By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio is free to run for president in 2028, calling it her privilege.

“I think it’s too premature, but it is her privilege,” Bersamin said on Wednesday, January 15, 2024.

On Tuesday, Duterte-Carpio confirmed that she is “seriously considering” a presidential run in 2028.

“Yes, ma’am. We are seriously considering,” she said.

The Vice President currently faces three impeachment complaints before the House of Representatives.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The crowd estimate at Quirino Grandstand for the “National Rally for Peace” has reached 1,410,344 as of 2 p.m., according to the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO).

Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo from Metro Manila, Region 3, and Regions 4A & B gathered at the Quirino Grandstand.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin expressed hope that the rally would help clarify important issues.

“To peaceably assemble is a fundamental right guaranteed by our Constitution, cherished by our people, and consistently upheld by this administration,” Bersamin said.

“We view today’s assembly as part of the national conversation we need to have as a people to bring clarity and consensus on the issues that affect us all and our future,” he added.

“Higit sa lahat, umaasa kami na ang mga ipapahayag na opinyon ay makakatulong sa paglilinaw ng mga usaping kinakaharap ng ating bansa at maghahatid sa atin sa tunay na pagkakaisa na ating inaasam.”

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. suspended classes and work in Manila and Pasay City in line with the rally.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin reaffirmed that martial law is not on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s agenda following the reorganization of the National Security Council (NSC).

Bersamin emphasized that the administration’s priorities lie in the country’s economic growth, the improvement of public health and welfare, especially for the underprivileged, and the completion of Marcos’ legacy projects.

“What the President is focused on is the country’s economic prosperity, the welfare of the people—especially the lower classes—and the prioritization of his legacy projects,” said the Palace official.

“It’s not about martial law. It’s not about extending his power. No, he is not thinking about that. He doesn’t even consider it,” he added.

Earlier, Marcos issued Executive Order No. 81 to reorganize the NSC.

The reorganization aims to strengthen the NSC as an institution capable of addressing evolving domestic and international challenges and opportunities, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to “compare notes” in preparation for the days ahead in the brand-new year.

Communications Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez stated that the meeting was held in anticipation of the administration’s first full Cabinet meeting, scheduled for 2025.

He emphasized that this is a significant step for the administration as they look to solidify their plans and strategies for the days ahead in the brand-new year.

“The President will be comparing notes with the Executive Secretary today,” Chavez said. “This includes the agenda for the first Cabinet meeting, which will cover key issues such as economic recovery, healthcare improvements, and national security.”

Chavez confirmed that the meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 7, and noted that it will serve as an important platform for aligning the administration’s priorities and ensuring cohesive governance.

Additionally, Chavez mentioned that the President will also hold private meetings with various sectoral representatives to gain insights and feedback on pressing national concerns. These meetings are expected to provide valuable input that will inform the administration’s policy-making process.

The upcoming Cabinet meeting is highly anticipated, with many stakeholders eager to see the administration’s plans and policies for the coming year.

The meeting is expected to address critical issues facing the nation and set the tone for the administration’s approach moving forward.

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Monday (December 23, 2024) that the governance scorecard should not be limited to surveys alone.

Bersamin made the statement after a Pulse Asia survey showed a slight drop in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s approval rating compared to September. The approval rating decreased from 50 percent to 48 percent.

“We respect the fact that surveys are merely ‘dipstick’ readings of public opinion,” Bersamin said. “But we believe the governance scorecard should not be confined to polls. Relying solely on surveys as an indicator would divert our attention from more important metrics, like employment, which reliably measure our nation’s progress.”

He emphasized that public interest drives every executive decision, not the pursuit of high ratings in opinion polls.

“True leadership often requires pursuing actions that are right, even if they are not popular,” the Palace official stressed.

Bersamin reiterated that they remain focused on their mission to uplift lives, grow the economy, and secure the country’s future.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced on Wednesday (Dec. 18, 2024) that the signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) scheduled for December 20 will not proceed.

Bersamin explained that the delay is to provide more time for a thorough and exhaustive review of the measure, which will shape the nation’s direction for the coming year.

“The ongoing assessment is being led by the President himself, in consultation with the heads of major departments,” he said.

The Palace official confirmed that a new signing date has yet to be announced but assured that certain items and provisions in the national budget bill will be vetoed “in the interest of public welfare, to align with the fiscal program, and in compliance with existing laws.”

Last Wednesday, the bicameral conference committee approved the final version of House Bill No. 10800, which proposes a P6.352 trillion budget.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified on Tuesday (December 3, 2024) that the Office of the President (OP) has no involvement in the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in the House of Representatives.

Bersamin described the complaint, lodged by several private citizens, as “clearly an independent initiative.”

“The impeachment complaint filed in the House of Representatives by several private citizens is clearly the complainants’ independent initiative, and its endorsement is the prerogative of any Member of the House of Representatives. The Office of the President has nothing to do with it,” Bersamin said in a statement.

His remarks followed the filing of the impeachment complaint against Duterte-Carpio on Monday.

Bersamin also reiterated that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s earlier statement implying no support for calls to impeach the Vice President was “unambiguous.”

Marcos previously said he does not support the calls, emphasizing that such a move would not benefit the Filipino people.

“This is not important. This does not make any difference to even one single Filipino life. So, why waste time on this?” the President stated.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Malacañang will not prevent former President Rodrigo Duterte from surrendering to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if he chooses to do so.

“If the former President desires to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the ICC, the government will neither object to nor hinder the fulfillment of his wish,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a statement on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Bersamin also stated that the government is prepared to cooperate with Interpol if it issues a Red Notice.

“If the ICC refers the process to Interpol, resulting in a red notice being transmitted to Philippine authorities, the government will be obliged to consider the notice a request to be honored. Domestic law enforcement agencies would then be bound to provide full cooperation to Interpol, following established protocols,” he explained.

During the House quad committee hearing on Wednesday, Duterte, who was present as a resource person, urged the ICC to expedite the investigation against him.

“I am asking the ICC to hurry up. If possible, they can come here and start the investigation tomorrow. This issue has been left hanging for so many years,” Duterte said.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated on Monday (14 Oct 2024) that the Philippines will not rejoin the Rome Statute.

This announcement follows calls for the Marcos administration to submit information to the International Criminal Court (ICC) revealed during hearings in the House of Representatives related to the war on drugs.

The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the ICC in The Hague.

Bersamin also mentioned that he does not expect the President’s stance on this matter to change.

“The Philippines will not return to the ICC,” he said.

“Based on this, the President is not expected to change his mind and refer the quadcomm matter to the ICC,” the Executive Secretary added.

It can be recalled that the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in March 2019, during the time of then President Rodrigo Duterte, chief architect of the bloody war on drugs where according to some report claimed at least 30,000 lives.

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By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Saturday (April 13, 2024) that the issuance of preventive suspension of Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib did not violate his right to due process.

“Firstly, this office ordered the respondent’s suspension to prevent any undue interference in the conduct of the investigation,” Bersamin said in a statement.

“[S]econdly, the preventive suspension of Gov. Jubahib was ordered only after the issues were joined in accordance with Section 63 (a) of Republic Act No. 7160 and Sections 1 and 4, Rule 6 of Administrative Order No. 23 series of 1992,” he added.

The Office of the President (OP) issued  60-day preventive suspension of Jubahin after it made a thorough assessment of the administrative complaint filed by Board Member Orly Amit against the governor.

“The OP found that the complaint sufficiently alleged grave abuse of authority and oppression on the part of Gov. Jubahib in connection with the recall of BM Amit’s service vehicle without legal basis,” Bersamin added.

Meanwhile, the OP remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in all administrative proceedings, the Executive Secretary said.

(el Amigo/MNM)