May 1, 2026

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged 130 Presidential Scholars in General Santos City to study well, emphasizing the importance of a good education.

“Kaya’t ang advice ko lang sa inyo, lagi kong sinasabi sa ating mga presidential scholar, eh sinasabi ko sa kanila… mapakinabangan ninyo ito at mag-aral kayong mabuti at napakahalaga ng magandang edukasyon,” President Marcos said in his message to the scholars during his visit to the Lagao Gymnasium, before the rice and LGSF distribution.

President Marcos said the funding for the scholarship program of the government comes from part of the Socio-Civic Project Fund (SCPF), or PhP100,000 of the PhP200,000 provided for each of the barangays. From the fund, the five scholars will be given PhP20,000 each.

“Ang ginawa namin, bawat barangay bibigyan namin ng PhP200,000 kada barangay. Pero, ang sinabi lang namin sa ating mga barangay official, ‘yung ‘kalahati nun, ‘yung PhP100,000… PhP20,000 ang ibibigay sa limang scholar na galing doon sa barangay. At kayo ngayon ang naging beneficiary niyan,” President Marcos told the scholars.

President Marcos said the government is doing this to help families pay school tuition and other fees.

“Kaya namin ginawa ito para mas maging madali, lalo na ‘yung mga malapit na mag-graduate, pero ‘yung iba hindi makakapag-graduate dahil kulang ang pambayad. Kaya’t ‘yun ang mga hinahanap namin, matulungan para makapag-graduate, para may diploma na, may certificate na at marami kayong magagawa upang tulungan ang inyong mga sarili, ang inyong pamilya, ang inyong community,” President Marcos said.

“Kaya’t good luck sa inyo. ‘Yun lang, ang advice ko sa inyo, mag-aral kayo nang mabuti, mag-trabaho kayo nang mabuti sa eskwela,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive said that education is like wealth that students could earn.

“Yan ay kayamanan na kahit ano pa ang mangyari ay hindi na mababawi sa inyo, hindi kayang agawin, hindi kayang nakawin ‘yan. At ‘yan ang bubuhay sa inyo buong buhay ninyo,” the President said.

President Marcos advised the students to be serious in their studies, as this would help them a lot for the rest of their lives.

“Yan ang naging experience ko. Kaya’t ‘yan ang sinasabi ko sa inyo na dapat… na seryoso kayo sa pag-aaral at hindi kayo magsisisi. Tulong ito sa inyo for the rest of your life. So, congratulations and good luck! Good luck sa inyo!,” President Marcos said. | PND

May 2, 2026

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday welcomed His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), during a courtesy call at Malacañang to explore expanded cooperation in sports development.

President Marcos expressed appreciation to OCA President Al Thani and his delegation for finding the time to visit the country despite a busy schedule.

During the event, both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation in athlete training, institutional partnerships, as well as assessing the Philippines’ potential to host future regional and international sporting competitions.

President Marcos and OCA President Al Thani also emphasized the importance of deepening engagements with the OCA, so that Filipino athletes may have broader access to programs and resources that support their development.

In a social media post, President Marcos said the meeting reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for Filipino athletes to “train, compete and win on the world stage.”

The President added that the engagement demonstrates growing confidence in the Philippines as a regional sports partner, saying the government will continue investing in athletes so they can represent the country with pride and inspire the next generation.

“We will keep investing in our athletes so they can carry our flag with pride and inspire the next generation,” said the President.

The OCA, which oversees major multi-sport events across Asia, plays a key role in shaping regional sports participation and development opportunities for member nations. Its decisions have direct impact on the Philippines’ participation in regional competitions, as well as its access to development resources and funding.

OCA President Al Thani was joined by Qatar’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ahmed Saad N.A. Al-Homidi, and OCA Director General Husain A.H.Z Al Musallam, and other officials.

On the Philippine side, present officials were Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick Gregorio. PND

April 11, 2026, 1:24 pm 

MANILA – The House of Representatives is fast-tracking a package of measures to address rising fuel costs, with legislation expected to be ready when Congress resumes session on May 4.

Among the reforms being considered are incentives to promote cleaner and more sustainable transport, including support for electric vehicles and related industries.

The Legislative Energy Action Development (LEAD) Council, a multi-committee body tasked with aligning immediate relief and long-term reforms as oil prices continue to climb amid tensions in the Middle East, is leading the push to approve the measures.

Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo, chair of the Committee on Ways and Means and presiding officer of the LEAD Council, said lawmakers are working through the break to ensure that concrete measures are in place once session resumes.

“By the end of the month, ‘pag nag-start na kami ng formal session natin ng first week of May, is meron na kaming nabuong batas that will address ‘yung urgent needs natin today (when we start formal sessions in the first week of May, we will have propose measures that will address our present urgent needs),” Quimbo said in a radio interview on Saturday.

He said the House has been holding extended and back-to-back hearings, even during the congressional session break that started March 21, to speed up the process and deliver results.

The planned legislation, Quimbo said, will tackle both immediate relief from the oil price shock and structural reforms to reduce the country’s vulnerability to global price swings.

“Kasama diyan ang pagbibigay ng incentives para makabuo tayo ng isang panibagong cars program na magpo-promote ng electric vehicle use, hindi lang sa gobyerno, pero pati pagbibigay ng tax incentives at saka iba’t ibang insentibo na hindi nagre-require ng gobyerno na magbigay ng pera (This include providing incentives to come out with a new cars program that promote electric vehicle use, not only in government, but also providing incentives without requiring government to shell out cash),” Quimbo said.

He said the goal is to create a policy environment that encourages private sector investment in emerging industries such as electric vehicles, battery production and other alternatives to fossil fuels.

The LEAD Council, composed of 13 House committees, is serving as the central platform for the House’s coordinated response, with lawmakers aiming to roll out both short-term relief and long-term solutions to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on Filipinos (PNA)

April 7, 2026

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his condolences and sympathies to the family of the 29-year-old Filipina who was killed in a missile attack in Haifa, Israel, on Sunday evening amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

“Nakikiramay tayo sa pamilya ng ating kababayang nasawi sa naganap na missile attack sa Haifa, Israel. Kasama nating nagluluksa ang kanyang pamilya sa gitna ng isang trahedyang hindi dapat maranasan ninuman,” President Marcos said in a social media post on Tuesday.

President Marcos has directed concerned government agencies to provide “full assistance” to the bereaved family and ensure the “immediate repatriation” of the victim’s remains.

“Nakikiisa ang buong sambayanan sa kanilang pagdadalamhati. Nawa’y matagpuan nila ang lakas at kapanatagan sa gitna ng trahedyang ito,” the President said.

The President likewise assured that the Philippine Embassy in Israel stands ready to provide all necessary aid and that the government continues to monitor the situation, noting that the safety and welfare of Filipinos in conflict areas remains a top priority.

“Nakaantabay ang ating Embahada upang maibigay ang lahat ng kinakailangang tulong. Patuloy nating binabantayan ang sitwasyon sa rehiyon. Ang kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino ang ating pangunahing prayoridad,” the Chief Executive said.

To date, thousands of Filipinos from the Middle East have been repatriated through the government’s intensified efforts.

Aside from repatriation efforts, the government, through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) spearheaded the Bayanihan Para Sa Balikbayang Manggagawa: A National Reintegration Network (NRN) Fair and Job Fair in Quezon City on Monday, aimed at providing support to affected Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and their families.

According to DMW, the move follows President Marcos’ order to ensure every OFW-repatriate can rebuild their lives productively with their families, with no Filipino neglected or left behind. | PND

“The instructions of the President is clear. To keep the humanitarian airlift going. Kaya itong Air DMW ni Secretary Hans itutuloy,” Recto said in a press release.

The Office of the Executive Secretary said close to 1,100 Filipinos have boarded repatriation flights arranged by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Recto said the flights also served as medical evacuations for sick Filipinos.

By Wilnard Bacelonia

March 13, 2026, 10:03 am 

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MANILA – Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Friday called for the expansion of unemployment benefits under the Social Security System (SSS) to strengthen financial support for workers, including repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who lose their jobs amid tensions in the Middle East.

Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 1070 proposing to extend unemployment assistance to up to five months, longer than the current benefit, which provides an amount equivalent to 50 percent of a member’s average monthly salary credit for only two months.

“Hindi lang kita ang nawawala sa mga nawalan ng trabaho. Nawawalan din sila ng pag-asa at seguridad ng kanilang pamilya kung paano maitatawid ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, dapat may nasasandalan silang tulong at malasakit ng pamahalaan upang makabangon muli (Those who lose their jobs do not only lose income. They also lose hope and the sense of security for their families on how they can get through their daily needs. In such times, they should have government support and compassion to help them recover),” Estrada said.

Under the proposal, the duration of assistance would depend on the number of years a worker has contributed to the SSS.

Members who have contributed for at least one year may receive monthly cash assistance equivalent to one-third of the current monthly minimum wage, with benefits ranging from a month to five months depending on their contribution history.

“Ang panukalang cash aid ay hindi limos. Ito ay proteksyon laban sa gutom at kahirapan habang sila’y naghahanap ng bagong trabaho (The proposed cash aid is not charity. It is protection against hunger and poverty while they search for new employment),” Estrada said. (PNA) 

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

March 14, 2026, 1:12 pm 

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MANILA – The Philippines remains committed to pursuing reforms and sound economic policies to ensure stability and resilience amid global uncertainties, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday.

In a Facebook post, Marcos shared details of his meeting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss the Philippines’ economic outlook and reforms aimed at keeping the country’s growth trajectory stable.

Marcos said the discussions covered the country’s economic priorities and ongoing efforts to sustain growth.

He said cooperation with international partners such as the IMF plays an important role in supporting the country’s economic agenda.

“With discipline, sound policy and cooperation with partners such as the IMF, we will keep the Philippine economy stable and growing,” he said.

Marcos said the meeting also touched on the Philippines’ priorities for its chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He stressed that policy discipline, structural reforms and strong international partnerships will help make the Philippine economy more robust.

“I met with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss the Philippines’ economic outlook, our priorities for our ASEAN chairship, and the reforms we continue to pursue to keep our nation on a steady path of growth,” Marcos said.

In an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency, Georgieva said the IMF expects the Philippine economy to outperform the regional average growth of 4.3 percent, citing ongoing reforms that could unlock stronger long-term expansion.

The IMF is a global financial institution that aims to promote international monetary cooperation, ensure financial stability, and facilitate sustainable economic growth among its 191 member countries. (PNA)

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

March 14, 2026, 6:28 pm 

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MANILA – The Philippines is bringing home 340 more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on board a government-chartered flight on Sunday morning, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the repatriates will arrive aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR8502 that is expected to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 6:35 a.m.

It will be the second one to be chartered by the Philippine government since the Middle East conflict broke out on Feb. 28.

At a press briefing at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said on top of those stranded due to flight disruptions, majority of the OFWs on board are tagged as “distressed.”

A total of 16 crossed Saudi Arabia from Bahrain.

“Authorities and support teams will be on standby at the airport to assist the arriving passengers,” the PCO said.

“The repatriates will also be provided with assistance to facilitate their return to their respective home provinces.” 

The repatriation of the displaced Filipinos from the Middle East is part of the Philippine government’s continuing efforts to assist nationals affected by heightened tensions in the region.

More flights

The Sunday arrival of the 340 will bring the total number of OFWs assisted by the government to over 1,000.

Cuanan said commercial and chartered flights for next week are being organized for 400 more OFWs awaiting repatriation.

“They are being prepared for the flight home, meaning those who need visa and those who need to cross to pick up points,” she said.

“Ito talaga ‘yung (This really is the) core government repatriation. From addressing their welfare needs up to purchasing their tickets, renting the bus from point A to the airport, then bringing them home.” 

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said pre- and post-repatriation assistance will be provided to all returning Filipinos, including psychosocial services and government-funded airfare to their provinces.

The first Philippine government chartered flight carrying 442 Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates, including OFWs and stranded tourists, arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday afternoon. (With a report from Ruth Gita-Carlos/PNA)

By Benjamin Pulta and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

January 20, 2026, 6:05 am Updated on January 20, 2026, 8:08 am

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MANILA – Former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. voluntarily surrendered Monday night after the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against him in connection with the charges arising from his alleged involvement in a PHP92.8 million ghost flood control project.

In a Facebook post, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Revilla was accompanied by his wife and children when he arrived at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame.

“Upon his arrival, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was immediately summoned to serve the warrant of arrest issued against him. The warrant was duly implemented, and the former senator was formally informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights,” the PNP statement read.

Revilla undertook standard booking and documentation procedures under the custody of the CIDG, including the required medical examination, in accordance with existing rules and protocols.

On Jan. 16, the Office of the Ombudsman filed malversation and graft charges against Revilla and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers allegedly involved in a scheme to receive kickbacks from public works projects in Pandi, Bulacan.

A hold departure order has likewise been issued against the accused.

Revilla’s co-accused are DPWH Bulacan district engineers Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig, Emelita Juat, and personnel Juanito Mendoza and Christina Pineda.

The project was awarded to the contractor last March when Revilla was still a senator.

DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, one of the state witnesses in the flood control scandal under the Department of Justice Witness Protection Program (DOJ-WPP), claimed he delivered PHP125 million to Revilla’s residence in 2024.

Bernardo said his staff delivered another PHP250 million before the 2025 elections in exchange for facilitating or endorsing flood control projects.

Revilla has denied the allegations. (PNA)

By Benjamin Pulta

January 23, 2026, 5:10 pm 

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MANILA – Embattled former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. appeared before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court Friday, where he stands accused along with six others of alleged involvement in a PHP92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

The Sandiganbayan deferred and rescheduled the arraignment and pre-trial pending resolution by the court of a motion to quash filed by Revilla’s lawyers with the tribunal giving the prosecution until Jan. 28 to submit comments on the defense’s motions.

Revilla’s family, led by his wife Cavite Representative Lanie Mercado-Revilla, was also seen at the anti-graft court.

The former senator, who has denied the charges, is accused of graft and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.

Others accused in the case are Department of Public Works and Highways-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office engineers Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig and Emelita Capistrano Juat; accountant Juanito Mendoza; and cashier Christina Mae del Rosario Pineda.

Revilla was acquitted in 2018 of plunder arising from irregularities in legislative discretionary funds. (PNA)