The Philippine government underscored that the donation of new forensic equipment from Japan’s Ministry of Justice strengthens the country’s capacity to uphold justice and human rights, which is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s governance agenda of transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said the donation of new forensic equipment from Japan’s Ministry of Justice is both a gesture of compassion and a boost to the country’s forensic capacity through local and international partnerships.

In his keynote message during the ceremony on Wednesday, Bersamin described the handover of autopsy instruments to the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) as more than a technical upgrade.

“At first glance, handing over autopsy instruments can feel like a clinical moment,” Bersamin said.

“Yet this simple act is charged with compassion: it affirms that every life, no matter how brief, deserves respect, and that even in loss, we are committed to honoring dignity, comforting those who grieve, and uncovering the truth,” Bersamin added.

The handover marked another significant milestone in the ongoing establishment of the National Forensics Institute (NFI), a global pledge of the Philippines at the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland in December 2023.

The equipment, comprising of mortuary refrigerators, autopsy carts, and body scales, was donated by the Japanese government’s Ministry of Justice under its “Institutional Investigation of Custodial Deaths Project.”

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) facilitated the handover from the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines.”

Bersamin likewise cited how the “synergistic collaboration among our agencies, the academe, and our international partners is fast-tracking the establishment of the National Forensics Institute.”

Bersamin mentioned as example the Declaration of Cooperation to Strengthen Procedures to Investigate Custodial Deaths of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), which the Department of Justice (DOJ), UPM, and UNODC Philippines signed on July 11, 2024.

Under this declaration, the remains of deceased PDLs from Bureau of Corrections facilities in Metro Manila will be transferred to UPM for independent autopsy and forensic examination.

“This is a moral commitment to uphold the prompt reporting and independent investigation of custodial deaths,” Bersamin emphasized.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuya Endo expressed confidence that the donation, the first from Japan for the NFI establishment, would further support the government’s efforts to strengthen the forensic capabilities of law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities.

UPM Chancellor Michael Tee meanwhile noted that the new equipment will boost UPM’s forensic pathology facilities, ensuring more efficient conduct of independent autopsies and providing essential tools for training future forensic specialists.

UP President Angelo Jimenez reaffirmed the University’s role as the academic backbone of the NFI, citing the pioneering work of its forensic pathologists who have sustained their passion in the field.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, co-chair of the NFI Technical Working Group (TWG), in his statement delivered by Undersecretary Deo Marco, stressed the value of the donated equipment was “more than technology; it is a lifeline for truth.”

“It is a way to ensure that every person deprived of liberty, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with dignity, and that any loss of life is examined with transparency, accountability, and care,” Remulla said.

Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. of the Bureau of Corrections highlighted the government’s duty to ensure transparency in custodial deaths, noting reforms to improve the conditions of PDLs, including partnerships with the UP on online education.

Mr. Daniele Marchesi, Country Head of UNODC Philippines, meanwhile highlighted the ease of international cooperation with the Philippines, particularly in advancing forensic standards, due to the government agencies’ enthusiasm and openness to productive engagement.

Finally, Dr. Raquel del Rosario-Fortun, noted forensic pathologist at the UPM, expressed hope that with more support, the NFI can go beyond the investigation of custodial deaths to all cases of death that need to be resolved appropriately.

The NFI TWG is co-chaired by the Office of the Executive Secretary and the DOJ. Its members are the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Budget and Management, Commission on Higher Education, UPM, and the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday marked the commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day, calling it a moment for reflection and an invitation to govern with “sobriety, conscience, and foresight.”

In his message, President Marcos said the observance of the day highlights a chapter in the nation’s shared history that continues to shape generations and public memory.

“The passage of time has allowed the country to approach this event with greater clarity and, therefore, with a deeper perspective. History invites reflection more than reaction, and from that reflection arises a clearer understanding of civic duty,” said President Marcos.

The President further said the observance reflects the nation’s readiness to pursue unity and reconciliation.

“In honoring this day, the Republic signals its readiness to uphold leadership that strives towards wholeness and reconciliation. Through this observance, we advance the work of statecraft: disciplined, steady, and shaped by the enduring imperative to choose peace above quarrel, and dignity beyond differences,” the Chief Executive noted.

President Marcos said that the Philippines has over the years undergone a “profound transformation” through public discourse on power, memory, and citizenship.

“These transitions unfolded in moments when individuals chose to meet history with resolve,” said the President, adding that history should be seen less as a final judgment and more as continuing instruction for leaders.

“As someone raised within a political tradition formed by these moments, I have come to understand that history offers less final judgment than continuing instruction. It sharpens how we serve, how we listen, and how we bear the weight of an office with a greater purpose moving forward,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive emphasized that the commemoration carries meaning when the lessons of the past are applied in governance and embedded in the nation’s institutions.

“This day, therefore, becomes an invitation to govern with sobriety, conscience, and foresight. Our commemoration achieves meaning when the lessons of the past are reflected in our actions and in the moral architecture of institutions,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered a construction company immediately blacklisted and charged for a “ghost” flood control project in Baliuag, Bulacan.

President Marcos directed the action taken against SYMS Construction Trading after conducting an inspection in Baliuag to verify a report sent via the sumbongsapangulo.ph website about a non-existent concrete river wall.

“Mahigit PhP55 milyon ang binayad para sa concrete river wall. Bayad na mula pa noong Hunyo, pero sa inspeksyon, wala ni isang hollow block na makita. At hindi pa ito kasama sa listahan ng flood control projects na isinumite ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). Bakit ito itinago? Hindi na kayo nahiya!” the President said in a statement issued on his Facebook page.

Aside from being blacklisted, the company will be charged for violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.

“Ang SYMS Construction Trading ay agad na iba-blacklist at haharap sa mga kaso sa ilalim ng Revised Penal Code at RA 3019. Hahanapin at sisiyasatin pa natin ang iba pa nilang proyekto,” President Marcos said.

“Hindi natin palalampasin ito. Sususpendihin at kakasuhan ang lahat ng opisyal na nag-authorize at nakipagsabwatan dito,” the Chief Executive added.

President Marcos encouraged Filipinos to continue reporting anomalous flood control projects via the sumbongsapangulo.ph website.

“Sama-sama nating wawakasan ang katiwalian at sisiguraduhin na ang pera ng taumbayan ay napupunta sa proyektong para sa tao,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed four newly designated ambassadors to the Philippines, reaffirming the vibrant and robust bilateral ties with their respective countries.

Those who presented their credentials to President Marcos in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday were Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown; Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh; and non-resident ambassadors to the Philippines Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed of the Maldives and Netra Prasad Timsina of Nepal.

In welcoming the new Australian envoy, President Marcos said the engagements entered into by Australia and the Philippines play a “very, very important part in maintaining peace in our region.”

“And together with other multilateral relationships… these have strengthened once again the position of peace-loving countries and states,” the President said.

For his part, Innes-Brown said his country is advancing the strategic partnership with the Philippines.

Accepting the credentials of Kursh, President Marcos recognized the very strong ties between the Philippines and Israel over the years.

“I can see a very bright future for that relationship. And we, of course, are here as your partners to find a way to help you and the region find peace,” the President told the Israeli envoy.

Kursh, for her part, said Israel is committed to contributing to the President’s vision for the Philippines.

“We look forward to deepening our partnership in agriculture and peace and security, water solutions, defense, technology and innovation, health, cybersecurity, tourism, disaster management, and the education sector,” Israel’s envoy said.

“During my tenure, I hope we can open new horizons through direct flights… and that the number of OFWs in Israel will continue growing as they are deeply appreciated,” the ambassador added.

The Philippines and Australia established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946. In 2024, the Philippines’ total trade with Australia amounted to USD3.11 billion, with imports valued at USD2.606 billion and exports at USD507.21 million.

The Philippine Embassy in Canberra said there are around 408,000 Filipinos and Australians of Filipino descent in Australia.

The Philippines and Israel established diplomatic relations on August 9, 1957, although the Philippines has recognized the State of Israel since August 14, 1948.

In 2024, Israel was the Philippines’ 34th largest trading partner, 30th export destination, and 38th import source.

As of December 2023, there are around 30,000 Filipinos in Israel. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday for a courtesy call.

President Marcos and Spoljaric discussed the role of the Philippines in fostering a culture of respect for International Humanitarian Law in the Asia Pacific region and the importance of the Philippines’ voice in fostering peace and dialogue amidst ongoing humanitarian crisis and armed conflict around the world.

During the call, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to supporting the promotion of respect for international humanitarian law and its fundamental principles as a cornerstone of peace, security, and human dignity.

“Upholding international humanitarian law largely rests on the firm resolve of national governments. Ultimately, we bear the responsibility of translating international commitments into domestic policies and practices to protect the most vulnerable,” said the President.

Spoljaric highlighted how the Philippines’ leadership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can help address urgent humanitarian crises and support dialogue for ceasefires in some of the world’s hardest-hit regions.

The courtesy call comes on the heels of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Asia Pacific Regional Conference last August 11 to 14, 2025, co-hosted by the Philippines and the ICRC. The event provided a platform for the Philippines to share its experience in establishing an Inter-Agency Committee on IHL last year through Executive Order 77 signed by the President.

To date, the Philippines is only one of six countries in Asia Pacific with a permanent national IHL committee.

The Philippines and ICRC share a long history of partnership since World War II, and have continued to work closely in providing humanitarian assistance across the country in response to the consequences of armed conflict, natural disasters, and other crises.

In the Philippines, ICRC’s work focuses on protecting civilians and those affected by conflict, visiting detention facilities and advocating humane treatment of prisoners, and restoring family links.

ICRC currently maintains offices in Manila, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, and the Visayas, and works closely with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), its leading partner since the 1970s.

ICRC is an impartial, neutral, and independent humanitarian organization established in 1863 and based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Its mission is to protect the lives and dignity of people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, and to promote respect for international humanitarian law.

With about 18,000 staff working in around 100 countries, the ICRC responds to emergencies, supports victims of conflict, and works with governments, armed groups, and communities to uphold humanitarian principles. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday reminded Senator Robinhood Padilla, who is pushing for mandatory drug testing of all government personnel including the President, that the Supreme Court prohibits universal drug testing.

“Ang allowed lamang po ay ang random drug testing. So, baka magsayang lang po ng oras at pera o pondo si Senator Robin Padilla. Aralin po muna niya po ang nais niyang gawing batas,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Castro cited the Supreme Court’s November 3, 2008 ruling on the case filed by the Social Justice Society against the Dangerous Drugs Board and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which declared that universal drug testing violates the Constitution and an individual’s right to privacy.

During the briefing, Castro was asked whether Malacañang supports Senator Padilla’s proposed measure mandating drug testing for all government personnel, including the President.

“Hindi ko sinasabing hindi pabor. Iyan ay labag sa batas,” Castro stressed.

On Monday, Padilla filed Senate Bill 1200 seeking an annual drug test for all government officials and mandating a hair follicle test for screening and a urine drug test for confirming alleged drug use.

Padilla filed the bill on the same day his political affairs officer, Nadia Montenegro, resigned after being accused of using marijuana within the Senate building. Montenegro has denied the accusation. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday expressed optimism that the Philippines is on the verge of becoming an upper middle-income country this year, seen as proof of the administration’s push for sustained economic growth.

Based on the World Bank’s assessment, the Philippines’ gross national income (GNI) per capita stood at USD4,470 in 2024, which is only USD26 short of the benchmark GNI per capita tor upper middle-income countries.

“Of course masaya po ang Palasyo dahil nakikita po natin ang pagtatrabaho ng administrasyon para po mapaganda ang ating ekonomiya,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

“At ang sabi nga rin po ni Secretary Balisacan ay US$26 na lamang po ang kulang at hoping po na nito pong taon na ito, 2025, ay maa-attain na po natin ito pero malalaman po natin ito sa July 2026,” added Castro.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan earlier assured that the country is likely to achieve the target status within the year, but noted that official confirmation will have to wait until July 2026 when the World Bank releases its report.

But to achieve upper middle-income status, Balisacan said the Philippine economy has to keep growing. The country is expected to grow by 5.5 to 6.5 percent this year. Next year, the expected growth is 6 to 7 percent.

The DepDev chief also said there is less expectation that the peso will depreciate that much, adding that inflation is not expected to be significantly higher than in the rest of the world.

Those factors can influence the Philippines’ migration from lower middle-income to upper middle-income economy, according to Balisacan. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday welcomed the European Union’s (EU) decision to remove the Philippines from its list of high-risk third world countries for money laundering and terrorism financing, describing it as a testament to the Marcos administration’s reform agenda.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the EU’s move is a strong affirmation of the country’s strengthened safeguards against financial crimes.

“Ibig sabihin lang nito ay patuloy ang paglakas ng anti-money laundering at anti- terrorism financing measures ng bansa,” Castro said.

Upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has stepped up reforms to protect the integrity of the financial system — measures that are expected to spur economic growth and reinforce global confidence in the Philippines.

Castro also said that according to the BSP, the EU’s decision is proof that the Marcos administration’s efforts are producing results, with international investors showing renewed trust in the country’s financial institutions.

The Palace noted that the delisting is also expected to attract more investments, lower remittance costs for overseas Filipino workers, and strengthen partnerships between local banks and foreign counterparts.

“Ipagpapatuloy nito ang pagpapatibay sa ating anti-money laundering reforms para sa long-term progress ng bansa,” Castro said.

The EU officially delisted the Philippines on June 10, 2025, after recognizing improvements in the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework, and the resolution of technical gaps earlier flagged by the
Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The Philippines had been on the EU’s high-risk list since March 13, 2022. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday assured the public that a credible and trustworthy successor will be appointed to lead the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following the resignation of Director Jaime Santiago.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Santiago’s resignation is “for acceptance” by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Santiago tendered an irrevocable resignation citing an “orchestrated move to blacken his reputation.”

Asked whether Santiago’s resignation would affect the cases being handled by the NBI, particularly the high-profile case involving missing cockfighting enthusiasts, Castro said that the work of the NBI will continue without disruption.

“Marami naman pong mga tao na may kredibilidad at maaasahan at mapagkakatiwalaan. Sila pa rin po ay patuloy na nagtatrabaho para dito,” Castro said.

Castro noted that no shortlist has been provided yet for Santiago’s replacement and she has no information whether the official had personally met with the President regarding his resignation.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said that he has not named any replacement for Santiago yet even in an acting capacity. | PND