Malacañang on Monday assured the public that the government will enforce strict oversight on the 2026 national budget, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is ready to exercise his veto power against any irregular or questionable spending.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the assurance during a Palace briefing, responding to claims that the 2025 budget was the “most corrupt” and detailing plans to safeguard next year’s budget.

“Sinabi po ng Pangulo even before, na kung mayroon mang magkakamali o magiging anomalyang muli ang gagawin na budget sa 2026, iyan po ay kaniyang ibi-veto,” Castro said during the briefing.

“So, makakasiguro po tayo with all these things happening, makakaasa ang taumbayan na magiging maayos ang 2026 budget at hindi pahihintulutan ng Pangulo ang mga maanomalyang proyekto.”

As the issue of budget “insertions” in the 2025 national budget has surfaced amid the investigation into ghost or substandard flood control projects, Castro said President Marcos is with the Filipino people in venting anger against the corruption of public funds.

President Marcos earlier announced that the PhP255.5 billion allocation for cancelled flood control projects in 2026 shall be realigned to priority programs of other agencies including education, health, agriculture, social services, ICT, labor, and energy. | PND

The Marcos administration on Monday urged lawmakers to pass the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, amid the clamor for transparency and accountability in the flood control projects investigation initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“This week, we heard the voices of Filipinos loudly calling, clamoring for an FOI Law,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said in his speech at the opening of the Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025 in Pasay City.

“I take this opportunity to urge our lawmakers, civil society leaders, and fellow public servants to come together in finally enacting the Right to Information Bill for the Philippines, one that upholds global standards and empowers our democracy,” Gomez added.

The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to host the Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

This year’s theme, “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,” could not be more timely, said Gomez.

“In a nation like ours, where natural disasters are an ever-present threat, access to environmental data is not just a matter of governance—it is a matter of survival,” Gomez said.

“Through technology, we must ensure that communities, especially the most vulnerable, have the information they need to stay safe, plan, and thrive,” he added.

Over the next two days, participants will engage in meaningful dialogues on how governments and civil society can better promote environmental data transparency, harness digital technologies, and address the challenges of climate change through the provision of accurate, timely, and relevant information.

Gomez said the Philippines is proud to host the global access to information community once again, after hosting the 14th Edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners in 2023.

These platforms are vital in strengthening international cooperation and regional solidarity for open, participatory governance, the PCO chief said.

“May these two days serve as a catalyst for strengthening our shared commitment to institutionalizing genuine access to information for the people. Because in a ‘New Philippines,’ every citizen has the right to ask and be involved,” Gomez said. ǀ PND

Malacañang has assured the public that flood control projects across the country will continue despite the reallocation of funds under the proposed 2026 national budget.

In a press briefing Monday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted a thorough reassessment of its budget allocation for 2026 and identified certain projects that could be removed.

Casto said the move created a “fiscal space” for the PhP255.5 billion allocated for flood control projects next year, as earlier announced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“So, mas nanaisin po ng Pangulo na ito ay mailagay sa tamang mga programa at para po mas makatulong sa mga kababayan po natin,” Castro said.

The Palace official likewise noted that contractors are still liable for flood control projects that have been funded and paid in full by the government but remain unfinished.

“Kung ito man ay napondohan at nabayaran na in full at hindi nagawa ng mga contractor na ito, liability po nila ito dapat nila itong tapusin,” Castro said.

During a recent visit to Gonzaga, Cagayan to distribute assistance to typhoon-affected residents, President Marcos allayed concerns that the reallocation of budget to other priority programs will disrupt ongoing or future flood control projects of the government.

“Huwag po kayong mag-alala, hindi ibig sabihin matitigil ang flood control project dahil po sa aming pag-aaral, mayroon pa po – iyong budget ng flood control projects sa 2025 ay 300 plus billion. So, hindi pa naubos ‘yun,” the President explained.

President Marcos said new flood control projects will continue to be approved, provided they meet strict guidelines.

“So, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang magiging flood control project hanggang sa susunod na taon at mayroon naman tayo na ia-approve na flood control project. Basta’t nakita natin ay maayos ang proposal, maayos ang program of work, maayos ang completion, may acceptance ng local government,” the President said. | PND

The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to the right to information as it hosts the Global Conference of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2025, with the theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.”

“The Philippines is honored and proud to host this year’s conference, especially as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designation of September 28 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information,” Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said during the opening ceremony at the Hilton Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

“As the first country in Southeast Asia to host the IDUAI, this celebration is a meaningful recognition of our continuing commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16.10: ensuring public access to information as a fundamental human right,” Gomez said in his speech.

Co-hosted by the Philippine government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the two-day conference gathered government decision-makers, international experts, Information commissioners, journalists and civil society leaders from more than 30 countries.

The delegates are expected to discuss how policies that guarantee access to environmental information strengthen regional cooperation, disaster preparedness, and climate action, and advance sustainable development and environmental justice.

Gomez said the Philippines affirms its commitment to the right to information through Article III, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution, which recognizes the people’s right to Information on matters of public concern.

This constitutional right was operationalized by Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016, which established the Freedom of Information (FOI) Program across the Executive Branch.

“Today, under the vision of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign—which, for our international guests, translates to New Philippines—we envision a government that is not only for the people but also with the people,” Gomez said.

“A government that listens, informs, and empowers its citizens, because only with an informed citizenry can we build a truly democratic nation.”

Gomez said over the past nine years, the PCO has worked to institutionalize the FOI Program through the FOI Program Management Office.

This has involved maintaining the eFOI portal, expanding localization efforts, and launching nationwide capacity-building programs, as well as countering misinformation and disinformation through credible and accessible public data, the PCO Acting Secretary said.

“We continue to empower our local governments to become FOI-ready, bringing FOI closer to every Filipino,” Gomez said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, retired General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as Special Adviser and Investigator of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Azurin, who served as PNP chief from August 2022 to April 2023,, will assume his duties after concluding his personal and administrative arrangements, the Office of the President announced on Monday.

“The administration is confident that General Azurin’s experience and leadership will further strengthen the Commission’s mandate to uphold accountability and transparency in the use of public funds,” the Office of the President said in a statement.

President Marcos meanwhile thanked Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, erstwhile Special Adviser of the ICI, for his service.

Magalong tendered his resignation as ICI special adviser in a letter to the President last Friday.

“The President thanks Mayor Benjamin Magalong for his service and contributions during his tenure. His efforts in safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the Commission have been vital to the government’s campaign against corruption in infrastructure projects,” the Office of the President said.

President Marcos created the ICI on September 11 through Executive Order No. 94 to investigate and recommend legal action against individuals involved in irregularities and misuse of public funds in flood control and related infrastructure projects within the last 10 years.

The President appointed retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as ICI Chairperson, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo as the commission’s members. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the welfare of people affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Opong,” the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has mobilized relief efforts in the island province of Masbate.

“Sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ay tumungo ang DSWD sa Masbate para personal na mag-abot ng tulong sa mga apektadong komunidad,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing Monday.

Castro said the DSWD officials personally visited several evacuation centers, specifically Nursery Elementary School, Bolo National School, and Milagros National School to assess the condition of the evacuees and identify their immediate needs.

In coordination with the Masbate local government, the DSWD distributed family food packs and provided other essential aid to displaced families.

“Klaro ang nais ng Pangulo: Siguruhin na walang maiiwan sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta ng bagyo,” Castro said.

The Palace official underscored the Marcos administration’s commitment to support affected communities not only through immediate disaster response but also throughout the recovery and rehabilitation phases.

Masbate has been placed under a state of calamity due to widespread damage brought by “Opong,” which has affected at least 16,000 families across the province. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday highlighted his administration’s commitment to universal healthcare during his visit to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC) in Batac, Ilocos Norte, where he underscored the implementation of the zero balance billing policy.

President Marcos, who was welcomed by Dr. Jose B. Orosa III, Chief of Medical Professional Staff II and other hospital staff and patients, visited the Oncology, Internal Medicine, and Family Medicine wards where he witnessed the discharge of patients covered by zero balance billing policy.

Among the patients who benefited from policy were 21-year-old Jenard Castillo Galasinao of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, who was treated for severe leptospirosis; 74-year-old Cirilo Urvayo Urcia of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, who received treatment for multiple conditions including metabolic encephalopathy and anemia of chronic disease; and 56-year-old Leonardo Batara Tolentino of Piddig, Ilocos Norte, who completed treatment for post-infectious parkinsonism and meningitis.

The President also visited the Kangaroo Mother Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Units, emphasizing his administration’s focus on maternal, child, and critical healthcare services.

According to Dr. Orosa, more than 400 in-patients at MMMH&MC are expected to benefit from the zero balance billing policy today alone, while a total of 61,524 patients have already benefited from the program under the Marcos administration, with hospitalization costs amounting to PhP1.43 billion fully covered.

To extend direct support, the Office of the President distributed 2,076 meals to patients, guardians, and hospital staff, with additional meals set aside for new admissions and volunteers.

The provincial government of Ilocos Norte also provided 1,800 food packs, while the Office of House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos distributed 750 sacks of 10-kilo rice to patients and their families.

The MMMH&MC, a premier government tertiary hospital in Northern Luzon, plays a vital role in providing specialized and accessible healthcare services to Ilocanos and nearby provinces. | PND

Malacañang expressed regret over the resignation of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as special adviser, but emphasized that the body shall continue its work in ensuring transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects.

“It is unfortunate Mayor Magalong resigned,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave M. Gomez said in a statement on Saturday.

Magalong resigned as special adviser to the ICI in a letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday.

Gomez stressed that the public’s trust in the ICI is larger than any individual and underscored the importance of allowing the commission to carry out its duties without political interference.

“The demand of the Filipino people from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure is higher than any one person,” Gomez said.

“The Commission, made up of distinguished professionals with unassailable integrity, has hit the ground running on Day 1. The Palace respects the autonomy of the Commission. Let’s allow them to do their job and deliver on their mandate,” Gomez added.

The ICI, established under Executive Order No. 94 issued on Sept. 11, is tasked with investigating anomalies in multibillion-peso flood control and infrastructure projects in the last 10 years.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28, President Marcos himself exposed the corruption in the implementation of flood control projects and expressed anger that ordinary Filipinos suffer from recurrent flooding during heavy rains. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited Sta. Ana Fishery National High School in Cagayan on Saturday to inspect the rollout of the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) health caravan and assess the extent of damage caused by Super Typhoon Nando.

Upon his arrival at the school in Sta. Ana, a situation briefing on the effects of the super typhoon in the region was conducted in a classroom.

The briefing was attended by several Cabinet officials, including Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, as well as local school and government officials.

Following the briefing, President Marcos proceeded to the school gymnasium to oversee the distribution of government assistance and witness the implementation of the YAKAP health caravan.

A flagship health initiative of the administration in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), YAKAP is designed to safeguard the well-being of students, teachers, and school personnel.

Accompanied by Secretaries Angara and Gatchalian, the President observed the delivery of free medical and dental check-ups, laboratory and diagnostic tests—including cancer screenings—as well as psychological first aid. Medicines were also distributed during the event.

In addition, the President oversaw the distribution of emergency kits to 100 learners and 100 food packs to teaching and non-teaching staff.

YAKAP currently has 3,582 facilities nationwide, covering 91 percent of cities and municipalities, ensuring that healthcare services reach even the most remote schools and communities.

Sta. Ana Fishery National High School serves a student population of 2,044. | PND

“Tiyakin na ang bawat sentimo ay mapupunta sa maganda, para pagandahin ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday vowed to safeguard public funds and ensure they are spent wisely for the welfare of Filipinos, assuring that past abuses in the implementation of multi billion-peso flood control and infrastructure projects will not be repeated.

“Titiyakin po natin na hindi na po mauulit ‘yung ating nakita. Titiyakin po natin na bawat sentimo na pera ninyo – hindi namin pera ito, pera ninyo na ibinahagi ninyo sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan,” President Marcos said in his remarks at the Gonzaga People’s Gymnasium where he led the distribution of assistance to typhoon-affected residents and farmers in Cagayan.

The President stressed that the government serves only as “custodian” of taxpayers’ money, which should be used to improve the lives of Filipino families under the Bagong Pilipinas.

“Kami po ay kung tawagin ay “custodian” lang, tiga-bantay lang kami sa pera ninyo. Hindi amin ‘yan. Sa inyo pa rin ‘yan,” President Marcos stressed.

“Pero sa amin ang responsibilidad, ang katungkulan na tiyakin na ang bawat sentimo ay mapupunta sa maganda, para pagandahin po ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan, para maging mas maginhawa ang buhay ng inyong mga pamilya, para po sa pagpaganda at pag-usbong ng ating ginagawa, na binubuo na Bagong Pilipinas,” the Chief Executive added.

President Marcos announced the realignment of the PhP255.55 billion allocation for locally funded flood control projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) proposed budget for next year.

“Kung hindi po natin ginawa ‘yan, ‘yang 255 billion na ‘yan kung saan-saan na lang mapupunta. Kaya mabuti, kaya kinansila na po natin lahat ng flood control project para sa 2026 at iyan po ang naging savings natin,” said the President.

The PhP255.5 billion flood control funds would be transferred to the priority programs of other agencies, including:

PhP35.91 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), psychosocial support to teen mothers, Disability Inclusive Social Protection of Children; Project Safe against sexual abuse, construction of the Mindanao Disaster Resource Center, construction of five Bahay Pagasa, Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP);

PhP26.55 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd) for construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, school-based feeding programs, education of indigenous peoples, Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, salary of non-DepEd ARAL tutors, flexible learning options, Madrasah Education, and Special Needs Education Program;

PhP39.37 billion to the Department of Agriculture (DA) for farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, presidential assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, crop insurance, solar powered irrigation, deep water ports for agri industrial product, fishport construction, cold storage, national social health program, farm to mill road, and massive coconut planting program;

PhP29.28 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) for Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program, completion of legacy hospitals and children with cancer at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center;

PhP60 billion to Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) for the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Centers, Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment;

PhP9.3 billion to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for scholarships and student assistance;

PhP1 billion to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);

PhP450 million to the Philippine Science High School System;

PhP3 billion to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT);

PhP18 billion to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program;

PhP5 billion to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the repair and restoration of new irrigation systems, communal irrigation system, and pump irrigation;

PhP2.5 billion to the Department of Information and Communication (DICT);

PhP4.62 million to the Department of Energy (DOE) for the electrification program;

PhP135 million to the Department of Finance (DOF) for the anti-agricultural smuggling campaign; and

PhP4 million to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the waste-to-energy project. | PND