The hoisting of the Philippine national flag on Sandy Cay on Sunday (April 27) reaffirms President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s commitment that the Philippines will not yield even a square inch of its territory or maritime jurisdiction.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized on Wednesday that the flag-raising on Sandy Cay clearly demonstrates that China does not control the area, contrary to reports by Chinese state media.

“Alinsunod sa pangako ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na hindi isusuko ang kahit na maliit na bahagi ng ating bansa, pinangunahan ng Philippine Navy, [Philippine] Coast Guard, at Philippine National Police – Maritime Group ang pagtataas ng watawat ng Pilipinas bilang pagpapakita ng ating soberanya sa mga cay na bahagi ng Kalayaan, Palawan,” Castro disclosed in a press briefing in Malacañang.

Castro said “pagpapakita ito na hindi kontrolado ng Chinese Coast Guard ang Pag-asa Cay 2,” stressing the cays are within 12 nautical miles of Pag-asa Island.

The Palace Press Officer added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other agencies renewed their assurance to defend and protect the country’s rights and sovereignty within its maritime domain and jurisdiction based on international law.

Earlier, National Security Council (NSC) reported that the Inter-Agency Maritime Operation (IAMO) conducted a routine visit to Sandy Cay, Pag-asa Cay 2 in particular, and the surrounding waters of Cay 1 and Cay 3.

The IAMO team completed the mission without incident, clearly contradicting any narrative that Sandy Cay was seized. Sandy Cay is a maritime feature of a low bank or reef of coral, rock, and sand located in the Spratly Islands near Pag-Asa Island in the Spratlys.

President Marcos has consistently affirmed his sworn duty to defend the country’s territory and sovereignty amid China’s assertive actions and provocations in the West Philippine Sea.

The President has said that the Philippines shall resist provocative, unilateral, and unlawful actions to change the status quo.

On Monday, the government refuted reports by Chinese state media claiming that the China Coast Guard had taken control of Sandy Cay near Pag-Asa Island, calling them inaccurate and misleading. | PND

On President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has expanded its outpatient coverage for malaria, supporting the renewed global campaign to end the disease.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a briefing on Wednesday that the government is working to eliminate malaria on or before 2030, as advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) drive against it.

“Bilang tugon ng PhilHealth sa panawagan ng World Health Organization na magkaisa laban sa malaria, pinalawak pa nito ang benepisyo para sa malaria,” Castro said.

According to its website, PhilHealth has increased coverage for outpatient malaria services from PhP780 to PhP1,170, including diagnostic smears, rapid tests, Artemether + Lumefantrine medication, consultations, patient education, and counseling.

Members may use these benefits at 1,816 PhilHealth-accredited facilities, including primary care facilities and outpatient malaria centers.

Coverage for malaria without complications ranges from PhP5,460 to PhP7,800.

The Palace Press Officer said the PhilHealth move on malaria care coverage aligns with President Marcos’ directive to implement a faster, more affordable health package to benefit ordinary Filipinos.

She noted that President Marcos has directed all concerned agencies to focus on improving the country’s health services and programs.

“Ayon kay Dr. Edwin Mercado (president and chief executive officer) ng PhilHealth, ang bagong malaria package ay hakbang tungo sa mas mabilis at abot-kayang serbisyo para sa lahat, bilang suporta sa layuning wakasan ang malaria pagsapit ng 2030,” Castro said.

Mercado took office on Feb. 4, 2025.

“Patuloy pa rin ang pagtutok ng administrasyong Marcos sa kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” she said.

In 2023, the Department of Health—Research Institute for Tropical Medicine recorded a 90 percent increase in malaria cases, 6,248 compared to the previous year’s 3,245.

In 2024, however, 72 out of 82 Philippine provinces were declared malaria-free. PhilHealth said these developments underscore the necessity of recommitting to efforts to control and eliminate malaria. | PND

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Tuesday reaffirmed Tokyo’s strong commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with the Philippines in key areas, including maritime and regional security, agriculture, trade, and economic development.

Speaking during a joint press conference with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace, PM Ishiba highlighted the shared aspirations of both nations to advance agricultural growth, bolster economic resilience, and ensure maritime security.

The Japanese Prime Minister described his meeting with President Marcos as beginning with a “frank and relaxed” exchange on regional and global developments, followed by a broader plenary session that addressed key issues such as food security, energy, and economic stability.

“President Marcos has a very deep insight into agriculture. From such a perspective, I was able to have a good exchange of views with His Excellency. I very much hope we can further deepen our cooperation in the agricultural arena,” PM Ishiba said.

Turning to regional security, the Japanese leader recognized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“I hope that our two nations will continue to closely communicate with each other and to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law,” the Japanese leader said.

The Japanese leader emphasized Tokyo’s sustained commitment to supporting the Philippines’ economic development.

“Many Japanese companies have played a role in the local economy here. I conveyed to President Marcos that I will listen carefully to their concerns so that we can find better solutions moving forward,” PM Ishiba said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday affirmed that the 70 years of vibrant and robust diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan provide a strong foundation for “a resonant and inspiring future” of mutual cooperation and shared progress.

In his opening statement during the bilateral meeting with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, President Marcos said the 70th year of normalization of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Japan, which will be marked next year, is a milestone celebration for the two countries.

“The fruits of seven decades of engagement attest to a deeply meaningful relationship where our two peoples feel the benefit of our diplomacy,” the President told Ishiba during the meeting in Malacañang.

“We look at seven decades of our shared history to lay the groundwork for a resonant and inspiring future where we engage across all sectors,” the President said.

President Marcos said he looks forward to his discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, which will cover key areas such as economic cooperation and development, robust people-to-people ties, and enhanced defense and security relations.

He expressed confidence that the talks would meaningfully contribute to the shared aspiration for peace, security, and inclusive prosperity for both nations and the wider region.

President Marcos congratulated Japan on the successful opening of Expo 2025 Osaka and expressed his excitement about the Philippines’ participation in the fair.

In response, Ishiba pointed to the common interests and values of the Philippines and Japan, which are Asian neighbors and US allies.

“Our two countries are bound by fundamental values, including the rule of law, as well as shared challenges in the area of security, economy, and disaster prevention,” Ishiba told President Marcos.

“We need to be fully prepared and work together in case of natural disasters,” the Japanese Prime Minister said.

Ishiba, accompanied by his wife, Yoshiko, is currently in Manila for a two-day official visit. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru on Tuesday agreed to initiate discussions on the exchange of defense supplies and logistical support, aiming to further enhance defense cooperation between the two countries.

In a joint press conference, President Marcos emphasized Japan’s continued support in helping the Philippines achieve its aspirations for peace and friendship “with all nations with strength and integrity.”

“Further, we have agreed to start negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA),” the President said, referring to a bilateral pact allowing the two countries’ armed forces to exchange logistical support, supplies, and services.

The ACSA aims to enhance interoperability by facilitating requirements of military exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) activities between the Philippines and Japan.

Prime Minister Ishiba is currently in Manila for a two-day official visit. He is accompanied by his wife, Ishiba Yoshiko.

President Marcos warmly welcomed the Prime Minister and his wife to Malacañan Palace, highlighting the enduring and growing importance of Philippines-Japan relations, which will mark their 70th anniversary next year.

The President described Japan as a crucial and steadfast partner, noting that it is the Philippines’ second-largest economic partner and a major source of trade, investment, and development assistance — hallmarks of what he called a golden age in bilateral ties.

“We appreciate Japan’s development assistance, which we see as the gold standard for development cooperation … primarily because it supports our maritime domain awareness, infrastructure, food security, improved climate change adaptability, digital transformation, agriculture, space, cyber technology, health, and energy, and many others,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos also acknowledged Japan’s contribution to peace efforts in Mindanao and the country’s defense modernization through its Official Security Assistance program.

The President also vowed to continue strengthening economic ties with Japan through the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. | PND

President Marcos reaffirmed to Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru the Philippine commitment to deepen ties in diplomatic, political, security, and defense cooperation as both nations approach 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

“I look forward to continuing our Strengthened Strategic Partnership with Japan, a country that shares our ideals and aspirations of upholding democratic institutions and the rules-based international order,” President Marcos said.

The President and the Prime Minister held a joint press conference on Tuesday following their bilateral meeting at the Malacañan Palace.

The Chief Executive said discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba laid the groundwork for a “resonant and inspiring future across all possible sectors,” citing the importance of concrete outcomes that benefit people in their everyday lives and their children’s lives.”

“Prime Minister Ishiba and I earlier discussed the many aspects of our diplomatic, political, security, and defense cooperation. We looked forward to a robust relationship, as our diplomatic relations enter their 70th year of normalization in the year 2026,” the President said.

President Marcos also highlighted the strong bilateral relationship built over nearly 70 years, grounded in reconciliation, mutual respect, and cooperation in areas such as trade, development, security, and defense.

The Chief Executive lauded Japan as a reliable and steadfast partner, noting that it is the Philippines’ second-largest economic partner.

The President is committed to strengthening economic ties with Japan through mechanisms like the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

President Marcos acknowledged Japan’s significant contributions to the Mindanao peace process. He also observed that Japan’s Official Security Assistance program has supported the modernization of the Department of National Defense and other security agencies. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed optimism for enhanced regional collaboration and the continued strengthening of diplomatic ties in the Indo-Pacific to promote peace, prosperity, and long-term stability in the region.

“I look forward to the future of our mutually-beneficial cooperation, full of hope and confidence that our two peoples will continue to benefit from our diplomacy, and that we realize our aspirations for regional peace, prosperity, and stability as we stand together as strategic partners,” President Marcos said.

In his toast remarks welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, his wife Yoshiko, and the Japanese delegation at Malacañang Palace, President Marcos emphasized that their visit holds “great significance for both the present and future of our nations.”

The Japanese Prime Minister is on an official visit to the Philippines for the first time.

President Marcos said strong bilateral partnerships are critical in advancing the shared goals for peace, prosperity, and long-term stability in the region.

President Marcos recalled his initial meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related summit in Laos in October 2024, noting it as a meaningful start to their continued dialogue and cooperation.

During their meeting in Laos, President Marcos said they reaffirmed their commitment to a “future-oriented Strengthened Strategic Partnership.”

The President extended heartfelt thanks to Japan for its steadfast support of Philippine development efforts, including cooperation in the areas of infrastructure, defense, health, digitalization, and peace-building, particularly in Mindanao.

President Marcos said he hopes for diplomacy that benefits the two countries and contributes meaningfully to a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday conveyed his sincere appreciation to Japan for its “enduring commitment” to supporting his administration’s development priorities.

President Marcos affirmed the Philippines’ “sustained commitment” to further strengthening the enduring and strategic partnership with Japan, the Philippines’ second-largest economic partner and a major source of trade, investment, and development assistance.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I would like to thank Japan for its enduring commitment to support the development goals of this administration – in economic and development cooperation, security and defense fields, health, peace and security in Mindanao, information and communications technology and various other sectors,” President Marcos said.

The President warmly welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his delegation during an official banquet held at Malacañang Palace.

“I assure Your Excellency of the sustained commitment of the Philippines to the positive trajectory of our relations as we approach the 70th year of the normalization of our diplomatic ties next year,” the President told the Japanese leader.

Saying that he looks forward to the future of the mutually-beneficial cooperation, President Marcos also expressed hope and confidence “that our two peoples will continue to benefit from our diplomacy, and that we realize our aspirations for regional peace, prosperity, and stability as we stand together as strategic partners.”

The President also acknowledged the significance of Prime Minister Ishiba’s first official visit to the Philippines, emphasizing its value not only for the present but also for the future of both nations.

President Marcos noted that the visit continues the longstanding tradition of high-level exchanges between the Philippines and Japan, reflecting the strength and depth of their bilateral relationship.

During last year’s ASEAN-related summit meetings in Laos, President Marcos and Ishiba had an opportunity to briefly meet and discuss on the sidelines the strengthening of the Philippine-Japan bilateral relations, which reaffirmed future-oriented strategic partnership.

Japan has contributed significantly to the peace efforts in Mindanao. Japan has also supported the Philippines’ defense modernization through its Official Security Assistance program.

Ishiba, accompanied by his wife, Yoshiko, is currently in Manila for a two-day official visit. | PND

29 April 2025 — Upon the invitation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., H.E. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, conducts an official visit to the Philippines on 29 to 30 April 2025.

During the bilateral meeting on 29 April 2025, President Marcos and Prime Minister Ishiba discussed diplomatic, political, security and defence cooperation, and looked forward to a robust relationship as it approaches the 70th anniversary of the normalization of ties in 2026. The President said that “with the spirit of reconciliation, brotherhood and amity as foundational to our relationship, the fruits of seven decades of engagement attest to a deeply meaningful relationship where our two peoples slowly built a shared history and multifaceted cooperation. It has been seven decades that generations of Filipinos and Japanese have felt the benefits of our stable and wise diplomacy.”

On the bilateral engagements of the Philippines and Japan, they looked forward to the entry into force and implementation of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). They likewise decided to commence talks to enhance mutual logistics support or acquisition and cross-servicing.

Both leaders discussed bilateral economic cooperation under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA). They acknowledged the progress in critical areas of cooperation in information and communications technology and natural resources, and noted progress in cooperation in infrastructure, disaster prevention, agriculture, and development cooperation in Mindanao, among others.

Further, the leaders highlighted the excellent state of people-to-people exchanges. President Marcos expressed support for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. They noted that both countries will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic ties in 2026, a milestone event that opens future prospects under their Strengthened Strategic Partnership.

Lastly, the two leaders affirmed their common aspiration for peace, security, and progress in the region. END

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered free rides on MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 for all workers from April 30 to May 3 as a Labor Day tribute to the country’s hardworking labor force.

President Marcos said he finds it fitting to extend this gesture as part of the Labor Day celebrations, which aim to recognize and honor workers who play a vital role in the nation’s progress.

“Nais kong sabihin sa lahat ng ating mga commuter ay inutos ko na para magbigay ng ating kaunting parangal sa ating mga manggagawa … kasama sa Labor Day Celebration ay maging libre ang sakay sa MRT-3, LRT-1 and 2,” President Marcos said in a video message.

The President said the free rides tribute is a token of gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of Filipino workers, who have boosted the economy and contributed to society’s overall welfare.

“Ito ay mula April 30 hanggang May 3. Ito ay bilang kaunting pagkilala sa sakripisyo at ang kontribusyon ng ating mga manggagawa hindi lamang sa ating ekonomiya kundi sa ating lipunan. Happy Labor Day!” the President said.

The Department of Transportation and rail operators are expected to implement the directive, ensuring smooth and safe rides for workers during the four-day period.

This year’s Labor Day celebrations highlight the government’s ongoing commitment to improve the lives of Filipino workers through support programs, wage reforms, and inclusive economic growth. | PND