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)

November 28, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated on Friday a key component of the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project that secures the continuous water supply for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

President Marcos said Tunnel No. 5 of the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project represents an achievement toward the goal of providing every Filipino dependable access to water.

The new tunnel strengthens the decades-old Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa system, the backbone that delivers water from Angat Dam to Metro Manila and to Mega Manila.

“This is why the establishment of Tunnel No. 5 is not only important, it is essential,” said the President during the ceremony held at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Compound in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

The President unveiled the project marker at the Bigte Basin in Barangay Bigte, witnessed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla, MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas, Maynilad Water Services Inc. President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez, and Manila Water Company Inc. President and CEO Jose Victor Emmanuel A. De Dios.

The Umiray–Angat–Ipo–La Mesa system conveys almost 90 percent of the water used by nearly 20 million people in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and parts of Cavite and Rizal.

“These numbers show how important it is to keep the Angat system strong, reliable, and future-ready,” the Chief Executive underscored.

President Marcos said Tunnel No. 5’s raw water conveyance tunnel can carry over 1.6 billion liters of water per day, which increases the system’s transport capacity from 6 billion to almost 8 billion liters of water per day.

“Ibig sabihin, mas maraming pamilya ang magkakaroon ng tuloy-tuloy at maaasahang suplay ng tubig sa kanilang mga tahanan,” the President said.

“Maisasaayos ang mga dati nang tunnels dahil may backup ng puwedeng pagdaanan ng tubig. ‘Yung mga tunnel po na sinara dahil kailangan nang mag-maintenance, maaari na ngayon natin buksan – balikan ulit, baka may pag-asa pa, baka may rehab pa para magamit pa rin natin,” the President pointed out.

The improved water transmission would also help communities prepare for droughts and other effects of climate change, and strengthen the country’s water system.

President Marcos acknowledged the steadfast support of concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water, as well as the engineers, workers, and all those who poured their skill and effort to the project.

“This project reminds us that we can accomplish what – when the government and the private sector, and the LGUs are anchored on a shared vision,” the Chief Executive said.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let this milestone encourage us to value the resources that we are blessed with, use them responsibly, and take part in building a more inclusive, sustainable future for everyone,” the President said. | PND

November 28, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the distribution of livelihood assistance and delivery of government services to indigenous peoples (IPs) during the “Handog ng Pangulo: Tulong at Serbisyo Para sa Indigenous People Communities” program held in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.

The President personally met with around 500 members of the Sama Bajau IP community, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving their quality of life and preventing them from becoming street dwellers.

“Nandito lang naman po ako ang sadya ko rito para tingnan na maayos ang pagbigay ng tulong sa ‘yung ating tinatawag na mga unang Pilipino, ang ating IP community mga Sama Badjau,” President Marcos said in his remarks.

The President said the program is part of the administration’s goal to bring government services closer to the people, especially vulnerable and remote communities.

“Nandito kami dahil kung minsan ang gobyerno ay naghihintay lang na kayo ang lumapit, hindi naman namin naseserbisan kayong lahat. Hindi namin kayo natutulungan lahat. Kaya ang ginawa namin, kami na lang ang pupunta, ang gobyerno ang pupunta sa inyo,” President Marcos said.

The President encouraged the IP communities not to hesitate to seek help and ask questions from government agencies present during the event.

President Marcos then vowed to continue delivering essential aid and programs that will strengthen the well-being and future of IPs.

“Lagi kong sinasabi kasi maraming nagte-thank you. Huwag na kayong mag-thank you. Ito ‘yung trabaho namin. Ito lang talaga ang dapat namin ginagawa at sige lang hindi namin ito ititigil. Hangga’t may buhay itatrabaho namin ito,” the President said.

President Marcos thanked the local government units for their strong support, saying that working closely with the national government has enabled the efficient implementation of government programs.

As part of the program, a caravan of government services was organized at the Sinunuc Covered Court to provide holistic support to the Sama Bajau community. This included food assistance, livelihood support, and access to a wide range of government programs to address both the immediate and long-term needs of IP families.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided PhP10,000 each to 500 IP families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. In addition, 71 families received grocery packs worth PhP3,000 under the Walang Gutom Program; 500 families received family food packs; and 100 beneficiaries were granted PhP15,000 each under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Various government agencies also extended essential services. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources assisted with boat registration and distributed informational materials, while the Office of the City Civil Registry provided free verification and certified copies of civil registry records.

The Department of Trade and Industry conducted program orientations and offered free business name registration; the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples issued Certificates of Confirmation and provided consultations on IP concerns; and the Department of Agrarian Reform distributed informational materials.

The Department of Health provided services and aid, including medical consultations, hygiene and oral care kits, jerrycans, nutrition counseling, family planning services, and health tests.

The Philippine Statistics Authority facilitated national ID registration and updates and retrieval of transaction numbers during registration, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered skills enhancement and free grooming services.

The Department of Labor and Employment provided livelihood assistance and registration for the National Skills Registry Program, while PhilHealth assisted with membership registration and the Yakap Program.

Prior to the caravan, President Marcos witnessed the turnover of 10 fishing boats, complete with accessories, to members of the Maasin Fisherfolk Association at the Sinunuc shoreline.

The initiatives in Zamboanga are part of the administration’s broader effort to ensure that no community is left behind in the country’s development.

Also present during the event were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Zamboanga City 1st District Representative Katrina Reiko Chua-Tai, and Zamboanga Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso. | PND

PBBM orders aviation authorities to coordinate with Malaysia, Singapore to secure Zaldy Co’s air assets

November 28, 2025

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“You cannot steal from the Filipino people and expect to hide or fly away on your private jets. You may have the money to run, but you cannot outrun the Republic of the Philippines.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued this warning as he directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to coordinate with Malaysian and Singaporean authorities to secure the air assets linked to fugitive ex-Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

“Ngayong araw, inatasan ko ang DOTr at saka ‘yung CAAP na makipag-ugnayan sa mga kaibigan natin sa Malaysia saka sa Singapore dahil ang mga pag-aari na helicopter at saka eroplano ay mukhang doon tinatago ni Zaldy Co at nakarehistro po ito sa kaniyang kumpanya na tinatawag na Misibis Aviation and Development Corporation,” President Marcos said in a video message on Friday to report developments in the investigation into flood control irregularities.

Co’s air assets are covered by freeze orders issued by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) covering assets linked to the flood control scam, as part of the government’s efforts to recover stolen taxpayers’ money.

“Nagkaroon na ng freeze order ang AMLC, kaya lahat ng galaw at disposisyon ng mga aircraft na ito, lalong-lalo na ngayon ay ipinagbabawal,” the President said.

The President emphasized that the government is taking firm action to prevent fugitives from using stolen public funds to evade accountability.

“Dahil kailangan natin ipaalaman sa lahat ng mga pugante: hindi puwedeng gamitin ang mga ari-arian na galing sa kaban ng bayan, ninakaw ninyo para tumakas o umiwas sa batas,” the President said.

President Marcos warned that unscrupulous individuals would not be able to evade the law.

Expressing firm resolve, the Chief Executive said the government will recover stolen public funds and hold accountable every person connected to the infrastructure projects corruption.

“Kaya kayong mga pugante, umuwi na kayo. Ang payo ko sa inyo, hindi na kayo turista. Hinahabol na kayo ng batas,” President Marcos said.

The President also announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who has been implicated in the flood control mess, has returned PhP110 million to the government and will return PhP200 million more in the next two weeks.

“This government intends to bring back every peso, every asset, every person responsible and return it to the Filipino people,” President Marcos said.

Co and 15 officials of the DPWH and Sunwest Corporation are facing graft and malversation charges over an anomalous road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, in the first batch of cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan. | PND

November 14, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on Friday the formal national launch of the Philippines’ Chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

In a ceremony held at the Foro De Intramuros within the historic Intramuros district in Manila, President Marcos announced the focus of the 11-nation bloc under the Philippines’ Chairship next year.

Under next year’s theme of “Navigating our Future, Together,” ASEAN will focus on three priorities, namely peace and security anchors; prosperity corridors; and people empowerment.

“These will direct ASEAN’s efforts to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional security, deepen economic integration through innovation and sustainability, and uplift the lives and resilience of our peoples,” said President Marcos.

The President said in the ASEAN peace and security pillar, the Philippines’ Chairship will highlight the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) for new and evolving security challenges, early warning systems, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

In the ASEAN economic pillar, the Philippines as ASEAN Chair will seek to harness AI to advance the region’s transition into a digitally empowered community.

“By promoting the safe, ethical, responsible, equitable, and sustainable adoption of AI in areas such as trade facilitation, digitalization, and innovation, we aim to enhance regional competitiveness, support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” President Marcos said.

Meanwhile, under the ASEAN socio-cultural pillar, the Philippines will champion the responsible use of AI to enhance healthcare, education, and youth empowerment by broadening access to essential services and cultivating creativity among the youth.

Under the Philippines’ Chairship, ASEAN will also explore AI-driven solutions that strengthen the ASEAN Family and advance the silver economy to meet the needs and demands of the elderly population.

“Of course, AI will not replace our human touch; rather, it will magnify our capacity to care, to teach, and to uplift communities across ASEAN,” said the President.

Participants to next year’s ASEAN-related meetings and activities will experience the “spirit of the Filipino people” as the Philippines set the venues around the country, namely Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Laoag, Iloilo, Tagaytay, and Clark.

“Each of these places will host ASEAN meetings and events that celebrate our diversity, showcase our culture, and advance our shared goals,” President Marcos said.

“Together, these venues tell the story of a nation that mirrors ASEAN itself — diverse yet united, traditional yet forward-looking, and increasingly future-ready through innovation and technology.”

Marking the national launch of the Philippines’ Chairship, the ASEAN 2026 logo was projected at the SM Mall of Asia Globe in Pasay City on Friday.

The President said the official ASEAN Philippines 2026 logo and stamp reflect unity of purpose and Filipino warmth. The ASEAN Philippines 2026 website will also be launched.

President Marcos recognized the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC) led by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and acknowledged the country’s partners in the diplomatic corps, government, business, civil society, and the youth for working together to ensure the Philippines’ readiness to lead ASEAN.

“Let us build an ASEAN that is united in its diversity, a steadfast body that stands close forever to its principles, and bold in its embrace of innovation — where technology serves humanity, and where AI helps secure peace, prosperity, and people empowerment,” said the President. | PND