MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named Henry Rhoel Aguda, former president and CEO of UnionDigital Bank, as the new secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced Aguda’s appointment on Thursday, highlighting his expertise in digital transformation, banking, and cybersecurity.
Aguda replaced Ivan John Uy, who resigned earlier this month. Before taking on his new role, Aguda served as the Digital Infrastructure Lead at the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), which advises the government on private-public sector collaborations.
His career spans leadership roles in banking, telecommunications, and technology. He previously chaired City Savings Bank and UBX Philippines and held executive positions at Union Bank, Globe Telecom, and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Aguda has also been a director at Insular Health Care, BancNet, and the Philippine Clearing House Corp.
A distinguished academic achiever, Aguda earned his Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degrees cum laude from the University of the Philippines. He also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Currently, Aguda is pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Business Economics at the University of Asia and the Pacific.
His appointment signals the administration’s push for stronger digital innovation and cybersecurity in the country.
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MANILA — The Marcos administration is “prepared for any eventuality” in case the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz on Sunday (10 Mar 2025).
Duterte, who reportedly left the Philippines for Hong Kong on March 7, is facing a case at the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.
Speculation arose after reports suggested that an arrest warrant could be issued by the ICC, a development that was reportedly leaked to Duterte’s camp on March 8.
Ruiz confirmed the government’s readiness for any situation but declined to provide specific details on the warrant’s status. “We’ve heard that an arrest warrant has been issued by the ICC for crimes against humanity. The government is prepared for any eventuality,” he said.
Meanwhile, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that the Palace had not confirmed the issuance of an arrest warrant. “No confirmation of the arrest warrant from the Palace. But as the Executive Secretary (Lucas Bersamin) and the Secretary of Justice (Jesus Crispin Remulla) said, if Interpol requests assistance, the government will comply,” Castro stated.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and the Philippine National Police were also contacted for comments. Guevarra confirmed they had not received any notification from the ICC regarding the warrant.
Duterte’s war on drugs, which claimed at least 6,000 lives according to official reports, has been condemned by human rights groups, who estimate the death toll could be as high as 20,000. Duterte and former police chief, now Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, are among those implicated in the ICC’s ongoing crimes against humanity investigation.
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MANILA — The Philippine government will push to revive talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States during the upcoming meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US President Donald Trump, set to take place in April or May, according to Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez.
In a Tuesday (04 Mar 2025) interview, Romualdez expressed optimism that the Trump administration would be open to pursuing bilateral FTAs, noting that trade relations should always be fair between nations. He added that the Philippines currently doesn’t have major trade issues with the US, as the trade surplus in favor of the Philippines is relatively small compared to other countries.
While discussions on a potential bilateral FTA were initiated during Trump’s first term, talks were stalled when the Biden administration showed no interest in new preferential trade agreements.
Both leaders have expressed interest in meeting in person, and Romualdez confirmed ongoing communication with the White House regarding the agenda and potential scheduling for the meeting.
Additionally, Romualdez highlighted Manila’s intention to explore the import of liquefied natural gas from Alaska, with the US planning to revive its long-delayed $44 billion gas pipeline project.
Looking ahead, the ambassador remains confident that the Philippines-US alliance will remain strong under President Trump’s leadership. He recalled that the alliance was previously described as “ironclad” during Trump’s first term. Romualdez emphasized that the Marcos administration is focused on strengthening both the country’s defense and economy, in preparation for future challenges.
“More than ever, we must be ready to defend ourselves,” he said, noting that bolstering the armed forces is a priority for President Marcos.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday (06 Feb 2025) clarified that the executive branch has no involvement in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. Walang role ang executive sa impeachment,” Marcos stated during a press briefing at Malacañang.
He also emphasized that the House of Representatives and Senate must address the complaints after they were filed. “Once the impeachment complaints were filed, the House and the Senate, they have no choice. Nakatali na ang kamay nila (Their hands are tied). They have to do this,” he added.
Marcos noted that he would consider calling a special session if requested by the Senate.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, with 215 lawmakers endorsing the complaint to the Senate. However, the Senate has yet to address the issue, as it is currently on break.
The President also commented on his son, Sandro Marcos, Ilocos Norte representative, explaining that he advised his son to support the impeachment process and fulfill his duties as a lawmaker. “I told him, ‘the process has already begun. It’s your duty now to support the process,'” he said.
Despite the political developments, Marcos expressed confidence that the situation would not harm the country’s economic momentum.
The impeachment charges against VP Duterte include conspiracy to assassinate the First Couple and the House Speaker, malversation of confidential funds, bribery, corruption, unexplained wealth, and involvement in extrajudicial killings, among others.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ firm stance in protecting its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), despite China’s “monster ship” presence in the area.
During a Malacañang briefing, Marcos emphasized that the Philippines would maintain its presence in the disputed waters, regardless of China’s aggressive actions.
“No matter what they do, even if they ram our ships, use water cannons or lasers, or block our way, the Philippines will always be there,” said Marcos. “We will continue to defend our territory and protect our fishermen’s rights.”
While acknowledging the Philippines’ limited ability to confront China’s massive vessel, Marcos reaffirmed the country’s commitment to asserting its sovereignty.
“Our policy remains the same – we will defend our sovereign territory and rights in our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the President stated.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently forced China Coast Guard vessel 5901, nicknamed the “monster ship,” to move farther from the Zambales coastline, where it had been stationed for nearly a month.
Regarding recent remarks by Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, who denied the existence of the “West Philippine Sea” on other countries’ maps, Marcos suggested the comments were a political tactic, aimed at gaining attention ahead of elections.
“Marcoleta is a candidate, and he knows how to grab headlines,” the President said.
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MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not involve himself in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Malacañang announced on Monday (03 Feb 2025).
This came in response to claims that Marcos may be responsible for delays in the process.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified that the power to initiate and act on impeachment complaints rests solely with the House of Representatives.
He emphasized that the President respects Congress’s role as a co-equal branch of government.
“The power to initiate and act on impeachment complaints is the sole prerogative of the House of Representatives,” Bersamin stated, stressing the President’s hands-off approach.
Marcos had previously advised lawmakers to avoid pursuing Duterte’s impeachment, suggesting it would be unproductive and a waste of time.
Duterte is facing three impeachment complaints related to alleged misconduct and the misuse of government funds during her tenure as education secretary.
However, lawmakers have yet to address the complaints, with Congress set to adjourn next week ahead of the May midterm elections.
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MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made a bold statement in response to growing concerns over the constitutionality of the 2025 national budget, rejecting claims that the government might face a shutdown if the Supreme Court rules against it.
Marcos criticized those behind the petition, calling them out for allegedly seeking to destabilize the government. “This is exactly what they want—shut down everything. They want the government to grind to a halt so they can push their destabilization agenda forward,” he said to reporters. “Let them have their way, but the General Appropriations Act (GAA) is rock-solid in terms of constitutionality.”
The petitioners, including Marcos’ former executive secretary and senatorial aspirant Vic Rodriguez, and Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab, are challenging the legality of the 2025 budget, arguing that it contains irregularities, including so-called “blank items” in the bicameral conference committee report. The case names House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senate President Francis Escudero, and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin as respondents.
Despite the challenge, Marcos expressed confidence that the budget would stand up to scrutiny. “SolGen Menard [Guevarra] assures me we’re on solid constitutional ground. I don’t understand why they even bother with this nonsense,” he remarked, adding that the Solicitor General would handle the case in court.
Addressing the allegations about blank items, the president reaffirmed that the P6.326 trillion budget was thoroughly vetted. House Committee on Appropriations chairperson Stella Quimbo also reiterated that no blank items existed in the bill signed by Marcos.
On December 30, Marcos signed the budget into law, though he exercised his veto power to remove over P194 billion in line items he deemed inconsistent with his administration’s priorities.
Rodriguez, on the other hand, stood firm, asserting that a government shutdown would not occur even if the court sides with the petitioners. “If the high court issues a restraining order, the government will operate on a reenacted budget. It won’t shut down,” he countered. “Our petition is about safeguarding public funds, preventing misuse, and upholding the rule of law.”
As the legal battle continues, both sides remain steadfast in their positions, setting the stage for a prolonged standoff over the future of the 2025 national budget.
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MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has accused those challenging the constitutionality of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) before the Supreme Court (SC) of attempting to destabilize the government.
Speaking in Lapu-Lapu City on Thursday (30 Jan 2025), Marcos said that if the SC rules against the budget, there is no contingency plan in place. He added that this would be a deliberate attempt to paralyze government operations.
Marcos dismissed the petitioners’ claims, which challenge the legality of certain provisions in the 2025 budget, particularly alleging “blank items” in the bicameral report that could undermine transparency.
“Their assertion is very difficult to defend,” he said, expressing confidence in the strength of the government’s position.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who will represent the government in the case, assured that the budget is on solid constitutional ground.
Despite the petition, Guevarra emphasized that the constitutionality of the 2025 GAA is legally presumed until proven otherwise.
The petitioners, including Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab and former government officials, argue that the lack of specific details in the budget undermines fiscal accountability.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed pride in the Philippines’ 2024 economic achievements, emphasizing the need for better communication of these successes to the public.
At the 24th National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting in Malacañang on Thursday, Marcos acknowledged the country’s progress but stressed the importance of connecting government actions to the everyday lives of Filipinos.
“I’m quite satisfied. I’m even proud,” Marcos said, referring to the Philippine Development Report 2024. “We’ve achieved a lot, but we need to make it clearer to the public.”
The President highlighted the importance of using accessible language to explain these successes, noting the gap between government efforts and public understanding. “We’re falling behind in making the connection between what we are doing and how it affects ordinary Filipinos,” he added.
Marcos also addressed ongoing infrastructure projects like the Bataan-Cavite Bridge, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve access to key regions. He called for greater transparency in explaining the long-term benefits of such initiatives, particularly those related to food security and overall quality of life for Filipino families.
Looking ahead, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan outlined the government’s 2025 economic targets, which include a GDP growth target of 6 to 8 percent, up from last year’s 6 to 6.5 percent. The government also aims to maintain inflation between 2 to 4 percent and reduce poverty below 13.2 percent by the end of the year, with a long-term goal of 9 percent by 2028.
Plans for 2025 also include diversifying growth drivers, adopting new technologies, and enhancing productivity, with a focus on ensuring fiscal programs support continued growth. Regular monitoring and integration into budgeting and planning will be key to these efforts.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that the government is actively addressing the issue of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), including creating a task force to combat them.
“Alam ko rin po na labis ang inyong pagkabahala sa mga kriminalidad at iligal na mga gawain na sumisira sa kapayapaan ng inyong pamayanan. Nais ko pong ipaalam sa inyo na amin pong tinututukan at tinutugunan ang problemang ito,” said President Marcos.
He mentioned that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has established a task force to tackle illegal POGOs, while the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is working closely with other agencies to address the issue of prohibited drugs.
The President highlighted that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is leading the campaign against illegal drugs.
“Naririnig din namin ang inyong mga daing. Nakikita namin ang inyong mga sakripisyo. Ang inyong patuloy na pagsisikap sa araw-araw ay ang inyong tulong sa pagtataguyod ng ating pinapangarap na Bagong Pilipinas,” he stated.
“Makaaasa kayo na buong puso at walang tigil kaming kikilos upang matamasa ninyo ang matamis na bunga ng inyong pagsisikap,” he added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stressing that only President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. can approve or authorize agreements entered into by the Philippines on matters about the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday (07 May 2024) said that there was “no document, record or deal” with China on Ayungin Shoal.
The DFA belied China’s claim that top Philippine security officials had approved an agreement to calm the hostility in Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.
“As far as the Philippine Government is concerned, no such document, record or deal exists, as purported by the Chinese Embassy,” the DFA said in a statement.
Since 1991, the BRP Sierra Madre — a World War Two rusting ship, served as a military outpost on Ayungin Shoal and has become a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the area.
It can be noted that during many of the resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre, China’s ships intercept and conduct dangerous moves against Philippine vessels, usually with water cannons.
Similar missions to Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag, Scarborough Shoal) Filipino resupply mission personnel have been met with the same tactics.
The DFA stressed that no “cabinet-level official” of the Marcos Jr. administration had agreed “to any Chinese proposal pertaining to the Ayungin Shoal.”
On Saturday (4 May 2024), an unnamed spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed in a statement that Beijing and Manila, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command, allegedly agreed on the supposed new model early this year to diffuse tensions in Ayungin Shoal.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippine government has no plans to grant the United States access to additional military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
The agreement, signed in 2014, allows the US military to utilize designated Philippine installations for various purposes.
Initially encompassing five sites, additional locations were granted access in February last year, sparking criticism from China due to their strategic locations.
Despite tensions in the South China Sea, Marcos emphasized that the additional installations would primarily serve disaster response and humanitarian operations.
The President’s remarks followed a recent summit among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, where discussions on the South China Sea dispute took precedence.
The Philippines remains a vital ally for the US in the region, with commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty reiterated by US President Joe Biden during the summit.
Marcos affirmed that the treaty would be invoked in the event of an attack against Philippine interests.
Last year’s expansion of EDCA reflects efforts to strengthen ties amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.
Marcos emphasized the importance of honoring agreements between the Philippines and the US regardless of political changes, highlighting the enduring nature of their partnership.
(El Amigo(MNM)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (07 Feb 2024) assured farmers of his administration’s commitment to an “authentic” agrarian reform aimed at providing them with a better quality of life.
Marcos made this pledge during the distribution of approximately 2,529 electronic land titles (e-titles), benefiting 2,672 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the Davao Region, at a ceremony held at the Rizal Memorial College Gym in Davao City.
Expressing concern over the plight of Filipino farmers, who are essential to the nation yet often the poorest, Marcos stated that his administration would adopt a “whole-of-government” approach to meet their needs.
“It is disheartening to see that the poorest in our country are our farmers. You feed us, but you struggle to feed your own families,” he said.
Marcos emphasized that providing land titles to ARBs is just the initial step towards alleviating poverty among them, and the government will exert all possible efforts to ease their burden. He also called upon the private sector to collaborate with the government in offering better incentives to farmers.
“I will continue to enhance and refine genuine agrarian reform,” Marcos asserted. “We will not accept that farming remains the most challenging livelihood. It truly is difficult. Regardless of our efforts, farming remains tough. Our farmers need assistance, all the support that the government can provide.”
The event took place amid the implementation of the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project, which aims to enhance land tenure security and reinforce property rights for ARBs.
Launched as a foreign-assisted initiative in 2020, the SPLIT Project encompasses approximately 1.6 million hectares of land, benefiting around 1.5 million ARBs nationwide, according to a statement posted on the DAR’s official website.
To date, the DAR has issued and distributed approximately 91,775 e-titles covering 109,199 hectares of land, benefiting 98,203 ARBs.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Piqued that he is hooked to an “addictive” Fentanyl, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has dared President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that they both undergo a drug test in public at the same time at the Rizal Park, popularly known as the Luneta.
“Set it in Luneta Park, magpakuha siya ng dugo doon [from] independent entity or doctor. Magpakuha rin ako, sige pati ako. Pakuha siya ng blood test,” Duterte said in a press conference in Davao City on Tuesday (30 January 2024).
The feisty ex-president also alleged that a Cabinet official who he did not identify also used cocaine with Marcos Jr. and insisted that Marcos was on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
However, PDEA on Monday (29 January 2024) belied FPRRD’s accusation.
“The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency categorically states that President Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr is not on its watch list, contrary to the statement of former President Rodrigo Duterte, claiming that ‘when he was the Mayor of Davao, he was shown evidence by PDEA that in the list, the name of the president was there,” the agency said in a statement.
It added that Marcos Jr. was never in the agency’s National Drug Information System (NDIS) since PDEA’s “activation” in 2002.
“I think it’s the fentanyl,” Marcos Jr. told reporters shortly before leaving for Vietnam last Monday when asked to comment on Duterte’s claims that the incumbent Chief Executive is a drug addict.
PBBM said Duterte “has been taking the drug for a very long time now…after five, six years, it has to affect him.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The bickering between loyalists of President Ferdinand Bongbong R Marcos Jr and diehard Duterte supporters (DDS) has created a negative impact on the country’s economy political pundits claim.
They said the country suffered a blow as the full-year 2023 growth was only 5.6 percent, markedly down from the 7.6 percent growth in 2022 and below the government’s target range of 6.0 to 7.0 percent.
But Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted that while growth is lower than the target, the Philippines still maintains a strong position as one of the top-performing economies in Asia.
On Wednesday (31 January 2024), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also reported that the although the Philippine economy expanded but it was at a slower pace by 5.6 percent in the fourth quarter of last year,
The PSA said this was down from the previous quarter of 6.0 percent and 7.1 percent in the same quarter of the previous year.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that in the fourth quarter 2023 real gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures, the Philippines trailed behind Vietnam (6.7 percent) but outperformed China (5.2 percent) and Malaysia (3.4 percent)
Political pundits expressed belief that the “Marcos-Duterte war” may have caused the economic slowdown.
A topnotch Customs broker in Cebu earlier told Maharlika NuMedia that importers were hesitant to pour their investments into the country because of what they perceived as political instability.
The high duties and taxes also discouraged the importers, revealed the Customs broker who requested anonymity.
(El Amigo/MNM)
By Ismael Amigo, Sr.
Here’s our bet: Methinks there is a big possibility that PBBM’s administration would allow the entry of the ICC to investigate the so-called ‘bloody drug war” of the previous administration of FPRRD.
This is the “NEXT PICTURE” that many movie houses use to announce at the entrance while you are enjoying the week’s blockbuster, which is nothing less than the temporary freedom of incarcerated former lady senator Leila de Lima after almost seven (7) long years.
Incumbent Senator and former PNP chief Bato dela Rosa was correct down to the letter when he said that “ganun talaga wala na kasi si PRRD kaya humina ang kaso.”
Dela Rosa was the head of the country’s police force when then-president Rpdrigo Roa Duterte slammed D5 into the slammer way back in 2017 based on what she calls “trumped-up drug charges.”
A lawyer and former CHR chairperson, De Lima was slapped with three drug charges filed against her in 2017 based on allegations that she was involved in the illegal drug trade in the national penitentiary.
She was acquitted in her first charge in February 2021 and her second charge in May this year.
Department of Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla himself, in an interview with the Philippine Star, offered that “chances are she (De Lima) will be acquitted.”
Why?
Take it away chief:
“Chances are she will be acquitted. There’s a huge chance. Bail is not granted just like that. We trust the judge on this matter,” Remulla said in a separate interview with CNN Philippines.
Remulla also stressed that De Lima’s last drug case, in which she allegedly conspired to commit illegal drug trading using New Bilibid Prison inmates, is non-bailable in fact.
But “when it becomes bailable, it (only) shows the kind of evidence that the prosecution was able to establish in the eyes of the judge. This case cannot be granted bail if the evidence is strong. Vice versa, if the evidence is weak, bail can be granted,” Boying explains.
Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 allowed De Lima to post a P300,000 bail, pointing to the prosecution’s lack of substantial evidence to sufficiently establish her guilt.
As this is happening under the present admin of PBBM, it is safe to say that there is something bigger coming to happen.
And with Remulla himself announcing the possible acquittal of the feisty former lady lawmaker, methinks this “softening” could lead to “eventual hardening” of the DOJ’s resolve to finally allow the ICC to step into the country and investigate the thousands of drug-related, “nanlaban” killings charges vs FPRRD.
And its heavy steps, while in the country doing its investigation, could smash and bury for good the political dreams of the DUTERTES including that of VP Sara’s as she is accordingly implicated in the ICC case.
With it, we need not mention here who will benefit the most from that scenario.
But your guess is as good as mine.
This could be no more than the top man of the country’s House of Reps who is maintaining a moist eye for president in the 2028 national elections, although methinks he will first throw in his hat in the 2025 midterm elections for senator and once elected, level-up via that mid-term perks for senators seeking a higher office.
They simply slide back as a senator if he or she won’t win a higher office as president or vice president.
Moving on, that ICC entry would also hammer in the last nail to UniTeam’s coffin, and I’m very sure FPRRD would once again tell daughter VP Sara the sad refrain of: “I told you so.”
After all, we never heard of FPRRD supporting PBBM politically or otherwise before and after the 2022 national elections.
Instead, FPRRD openly accused PBBM as a “weakling,” not qualified to lead the country. Simple words but daggerlike. And what we know is the Marcoses never instantly react. They prefer to operate quietly, tersely, slowly but surely.
Hint: PBBM never lifted a finger to protect VPSDu while the latter was on the griller re her fave but now infamous “confidential funds.”
Abangan natin mga tao!
(Email ismaelamigo@yahoo.com)
House Speaker Martin Romualdez is the keynote speaker of the very first edition of the “The Defense Forum” organized by the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association, Inc. at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Front and center of the House Speaker’s speech is “strengthening legislative measures in support of national security.”
The House of Representatives is fully behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s policy to secure and protect the West Philippine Sea as Chinese ships continue to harass Filipino sailors.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday evening assured Congress’ clear-cut commitment to supporting the President Marcos’ foreign policy during “The Defense Forum” organized by the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Romualdez made the remarks following reports that China Coast Guard ships fired water cannons at Filipino resupply boats in Ayungin Shoal.
The House Speaker not only condemned China’s intrusions in Philippine waters, but also affirmed congressional support to increase budget allocation for the defense sector under the 2024 national budget.
“Make no mistake about it. The House of Representatives fully supports the position of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. that we should continue to assert our sovereignty in the West Philippine Seas and that we should defend every inch of our territory,” Romualdez said.
“We have embarked on a strategic journey, not only to modernize our military assets but also to ensure that our personnel are equipped with the fortitude of skill and the assurance of a nation’s unwavering support,” he added.
Romualdez hailed the “brave men and women in uniform” whom he considered as “sentinels of sovereignty, safeguarding our nation’s territory against the ceaseless tides of adversity.”
“Under the proposed 2024 budget, the allocation for the defense sector is P282.7 billion or 21.6 percent more compared to the PHP203.4 billion allocation under the 2023 budget. This fund will support the “Land, Air, and Naval Forces Defense Programs” totaling PHP188.5 billion, as well as the UN Peacekeeping Mission, among others, to ensure domestic security,” Romualdez said.
“This amount does not include P1.23 billion worth of confidential and intelligence funds, which the House of Representatives realigned to the front-line agencies in charge of ensuring national security and protecting the country’s territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
This strategic reallocation includes P300 million to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, P100 million to the National Security Council (NSC), P200 million to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for intelligence activities and ammunition, and P381.3 million to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the development or expansion of Pag-Asa Island Airport.
Photo from Daily Tribune
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — New Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. denied allegations that he was appointed to the position as “payback” of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the fishing tycoon’s donation during PBBM’s presidential campaign in 2022.
According to a report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Laurel was one of the top donors during the campaign.
According to reports, the fishing tycoon allegedly contributed at least P30 million during the campaign last year for PBBM.
“There is no payback. As I said, sacrifice na rin ito, it’s for the country talaga. ‘Yun lang masasabi ko,” Laurel said.
Meanwhile, the DA chief also clarified that there will be no conflict of interest since he already divested from his fishing companies.
“Basically nag-divest na ako. I have no more interests in all the companies I used to own,” he said.
“DA is a full-time job. I have no time to do anything else. Malaki itong departamento, complicated ng konti, there are 28 bureaus and GOCCs. Wala akong time to think of other things,” Laurel added.
Earlier, Marcos announced the appointment of Laurel as the new DA chief and was lauded by legislators, saying that his appointment was “timely.”
Marcos has been the DA Secretary since he assumed the presidency.
(ai/mnm)
Photo courtesy of President Bongbong Marcos
In a cordial meeting that took place on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 20, 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. engaged in discussions with Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with the shared goal of addressing the current labor disputes between the Philippines and Kuwait.
Following this encounter, President Marcos expressed that the Kuwaiti Crown Prince expressed his displeasure with the current state of relations between the two nations during a subsequent media interview in Riyadh. The Crown Prince made it clear that he believed the Philippines did not need to issue an apology, and he, in fact, extended his own apology to President Marcos, highlighting his opposition to Kuwait’s actions.
President Marcos shared the Crown Prince’s words: “Do not listen to them. I do not agree with what they have been doing. There is no reason for you to apologize to us. We will fix it because we love the Philippines. I remember your father; he always supported Kuwait. He always supported us, and we know that you will also always support us. That’s why we will fix this.”
It’s noteworthy that the initiative for this meeting came from the Crown Prince himself. President Marcos expressed optimism that the two nations could work together to resolve the ongoing labor issues. He considered his trip to Saudi Arabia a success, attributing it to the progress made in resolving the disagreement between the Philippines and Kuwait.
The background to this issue is Kuwait’s suspension of entry and work visa issuance to Filipinos due to the Philippines’ alleged non-compliance with the 2018 bilateral labor agreement. In response, the Philippine government imposed a temporary ban on deploying first-time household service workers to Kuwait, following the tragic murder of Jullebee Ranara, whose burnt body was discovered in the desert in January. A previous deployment ban had been implemented in 2018 after the murder of household worker Joan Demafelis.
As of 2022, the estimated Filipino population in Kuwait stands at 279,000, and the remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait amounted to USD 579,186 in 2022 and USD 576,059 in 2021. (AI/MNM)
RIYADH TRIP. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his departure speech at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Thursday (Oct. 19, 2023) as he embarks on a trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to participate in the inaugural Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit on Oct. 19-21, 2023. Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the President and his delegation, on board a chartered flight, arrived at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at around 12:56 p.m. (PNA photo by Rolando Mailo)
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday to participate in the 1st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, according to an announcement from Malacañang.
Marcos and the official Philippine delegation, aboard PR001, touched down at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport around 12:56 p.m., as confirmed by Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil.
Upon arrival, the President’s agenda included a roundtable meeting with prominent Saudi business leaders, as noted by Garafil.
Marcos is slated to partake in the inaugural ASEAN-GCC Summit on Friday, during which he will engage in discussions regarding the imperative to address significant geopolitical developments. He will underscore the significance of bolstering security, economic advancement, and socio-cultural cooperation between ASEAN and the GCC.
In a pre-departure statement given at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on the same day, Marcos underscored the significance of the ASEAN-GCC Summit as a pivotal platform for the Philippines to advocate for collaboration in the domains of energy, food security, and trade. Additionally, he expressed his commitment to safeguarding the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, are home to approximately 2.2 million Filipinos employed in critical sectors.
Marcos also pledged to support a rules-based international order aimed at preserving peace, security, and stability in both regions. His itinerary also includes meetings with the Filipino community in Riyadh and bilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines were established on October 24, 1969. The Philippines established a mission in Jeddah in December 1973, while the Saudi government opened an embassy in Manila a year later.
Despite a declining trend since 2016, the kingdom remains the third-largest source of remittances from OFWs. In 2020, remittances totaled approximately USD 1.8 billion, representing a 14 percent decrease compared to the USD 2.1 billion received in 2019. A majority of these remittances came from land-based OFWs.
(ai/mnm)