MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed on Tuesday that the Philippine government adhered to all legal processes in the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“We followed all the necessary legal procedures. I’m confident that further examination will show it was done properly and correctly,” Marcos stated during a press conference. He emphasized there was a “very good basis” to enforce the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against Duterte.
Marcos rejected claims of unlawful action, explaining that the arrest was carried out in compliance with a request from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to enforce the ICC warrant. He stressed the government was fulfilling its obligations to Interpol, not cooperating with the ICC directly.
“This isn’t about the ICC. It’s about Interpol’s request, and we honor our commitments to them,” Marcos said.
He also refuted allegations of political persecution, highlighting that the case dates back to 2017 when the Philippines was still a member of the ICC under Duterte’s administration. “I don’t see how this can be political persecution, as this was initiated before I even took office,” he added.
Marcos assured that the official arrest warrant against Duterte, signed by ICC judges on March 7, would be made public for transparency.
Duterte was arrested on Tuesday morning upon returning from Hong Kong at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and was subsequently transferred to Villamor Air Base. The official ICC arrest order was received by Interpol Manila earlier that day.
The ICC is investigating Duterte for crimes against humanity related to deaths linked to his war on drugs during his tenure as mayor of Davao City and as president. Although the Philippines withdrew from the ICC in March 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.
Duterte was flown to The Hague, Netherlands, on a chartered plane later that evening to face charges at the ICC headquarters.
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By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated that the designers of the Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge in Isabela should be held responsible for its collapse, citing poor design as the primary cause.
“Who is responsible is basically who made the design, because their design was poor. Look what happened,” Marcos said.
“Ang puno’t dulo nito design flaw. It is a design flaw, mali ‘yung design. The history of this is that the funding was supposed to be P1.8 billion. It was reduced to under P1 billion to save costs,” he added.
The President also mentioned that overloaded trucks were involved in the incident, stressing that these trucks should never have been on the bridge.
A week after the tragedy, the President inspected the site, accompanied by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan and local officials.
He assured that the issue of identifying those responsible for the bridge’s design would be addressed.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured voters Thursday (20 Feb 2025) that the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas’ senatorial candidates aim to protect and promote public interests, not to instill fear.
During a rally in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Marcos emphasized that the Alyansa’s candidates, hailing from various political parties, are united in their goal to advance the welfare of Filipinos.
“Our direction is clear,” Marcos said. “We aim to develop the Philippines, not oppress it. Development is the solution, not fear. We need to improve how our government operates.”
He underscored that the Alyansa candidates are committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and rights with dignity and diplomacy.
Marcos reiterated the administration’s stance of standing firm on territorial integrity, vowing not to cede even an inch of Philippine territory to foreign powers. He also criticized violent anti-drug campaigns and the illegal operations of the former Philippine offshore gaming industry, suggesting that these are not the solutions to the country’s problems. Instead, he called for stronger laws, law enforcement, and local support.
The Alyansa, which brings together five major political parties—Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party (NP), and National Unity Party (NUP)—has fielded a 12-member slate. Notable candidates include former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, Senators Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Imee Marcos, and Francis Tolentino, as well as former senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Vicente Sotto III, and House Representatives Erwin Tulfo and Camille Villar.
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By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged local officials to continue making a positive impact on their constituents.
“Today, we gather as leaders and public servants who have dedicated our years—and in many cases, our lives—to civil service. For many of us, this is a calling and a lifelong commitment to serving our people,” he said during the End-Term General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).
Marcos described municipal mayors as the “frontliners of governance.”
“You are the first to hear the concerns of our people, the first to act on their needs, and the first to bear the weight of their expectations,” the President added.
The Chief Executive also noted that more local government units (LGUs) could achieve the highest standards due to initiatives introduced by municipal mayors in assessing financial sustainability under the Seal of Good Local Governance.
In 2024, the number of LGUs increased from 493 to 714. Marcos called this growth “a clear sign that more local governments are enhancing fiscal discipline and transparency.”
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By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. emphasized that the executive branch has no involvement in the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
“No, the executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. Walang role ang executive sa impeachment,” he said.
The President further noted that Congress and the executive are independent of each other, adding that he “doesn’t give guidance to Congress.”
“They will decide how they will proceed. I don’t think you can expect a congressman, a senator, the SP, or the Speaker to come to me and ask, ‘Oh, what do you want us to do?’ They have their own way of doing things,” the Chief Executive stressed.
“I do not give guidance to Congress. Again, you give too much credit that I can tell congressmen to do this or that. I cannot. I do not give guidance to Congress. We are independent of each other.”
On Wednesday, the last day of the Congressional session, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte and transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
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By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated on Thursday (06 Feb 2025) that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio will have no negative impact on Philippine economy.
“I doubt it very much,” Marcos said when asked about the government’s preparedness for the impeachment.
“Wala naman akong nakikitang magiging effect na ganon,” the President added.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to its investment plans, strategies, and structural changes.
Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero said that no impeachment complaint would be tackled during the session break.
“If any action or event related to this happens, it will occur on June 2, when the Senate resumes after the elections. The decision will be made by the Senate majority,” the Senate press office said.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed a new chief for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin swore in retired Maj. Gen. Isagani Nerez at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, February 4, 2024.
Nerez succeeds retired police general Moro Virgilio Lazo, who had led the agency since October 2022.
In 2022, President Marcos appointed Nerez as Undersecretary for Police Affairs at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs. Nerez has also served with the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), and the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured that there are no blanks in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Marcos emphasized that he had thoroughly reviewed and analyzed the 2025 budget and found no such issues.
“Just last month, I had to read 4,057 pages of the General Appropriations Act of 2025. I reviewed it, analyzed it, and yes—in some parts, vetoed it,” he said.
“I am truly convinced that blanks simply do not exist, because they are not allowed. So for those who think the presidency is all about handshakes and photo ops, I assure you, that fine print is very much alive in my office as well.”
The GAA is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court, with petitioners asking the Court to declare it unconstitutional.
Vic Rodriguez, one of the petitioners, called the GAA “illegal and criminal.”
“Inscribed in the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines are the following constitutional directives which must serve as a guide in this Petition for Certiorari. These directives were blatantly violated by the passage of Republic Act No. 12116, which must be struck down as unconstitutional through the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review,” he said.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public that the government has strengthened its programs to ensure jobseekers have access to quality employment opportunities.
Marcos made the remarks during his speech at the Jobstreet Career Con 2025, held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“Mas mabigat at mas malakas ang suporta ngayon ng pamahalaan para naman kayo ay mas may kakayahan upang makakuha ng magagandang trabaho,” the President said.
“We’re lowering the unemployment rate. Fewer and fewer Filipinos are without jobs, but we’re not stopping there. We want those who are employed to have ‘quality jobs’—jobs with the potential for promotion, improvement, or even the chance to start their own businesses,” he added.
He also acknowledged the changing labor market, noting that business requirements have evolved, and highlighting the need for workers to reskill and upskill.
The President emphasized the declining unemployment rate of 3.2% in November 2024, down from 3.6% in the same month the previous year.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, nearly 18,000 jobseekers have pre-registered, including both fresh graduates and experienced professionals.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday (27 Jan 2025) mourned the passing of veteran actress Gloria Romero, describing her as “not just a brilliant artist but a very fine person.”
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of Philippine cinema’s great icons,” Marcos said.
The President recalled meeting Romero on the set of Iginuhit ng Tadhana, where she portrayed former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
He described Romero as “a great lady with the dignity of a true star.”
The Chief Executive added that Romero’s legacy would live on.
“Not just a brilliant artist but a very fine person; the world of Filipino cinema and all of entertainment will never forget her,” Marcos said.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has granted clemency to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, according to the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a statement on Monday (January 27, 2025), said the President granted Mabilog’s petition for executive clemency in relation to his administrative case.
“In view of former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog’s longstanding commitment to good governance, coupled with the awards and recognition Iloilo City received under his leadership, the President granted his petition for executive clemency, thereby removing the penalties or disabilities resulting from the case,” Bersamin said.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Mabilog on October 23, 2017, for violating Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019, as enforced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Section 3(h) of RA 3019 prohibits public officers from having financial interests in any business, contract, or transaction in which they participate in their official capacity.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has assured that the 2025 national budget will be properly implemented.
“The President is really earnest about ensuring the proper implementation of the budget—the surviving parts of the budget,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Friday (January 24, 2025).
Bersamin made the statement following the DBM Budget Forum on Budget Execution for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
Meanwhile, Bersamin clarified that Malacañang had no involvement in the alleged blank pages in the bicameral conference committee on the national budget.
“Let’s remove from your consciousness the idea that we had anything to do with the blank pages you’re referring to,” he said.
“That’s why we resented the impression that the President was given a blank check,” he added.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte had earlier alleged that there were blank items in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) without specified projects or funding.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the restoration of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) information technology (IT) budget, following significant cuts in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The President also instructed the removal of additional intelligence funds added to the PNP’s budget.
In a press briefing on Tuesday (21 Jan 2025), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that several crucial PNP IT projects were heavily reduced. These included:
National Police Clearance System: From PHP600 million to PHP232 million
Safe Camp Security System: From PHP472 million to PHP161 million
PNP Drug-Related Data Integration System: From PHP533 million to PHP196 million
While these vital programs faced budget slashes, nearly PHP1 billion was allocated for All-Terrain Amphibious Vehicles in the Bicol Region, and an additional PHP500 million was added to the PNP’s intelligence fund.
In response, President Marcos instructed Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to revert the IT budget to its original amount and remove the extra PHP500 million in intelligence funds. This decision will allow for the reallocation of funds to strengthen the 911 emergency hotline system.
Remulla noted that the additional intelligence funds were not part of the original congressional budget discussions and were added without prior consultation, prompting the removal.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that the adjustment of working hours in government offices in Metro Manila is currently under study.
This initiative aims to ease traffic congestion in preparation for the planned EDSA rehabilitation this year.
“We’re studying it. If it works, we’ll implement it,” Marcos said.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has proposed a 7:00 am to 4:00 pm work schedule for government offices.
The President emphasized the importance of consulting not only traffic managers but also the commuting public, who would be directly affected by the change.
“If it turns out that everyone agrees to it, I don’t see why it would be a problem,” Marcos added.
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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is advocating for increased funding for the education sector, following a budget cut for the Department of Education (DepEd) and a lack of funding for key programs under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in 2025.
In a meeting with DepEd officials at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, Marcos reviewed the department’s proposed budget for 2025 and stressed the importance of prioritizing education.
“We have to be able to show that education is the priority,” he remarked during the meeting, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a news release on Friday.
Marcos was informed that the DepEd’s reduced budget could worsen the ongoing issue of teacher shortages in the country. Congress approved a PHP737 billion budget for DepEd, which is lower than the department’s proposed PHP748 billion for 2025.
The budget reductions include cuts to new school personnel positions, the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF), and the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP).
The DepEd highlighted that the budget cuts for new school personnel would worsen the teacher shortage, a problem that has only been partially addressed in previous years, further impacting the quality of education.
Additionally, the department proposed PHP12.379 billion for the DCP but was only allocated PHP2.43 billion. As a result, DepEd had to cancel approximately PHP4 billion worth of DCP projects that had already undergone early procurement activities.
The department noted that this reduction would affect the provision of essential tools for learners and teachers, including laptops, smart TVs, and satellite-based Internet connections.
The cut in the BEFF is also expected to slow the construction of new school buildings, further limiting educational infrastructure.
In addition, Marcos expressed his support for TESDA’s plan to explore financing options for its unfunded programs.
While TESDA’s budget increased by PHP20.73 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), compared to the proposed PHP18.5 billion in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), several important programs remained unfunded.
Among the unfunded programs are the establishment of an Enterprise-based Training Office and a new office for the Negros Island Region.
elami/mnm
MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will recommend adjusted working hours for national government agencies (NGAs) to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in an effort to ease traffic amid the upcoming rehabilitation of EDSA.
“We’ll first gather the consensus of the mayors. We’ll coordinate with them and ask for their preferences so that the data we submit to the President is comprehensive and the recommendations align with the experiences of each LGU,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said in a press briefing following the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting.
The MMDA is recommending that working hours be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to the MMDA, a survey was conducted on the implementation of this schedule, and the results showed a positive impact on traffic flow in local government units (LGUs) that adopted it.
The MMDA chief aims to finalize the recommendation on the adjusted work schedule before March, ahead of the targeted start of the EDSA rehabilitation.
The MMDA estimates that 37.15% of the 473,533 NGA employees who use private vehicles during peak hours will be affected by the adjustment.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of prosecutors, acknowledging the threats they face in their line of duty.
In light of this, Marcos has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to develop measures to guarantee their protection.
“Our prosecutors are vital to the administration of justice. Given this role, we recognize the threats you face in this line of duty,” President Marcos stated during the signing ceremony for the Department of Justice – National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) Rules on Criminal Investigation.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive urged prosecutors not only to act as gatekeepers but also as shepherds of the “highest integrity, ethics, and impartiality” in the administration of justice.
“To our prosecutors, you have your work cut out for you. You are not just gatekeepers but also the shepherds of the highest integrity, ethics, and impartiality in the administration of justice,” he said.
Marcos noted that the country is entering a new law enforcement and prosecution era.
He further emphasized that everyone involved in the justice system “must know that every case they handle, every decision they make, and every reform they champion will impact the lives of every Filipino and shape the country’s future.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the return to the old school calendar, responding to widespread calls to restore the April-May school break, Malacañang announced Wednesday (23 May 2024).
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), classes for School Year (SY) 2024-2025 will commence on July 29, 2024, and conclude on April 15, 2025. This adjustment marks the beginning of a gradual return to the traditional school year, which runs from June to March.
Marcos made this decision during a sectoral meeting with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte at the Palace on Tuesday. He instructed the Department of Education (DepEd) to initiate the transition back to the standard school calendar starting SY 2024-2025.
During the meeting, the Vice President presented two options for the school calendar shift. The first option included 180 school days with 15 in-person Saturday classes, while the second option proposed 165 school days without Saturday classes. Both options aimed to end the school year on March 31, 2025.
However, the President deemed the 165-day calendar “too short,” expressing concerns that it would significantly reduce school days and potentially compromise learning outcomes. He also opposed holding classes on Saturdays, citing the potential negative impact on students’ well-being and additional resource demands.
Instead, President Marcos suggested extending the school year to April 15, 2025, allowing students to complete 180 days without attending Saturday classes.
“Let’s just extend the school days. We can increase the number of school days as long as we don’t hold classes on Saturdays. So, the school day will remain the same. Just the standard,” Marcos said.
This decision reflects the administration’s commitment to balancing educational quality with student well-being.
(Filed by el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is currently focused on implementing security measures for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on July 22, 2024.
NCRPO Chief PMGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that, at present, they have not detected any specific security threats related to the President’s SONA. However, he mentioned that the police force is actively monitoring various threat groups.
Nartatez assured that the NCRPO has developed a comprehensive plan for the upcoming SONA, which includes the deployment of more than 22,000 personnel to ensure security, particularly at the Batasan Pambansa.
Earlier, Nartatez mentioned his intention to increase the number of deployed police officers during the SONA.
“If last year we deployed 22,000 personnel, if possible, we will increase it further. It depends on the situation or essential information continuously coming in,” Nartatez remarked.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — In a move to prepare micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for the era of artificial intelligence (AI), President Ferdinand Marcos “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to facilitate the integration and advancement of AI technologies among MSMEs, enabling them to meet the demands of online markets amidst technological progress.
During a meeting held at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Marcos emphasized the importance of ensuring that MSMEs are fully equipped with modern technology.
“We are not aiming to train them as AI or blockchain engineers. Our goal is to equip them with the necessary skills to utilize the systems we provide. It’s essential to maintain clarity on this point,” Marcos stated.
“We’re not delving into the underlying theories; rather, we’re focusing on practical applications. The essence of AI lies in simplicity and accessibility, and that’s what we aim to impart,” he added.
The President underscored that the government’s initiative to introduce AI systems to MSMEs is geared towards streamlining business processes and making them as user-friendly as possible.
(el Amigo/MNM)