“The nation is safe because of you standing guard. Our children go to school, our livelihoods thrive, and our holidays are peaceful because you are on duty.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday thus praised the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its accomplishments in ensuring the security and protecting the freedom and sovereignty of the nation.

Recognizing the more than 160,000 personnel of the AFP, President Marcos highlighted the organization’s accomplishments over the past year against internal and external threats.

“Our defense posture has been strengthened through their presence, preparedness, and professionalism,” said President Marcos during the 90th anniversary of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The President also cited the AFP’s expanded cybersecurity operations, which secured the country’s systems against evolving digital and technological threats.

AFP’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations have also saved lives, restored order, and delivered hope to communities in need, the President added.

For maritime domain operations, President Marcos said the AFP continues to conduct cooperative activities, demonstrating to the international community the Philippines’ adherence to upholding international law.

“And in the same vein, we remain firm and clear with our stance: what is ours is ours. We stand our ground, with purpose and without apology,” the President pointed out.

“As the Christmas season is upon us, a time of faith, family, and reflection, remember this: your service gives meaning to the peace we celebrate,” said President Marcos.

“Nagdiriwang ang sambayanang Pilipino nang may panatag na loob dahil alam naming nariyan kayo—nagbabantay at handang tumugon para sa bayan,” the President stressed. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday countered unfounded claims branding the Philippines as a terrorism training hotspot, noting that security forces have acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, secure communities, and protect the country’s hard-earned peace.

Speaking at the 90th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, President Marcos rejected the terrorism training label as highly unacceptable, and vowed to continue to strengthen the military’s capability, credibility, and readiness to deter threats and protect peace.

“We also reject in the strongest terms the recent misleading claims that portray our country as a training hotspot for terrorism,” President Marcos said.

“For years, we have acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, to secure communities, and to sustain our hard-earned peace. To dismiss these gains with unfounded speculation is not acceptable,” the President emphasized.

“Nevertheless, we remain vigilant. We will not let deceptive narratives distract us nor weaken our resolve,” the President added.

President Marcos also recognized the heroism of the AFP personnel who were awarded during the event, noting they set the gold standard for bravery, innovation, and distinguished service.

“Araw-araw na naglilingkod. Araw-araw na naninindigan. Kaya sa ngalan ng mamamayang Pilipino, maraming salamat sa inyong galing, tapang, at malasakit,” the President said.

The Chief Executive underscored his administration’s commitment to properly compensate and equip AFP personnel, citing his recent approval of Executive Order No. 107 which updated the base pay schedule of all military and uniformed personnel.

The updated base pay will take effect in January 2026, with succeeding adjustments in 2027 and 2028.

“This can be just one of the many ways that we show our gratitude for the service that you have rendered to our country,” President Marcos said.

The AFP was formally established on December 21, 1935 under the National Defense Act during the American Commonwealth era. Its origins, however, date back to the Philippine Revolutionary Army of 1897 and the US-organized Philippine Constabulary in 1901. | PND

On orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Piggatan Detour Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan was formally opened on Friday, just 60 days after construction began, enabling uninterrupted traffic and public services for the province.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon led the formal opening of Piggatan Detour Bridge with Alcala Mayor Cristina Ignacio Antonio and Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay.

“We will finish this within the year,” Dizon said as they toured the bridge.

The opening follows President Marcos’ directive to expedite the construction of the temporary bridge to prevent disruptions to residents’ livelihoods and public services in the province.

Dizon said the DPWH will implement a 24/7 traffic management scheme on the bridge, which can now accommodate vehicles weighing up to 40 tons starting today.

The Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan collapsed on October 6, 2025, after trucks exceeding the bridge’s 10-ton load limit crossed the structure.

The incident disrupted transport in the region, prompting the DPWH to launch the emergency construction of a detour bridge to ease traffic and facilitate agricultural transport, while the main bridge is slated for rebuilding. | PND

Qualified government employees will receive an early Christmas gift of PhP5,000 following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval of the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) for Fiscal Year 2025 as recognition for their dedicated service, professionalism, and vital role in public service, Malacañang said on Friday.

“Maagang Pamasko po sa mga kawani ng pamahalaan. Bilang pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa mahusay na paglilingkod sa bayan, propesyonalismo at sa mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng mga kawani ng gobyerno, inaprubahan ni Pangulong Marcos ang patuloy na pagbibigay ng PEI para sa mga kawani ng pamahalaan,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Castro said a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) circular confirmed the continued grant of the PEI as recognition of government workers’ commitment to public service and professionalism.

“Ayon kay DBM Acting Secretary Rolly Toledo, makakatanggap ng PhP5,000 ang bawat kuwalipikadong kawani ng pamahalaan,” Castro said.

The PEI covers civilian personnel in national government agencies, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) under the DBM. Also eligible are qualified employees of local government units, local water districts, and military and uniformed personnel.

In approving the incentive, President Marcos underscored the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of government workers in delivering public service, stressing that their welfare remains a key pillar of his administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

“Ang nasabing hakbang ng Pangulo ay pagpapakita lamang ng tuluy-tuloy na suporta ng Marcos administration sa pagpapataas ng productivity at morale ng government employees,” Castro said.

“Naniniwala si Pangulong Marcos Jr. na nararapat lang na bigyan ng importansiya ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan na walang-sawang naglilingkod at nagiging katuwang para maihatid ang pangangailangan ng taumbayan. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, mahalaga ang kapakanan ng mga lingkod-bayan,” Castro added. | PND

The Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Segment B has officially been opened to public traffic, offering faster and safer travel for motorists as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ infrastructure push, Malacañang announced on Friday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos ordered the safety of motorists using the bypass road, which reduces travel time from more than an hour to 20-25 minutes.

“Davao City Coastal Bypass Road bukas na sa publiko kaninang ala sais ng umaga. Ito’y matapos ipag-utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga motoristang gagamit ng nasabing bypass road,” Castro said.

“Talaga namang magandang balita ito sa mga kababayan nating abala sa paghahanda sa darating na pagdiriwang ng Pasko,” she added.

Castro highlighted the expected impact of the Coastal Bypass Road on easing traffic congestion in Davao City, noting that the project is seen to significantly reduce travel time and provide relief to commuters, especially as residents prepare for the upcoming Christmas season.

“Inaasahang makakatulong ang Coastal Bypass Road sa pag-decongest ng mabigat na trapiko mula sa timog na bahagi ng Davao City patungong downtown area. Ang dating isang oras o mas mahabang biyahe ay maaaring abutin na lamang ng 20 to 25 minutes ayon sa estima ng DPWH,” she said.

Castro said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured President Marcos that the road is safe for public use, citing completed safety measures and coordination with the local government to ensure the full and effective utilization of the newly opened bypass road.

“Siniguro ng DPWH sa Pangulo na ligtas gamitin ang nasabing kalsada sa tulong ng mga bagong install na karagdagang solar street lights at guardrails. Noong December 15 ay passable na ang Bucana Bridge at dalawang lanes ng Coastal Bypass Road. Maaari itong gamitin mula ala sais ng umaga hanggang alas singko ng hapon,” Castro added.

“Sa kabila ng pagbubukas ng tulay at bahagi ng bypass road, kinailangan pa ang dagdag suporta mula sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Davao upang tuluyang mapakinabangan ito ng ating mga kababayan,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public that the proposed PHP6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 would be thoroughly reviewed and signed before the end of the year, Malacañang said on Friday.

The Palace emphasized that the budget measure must align with the administration’s priorities and remain people-centered.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said officials from the Executive branch will forego any holiday break to ensure that the proposed General Appropriations Act is thoroughly reviewed and scrutinized.

“Noong una talaga ay inaasahan ng Pangulo na mas maaga ang pagsa-submit ang kopya ng enrolled bill. Sa pagkakataong ito, pipilitin ng Pangulo, pipilitin na maaral mabuti at mapirmahan ang 2026 national budget bago magtapos ang taon,” Castro said.

“Pero ang tinitiyak ng Pangulo ay aralin, matutukan, mabusisi ang nasabing enrolled bill at matiyak na ang mga nakalagay dito ay naaayon sa prayoridad ng administrasyon, isang malinis, makatao, at nakatuon mga probisyon dito para sa taong-bayan,” Castro emphasized.

“Kung hindi magkakaroon ng tulugan, walang tulugan, gagawin po ‘yan. Pero ang gustong sabihin ng Pangulo, ang tinitiyak niya, bago siya pumirma, dapat naaral po itong mabuti, nabusisi, at kung may kailangan i-veto, ibi-veto,” she added.

Castro said the Executive will conduct its own review to ensure the budget’s integrity.

“Kung sinasabi ng Kongreso na napag-aralan ito mabuti, aaralin pa rin ito ng Pangulo at titiyakin ng Pangulo sa publiko na ito ay isang makatao at maayos na national budget,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer reiterated that President Marcos remains a strong advocate of openness, citing the President’s Transparency Portal initiative which provides public access to government bidding and procurement processes.

The Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee is scheduled to approve the 2026 national budget on December 28. The proposed General Appropriations Act will be separately ratified by the House of Representatives and the Senate on December 29 before it is submitted to Malacañang. | PND

Malacañang on Friday expressed its condolences to the family of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, who died after allegedly falling from a cliff along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet on Thursday night.

“Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya na naiwan po ni former Usec. Catalina Cabral. At nakakalungkot po ang nangyari pero ‘yun po, muli nakikiramay po tayo,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a Palace press briefing.

Castro said Malacañang is respecting the privacy of Cabral’s family.

While Cabral was under investigation in connection with irregularities in the DPWH flood control projects, no charges have yet been filed against her, according to Castro.

“Sa ngayon po ay wala pong kaso…Nasa kamay na po iyan ng mga mag-iimbestiga. So, sa ngayon po, wala pong kinakaharap na kaso si Usec. Cabral,” Castro said.

“Ginagalang po natin muna pansamantala ang pribadong buhay at ang pamilya po ni Usec. Cabral. Sa ngayon wala pong pinag-uutos ang Pangulo at muli walang kaso. At kung mayroon man pag-iimbestiga na gagawin, bahala na po, nasa kamay na po ito ng mga investigating bodies,” Castro also said.

The Palace Press Officer said law enforcement authorities are handling the investigation into the former DPWH official’s death. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said authorities have secured arrest warrants against 10 individuals, including contractor Sarah Discaya, implicated in a PhP96.5 million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental.

In the latest President’s Report on the investigation into the flood control corruption, President Marcos said those accused in the Davao Occidental flood control scam face non-bailable charges of graft and malversation and cannot post bail for their temporary liberty pending trial.

“Ang mga akusado ay nahaharap sa kasong graft at malversation. Ito pong mga kasong ito, hindi po bailable ito. Hindi pwedeng bayaran para sila’y makalabas sa kulungan,” the President said in a video message.

The President said among those who were issued arrest warrants is Sarah Discaya, one of the top contractors behind questionable flood control projects. Discaya is currently under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The President said eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials who were implicated in the case have expressed their intention to surrender to authorities.

President Marcos emphasized that the government would continue to pursue filing criminal cases against all those involved in the flood control scandal.

The President, who initiated the investigation into the widespread corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects, reiterated his commitment to exact accountability and ensure the recovery of public funds.

“Titiyakin po natin na hindi lamang sila ay makakasuhan, kundi maibalik ang pera ng ating mga kababayan ay ibalik sa kaban ng ating bansa,” President Marcos said. | PND

Malacañang issued a memorandum circular on Thursday suspending work in all government offices on December 29, 2025 and January 2, 2026 to allow government employees to fully celebrate the New Year’s Day festivities.

“In order to provide government employees full opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Day activities and to allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, work in all government offices is hereby suspended on 29 December 2025 (Monday) and 2 January 2026 (Friday),” stated Memorandum Circular No. 111 signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

However, the circular said government agencies responsible for basic, vital, and health services, as well as preparedness and response duties must continue to remain operational.

Under the circular, Malacañang left it to the discretion of the respective heads of private companies and offices whether to similarly suspend work on the said dates. | PND

Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has hailed the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development’s (DEPDev) role in building a more resilient and inclusive Philippines through long-term, evidence-based socioeconomic planning, as he led the celebration of its 90th anniversary yesterday.

In his keynote address, Executive Secretary Recto emphasized that the country’s development gains have been achieved not through political cycles, but through disciplined, data-driven policies that place the Filipino people at the center of progress.

“We chose to believe that our development should not be dictated by political whims but by data, direction, and discipline,” he said.

The Executive Secretary, who served as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in 2008, described the country’s planning agency as the nerve center of reason in the noise of populism and the scoreboard keeper of what truly matters: jobs created, investments attracted, infrastructure built, and Filipinos lifted out of poverty.

“Because the true state of the nation is written not in rhetoric, but in economic conditions felt by Filipino families every day—sa presyo ng bigas at pagkain, sa pagkakaroon ng disenteng trabaho, at sa pagkamit ng magandang kinabukasan,” he stressed.

The Executive Secretary highlighted that since its establishment in 1935, the national planning institution—now DEPDEV—has served as a constant source of continuity and stability across administrations, guiding the country through major economic disruptions, natural disasters, and global crises.

He cited the country’s steady progress in poverty reduction as proof of the value of inclusive, evidence-based planning, with poverty incidence declining from 23.5% a decade ago to 15.5% in 2023. The government is determined to bring poverty down to single-digit levels by 2028.

“This means that years of planning have sent millions of children to school, have provided millions of families with roofs over their heads, and have given millions of Filipinos with more dignity in their daily lives over the years,” the Executive Secretary said.

With this, he paid tribute to the DEPDev family—past and present—calling them “the unsung heroes of the Republic” who provide continuity, clarity, and stability in governance.

He also expressed gratitude to the country’s development partners for their continued trust and support, noting that international cooperation has been critical in the Philippines’ development through the years.

The Executive Secretary further reaffirmed the Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to fully implement the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and realize Ambisyon Natin 2040.

In closing, Executive Secretary Recto called on stakeholders to sustain a culture of planning beyond politics, stressing that nation-building depends on collective action—planning, building, and delivering together to secure progress for both present and future generations of Filipinos.

“Do not stop dreaming and do not stop planning—para sa Bagong Pilipinas at para sa magandang kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

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