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

November 14, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with world-renowned actor George Clooney and his wife, Amal Clooney, an international human rights lawyer, during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Friday.

President Marcos, joined by First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, discussed efforts to strengthen press freedom.

During their brief meeting, Ms. Clooney highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to broaden access to justice. President Marcos welcomed this and added the need for responsible regulation to ensure the ethical and secure use of AI.

In closing, the President reaffirmed the Administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom and expressed hope that the visit of the couple to the country would be both meaningful and enjoyable.

The Clooneys are in the Philippines to headline the Social Good Summit 2025 hosted by an online news platform on November 16 at Lanson Place in Pasay City. They are expected to speak on global challenges affecting free speech and civil liberties.

George Clooney, apart from his achievements as an award-winning actor and filmmaker, is widely recognized for his humanitarian initiatives and global advocacy.

Amal Clooney, an esteemed barrister specializing in international law and human rights, is a Professor of Practice in International Law at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government, a Senior Fellow at the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice, and an Honorary Fellow at St. Hugh’s College, Oxford University. | PND

November 9, 2025

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Malacañang issued Executive Order No. 105, extending the 15 percent tax on imported rice until December 31, 2025, and establishing the Inter-Agency Group on Rice Tariff Adjustment to monitor and adjust rice import taxes in response to changes in world market prices.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s EO 105 also provides for tariff adjustments, effective January 1, 2026, based on movements in international rice prices, with rates ranging from 15 to 35 percent.

“Section 2 provides that the MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates of duty on rice, both in-quota and out-quota, under EO No. 62 (modifying the nomenclature and rates of import duty on various products) shall be maintained until 31 December 2025,” EO 105 added.

The order provides that “beginning 01 January 2026, the MFN rates of duty on rice shall be: increased by five (5) percentage points per five percent (5%) decrease in international rice prices; or decreased by five (5) percentage points per five percent (5%) increase in international rice prices.”

“However, the MFN rates of duty on rice, both in-quota and out-quota, shall in no case be below 15% or above 35%,” EO 105 stated.

The directive also added that Inter-Agency GRTA shall be composed of representatives from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Finance, and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.

The Inter-Agency Group was directed to formulate the guidelines necessary to implement this Order, including the determination of the thresholds, certification by the DA that said thresholds or trigger price levels have been reached, monitoring period, and other relevant details regarding the adjustment of the MFN rates of duty on rice.

The Constitution provides that the State shall pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare and Republic Act (RA) No. 10863 or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act” empowers the President, in the interest of general welfare and national security…to increase or reduce at any level and/or remove existing rates of import duty, in one or several stages.

RA No. 8178 or the “Agricultural Tariffication Act,” authorizes the President to increase, reduce, revise, or adjust existing rates of import duty up to the bound rate committed by the Philippines under the World Trade Agreement on Agriculture and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, including any necessary change in classification applicable to the importation of rice.

EO 62 set forth the MFN tariff rates on rice at 15% for both in-quota and out-quota, subject to review every four months.

The Economy and Development (ED) Council resolved to maintain the MFN tariff rate on rice at 15% until 31 December 2025, both for in-quota and out-quota, and to implement a mechanism for adjusting the MFN tariff rate on rice in accordance with international market conditions starting 1 January 2026.- PND

November 8, 2025

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 104, temporarily reducing the import duty on tin-mill blackplate (TMBP)—the primary material used in producing tin plates and tin-free steel used in cans for canned food—to help stabilize the supply chain and lower production costs in the country’s canned food industry.

By the authority of President Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the measure, endorsed by the Economy and Development Council, which seeks to revitalize local tin plate and tin-free steel manufacturing—key components in food packaging—amid the absence of domestic TMBP production.

The new tariff rates will take effect and remain in force for three years, subject to review after one year.

“At present, there is no local production of TMBP, and there is also no local product that can substitute for said commodity,” EO No. 104 stated.

TMBP serves as the main material in the production of Tin Plate (TP) and Tin-Free Steel (TFS), which are primarily used in the canned food industry.

According to the Economy and Development (ED) Council, temporarily modifying the rate of import duty on TMBP will revitalize domestic TP and TFS industries, promoting consumer welfare by stabilizing the supply chain, lowering production costs, generating employment, and fostering a favorable environment for investment.

On 20 August 2025, the ED Council endorsed the reduction of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate on TMBP.

The Palace stated that all other issuances, administrative rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with EO 104 are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

In issuing the EO, the Palace cited Section 13, Article XI of the Constitution, which mandates the State to pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare, and Republic Act No. 10863, or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” which empowers the President—upon the recommendation of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev)—to adjust existing import duty rates in the interest of general welfare and national security. – PND

Palace suspends gov’t work and classes on Monday

November 9, 2025

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Malacañang has ordered the suspension of work in government offices on Monday, November 10, as well as classes in several regions on November 10 and 11, due to the expected major impacts of Super Typhoon Uwan.

By the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Memorandum Circular No. 106, which provided that government work in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, MIMAROPA, Bicol and Eastern Visayas will be suspended on November 10.

MC 106 indicated that classes at all levels in those regions, including Regions VI, VII, and the Negros Island Region, are suspended for two days.

“Upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and in view of the forecasted major impacts that will be brought about by Super Typhoon “Uwan”, work in government offices in the NCR, CAR, and Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V and VIII is hereby suspended on 10 November 2025,” the memorandum circular added.

“Further, classes at all levels in the aforementioned Regions, Region VI (Western Visayas), Region VII (Central Visayas), and the Negros Island Region are also suspended on 10 and 11 November 2025,” MC 106 stated.

The memorandum also provided that government agencies responsible for basic, vital and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational.

“To further ensure continuity of essential government functions, all other government agencies in the aforementioned regions may implement alternate work arrangements, as may be necessary, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations,” the order added.

MC 106 stated that” the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other regions may be implemented by their respective Local Chief Executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules and regulations.”

The order said the suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.- PND