegates.
The President will participate in the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit where he will reiterate the position of the Philippines on the regional and international issues and thank the Australian government for its unwavering support for the rule of law.
The President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Cambodia and New Zealand to further strengthen the countries’ cooperation.
Marcos is also expected to meet with the Filipino community in Melbourne and promote business through the Philippine Business Forum of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has pledged to address the El Niño issue in the country through tailored approaches, recognizing the varying conditions across different regions.
Marcos emphasized that the government has noted disparate impacts, with some areas experiencing drought while others contend with flooding.
“In Mindanao, El Niño manifests differently compared to Luzon and the Visayas, particularly Western Visayas, where we see significant water shortages,” remarked the President.
“Here in the South, however, we face flooding. Therefore, our response strategies differ accordingly. We will persist in this approach,” he added.
Furthermore, Marcos underscored the need for infrastructure development to ensure a reliable water supply for agricultural irrigation and fisheries.
“We are focusing on enhancing livelihoods, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. These endeavors necessitate a consistent water supply for irrigation and domestic consumption. Hence, the construction of vital infrastructure is imperative,” he explained.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the expanded Centenarian Act, Republic Act No. 11982, on Monday (26 Feb 2024), which will provide a P10,000 cash gift to individuals aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 years old.
Under this legislation, Filipino citizens who reach the remarkable age of 100 will receive a P100,000 cash gift.
“The expansion of the Centenarians Act is a testament to the Filipino spirit of compassion, as in our culture, few are held in higher regard and showered with more love and care than our elderly,” Marcos expressed.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to these pillars of our society. Yet, they deserve more than mere financial assistance. What they truly need is a comprehensive support system that every society owes to its aging population.”
The expanded coverage of the law was approved by Congress in December 2023.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is scheduled to embark on a two-day state visit to Australia next week, from February 28 to 29, 2024.
Marcos is expected to deliver an address at the Australian Parliament, focusing on the vision for the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Australia signed in 2023.
During his visit, the President will hold separate meetings with senior officials from Australia to discuss regional issues, trade, investments, people-to-people exchanges, multilateral cooperation, and defense and security.
New agreements in areas of shared interest are anticipated to be signed, further strengthening the robust partnership between the Philippines and Australia and enhancing interactions for mutual capacity building.
This year marks the 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia, to be celebrated in November.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (20 Feb 2024) reiterated his stance that the International Criminal Court (ICC) will not have jurisdiction in the Philippines.
This comes in response to queries about whether his position would change following the results of a survey showing that 55 percent of Filipinos favor the country’s cooperation with an ICC probe into the drug war.
“It opens a Pandora’s Box. It’s still a matter of jurisdiction and sovereignty. I have yet to see a satisfactory answer to these questions. Until then, I do not recognize their jurisdiction in the Philippines,” Marcos stated.
“It’s not about the evidence. It’s about the ICC’s jurisdiction in the Philippines. They can present as much evidence as they want, but they cannot enforce it in the Philippines. That’s the crux of the matter,” the President emphasized.
Marcos had previously declared his unwillingness to cooperate with the ICC’s probe into the drug war during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called on Congress to focus its efforts on amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to enhance investment competitiveness.
Marcos stated that he has been engaged in discussions with both Houses of Congress regarding the necessary amendments.
The House of Representatives previously introduced Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, aligning with the Senate’s RBH No. 6, which aims to amend economic provisions.
“In my view, actions speak louder than words. It is crucial to accomplish these amendments rather than merely proclaiming intentions. Thus, we are diligently pursuing this objective with a low profile. Our aim is to seamlessly integrate these amendments into the Constitution to bolster investment opportunities and enhance the skills of our workforce,” Marcos emphasized.
He further emphasized that the current approach to amendment reflects the strategy he advocated from the outset, with the Senate taking the lead.
“I have consistently maintained that the Senate should lead this effort, and I’m pleased to see that they have. As the two Houses collaborate and reach a consensus, we will proceed accordingly,” Marcos added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Exhorting the men and women of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to uphold integrity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the agency to remain a symbol of trust, honesty, and efficiency.
During the agency’s 122nd anniversary celebration at the Rizal Park Hotel on Tuesday (13 February 2024), Finance Secretary Ralph Recto also commended the BOC for its incredible dedication and valuable contributions to its mission.
“The President himself has specifically emphasized that we must ensure a future where the BOC remains a symbol of trust, honesty, and efficiency — principles that will nurture a thriving economic environment and form the bedrock of every Filipino’s aspirations,” Recto said.
The newly-appointed Finance chief highlighted the BOC’s role in upholding the integrity of international trade, protecting national interest, and promoting economic growth and stability.
Meanwhile, BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip “Jet” Maronilla has expressed confidence that the agency will likely continue its streak of meeting its monthly goal collection in February.
The BOC has a collection goal of less than P70 billion this month of February.
Maronilla noted that since February is usually inventory season, it could affect the volume of imports.
“Usually during the Chinese New Year, there’s an inventory period of about two weeks, they do it in China. So it’s going to affect about two weeks of our collection. (Despite) the drop in the volume, we’re hoping to have a surplus still. We’re pretty confident that we’ll be able to meet the February target, even despite the drop in volume,” he said.
For his part, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the agency under his leadership is committed to meeting the collection goal of around P1 trillion this year.
“The BOC is geared up for intensified efforts in 2024. We are committed to working twice as hard to ensure that we meet and exceed our year-end revenue target,” Rubio said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism on Saturday (11 Feb 2024) that the Year of the Dragon would usher in good fortune and prosperity for the Philippines.
In his Chinese New Year message, Marcos called upon everyone to embrace the spirited essence of the dragon’s realm, stating, “The boundless opportunities of this Year of the Dragon await us.”
“This occasion is teeming with possibilities as we come together to honor the legacy of the dragon, an enduring symbol of strength, wisdom, and bravery,” he remarked.
“In its majestic presence, let us contemplate our achievements of the past year, cherishing the victories that uplifted our spirits and enriched our souls.”
Marcos expressed his hope that the successes of 2023 would reignite everyone’s enthusiasm and optimism, propelling the nation towards greater accomplishments.
He urged the public to maintain a steadfast commitment and determination to turn their aspirations into reality.
“As the vibrant hues of lanterns illuminate the sky and the rhythmic cadence of drums fills the air, a new chapter unfurls before us,” he declared.
“As one diverse yet united community, let us immerse ourselves in the richness of our cultural heritage and lay the foundation for a more peaceful, harmonious, and progressive Philippines.”
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by China and Chinese communities worldwide with traditional lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and decorations for auspiciousness.
This year’s celebration falls on February 10, marking the onset of the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing power, strength, and imperial influence.
Many members of the Filipino-Chinese community observe the Chinese New Year in Binondo, recognized as the world’s oldest Chinatown, established in 1954 as a permanent settlement of Chinese immigrants during the Spanish colonial era.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has pledged that no Filipino will go hungry under the “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative, emphasizing a revitalized agriculture sector.
“Our collective efforts to develop the agriculture sector are just one of the key steps towards building a New Philippines—where no one goes hungry, and everyone actively contributes to a more prosperous future,” he stated during his speech at the ceremonial palay harvesting and distribution of various assistance in Pampanga.
Marcos assured farmers of government support in all their endeavors, emphasizing that every seed they plant lays the foundation for a robust and bountiful future.
The President also expressed gratitude to the farmers for their hard work and dedication.
“To our beloved farmers, your dedication, sacrifices, and perseverance truly serve as inspiration to us all. Your hands, diligently cultivating the land you sow, breathe life and vitality into our nation,” he remarked.
(el amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. told the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Vietnam that their presence in the southeast Asian country has been showing the strong Philippine-Vietnam relations.
“Isang patunay ng malapit na ugnayan ng ating dalawang bansa ay ang tinatawag nating people-to-people connections. At kayo, ang mga Pilipino na nandito sa Vietnam, ang patunay kung gaano kalapit ang ating mga bansa,” Marcos said during a meeting with the Filipino community in Vietnam.
“Kaya’t ako’y lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat dahil napapadali ang aking trabaho dahil sa magandang reputasyon na itinaguyod niyo sa pamamagitan ng inyong sipag at tiyaga dito sa Vietnam.”
The President also expressed his gratitude and said that OFWs have won admiration in different parts of the world, adding he that won’t be surprised if Vietnamese leaders also heaped praises on their performance.
The Philippines and Vietnam established formal diplomatic relations on July 12, 1976, with ties now spanning 47 years.
The two countries elevated international relations to a strategic partnership in 2015.
(el Amigo/MNM)