President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday received key members of the United States Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) in a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

The U.S. congressional delegation was led by the Chairman of SASC, U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker (Republican- Mississippi), and Senator Deb Fischer (Republican- Nebraska). The delegation was accompanied by Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.

President Marcos thanked the U.S. senators, who are in Manila from August 27 to 29, for the visit to discuss how to further strengthen the partnership between the Philippines and the United States, taking note of the longstanding relationship between both countries.

“We, of course, are greatly appreciative of all the support the United States has given us in the face of all the challenges that we, in the Philippines, are facing. Including the continued support that you have given us with regard to the modernization of our Armed Forces as part of our response to those challenges that we are facing,” President Marcos said.

“We hope to continue working with you in an even greater extent,” added the President.

Chairman Wicker also thanked the President for receiving them.

“We appreciate the support that the Philippines have given to the United States. Our relationship is one of the most important and I would say one of the most growing in terms of the closeness that we have,” the U.S. senator said.

Senator Fischer added, “We see the Philippines not just as good friends but also as an equal and strong partner.”

Among those who joined the President during the courtesy call were Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

The SASC oversees the review of U.S. defense policy and the deliberation of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes the funding of the U.S. defense budget.

The United States is the Philippines’ only defense treaty ally. Defense and security engagement remains a key pillar of Philippine-U.S. bilateral relations and is carried out within the framework of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), among other bilateral agreements. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received Filipino boxing legend and People’s Champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

During the courtesy call, Pacquiao presented the President with his Aztec Warrior Belt from the World Boxing Council (WBC), following his recent match on July 19, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Aztec Warrior belt, named after the legendary warriors of Mexico, is given to the most outstanding fighter of the night via the fans’ choice.

Pacquiao, at the age of 46, fought against 30-year-old WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

The bout resulted in a majority draw, with one judge scoring 115-113 for Barrios and two scoring it a draw (114-114), resulting in Barrios retaining his WBC welterweight title.

After presenting his belt, Pacquiao also gave the President boxing gloves as a gift.

Apart from his boxing career, Pacquiao also entered politics and served as a senator from 2016 to 2022. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to conduct a widespread investigation into alleged irregularities in government projects is a “signal” for other government agencies to conduct their own probes.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said government agencies including the Commission on Audit (COA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), local government units (LGUs), and the Bureau of Customs could initiate their respective investigations.

“Sa ginagawa pong pag-iimbistiga ng Pangulo dito at ito naman po ay hudyat na rin po para sa ibang mga government agencies like COA, BIR, LGUs, Bureau of Customs, na magkaroon po ng pag-iimbestiga rito,” Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

“So ito pong pag-iimbestiga ng Pangulo ay hudyat sa bawat ahensiya na gawin din nila ang kanilang trabaho upang mag-imbestiga po rito,” Castro added.

President Marcos has ordered the filing of charges against those involved in anomalies in the flood control projects, which may include contractors and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel.

The Palace Press Officer stated that investigations will also be conducted against government personnel in other agencies.

“Marami po tayong nakikita na maraming nagkakaroon ng luxury cars. Malamang dapat makita din ito po ng BOC kung ito po ba ay bayad sa mga taxes na required,” said Castro.

“At sa mga LGUs po kung makikita po natin na ang mga ito pong contractors, mga kontratista, napakalaki ng mga proyekto at malaki ang kanilang kinikita. Tignan po nila kung ito po ay naaayon din sa mga mayor’s permit o business permit na kanilang binabayaran sa LGU. Pati po sa BIR,” Castro said.

As of August 27, at least 9,020 reports concerning flood control projects have been received by the Office of the President through the website, sumbongsapangulo.ph, Castro said. ǀ PND

In order to stabilize supply and strengthen food security in the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the release of at least 100,000 metric tons of rice, Malacañang announced Wednesday.

Via an auction, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to release this week some 1.2 million bags, or approximately 100,000 metric tons of local rice, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a briefing.

“Inaasahang aabot sa PhP25 to Php28 per kilo ang floor price ng bigas, depende sa edad nito. Layunin din ng auction na paluwagin ang mga bodega para makapag-imbak pa ng karagdagang supply ng bigas – ibig sabihin lamang nito ay maganda ang ani ng ating mga magsasaka,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer also announced the release of yet unspecified volume of rice to expand the Marcos administration’s flagship “Benteng Bigas, Mayroon na” program, which allows beneficiaries to purchase rice at Php20 per kilo.

Amid the planned releases, the government will continue monitoring rice prices to protect both consumers and farmers from unscrupulous individuals who might try to take advantage of the situation, Castro said.

The DA is also consulting with farmers, millers, and traders to prevent price manipulation and maintain market stability, in anticipation of the coming rice import ban, she said.

On August 6, President Marcos ordered the suspension of the country’s rice imports for 60 days, starting September 1, to protect local farmers from low palay prices during this harvest season. | PND

The government will implement various measures to ensure rice prices remain stable once the 60-day import ban takes effect next week, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will conduct price monitoring to enforce the maximum rice suggested retail price.

Aside from conducting weekly nationwide rice monitoring, Castro said the DA would also consult with stakeholders – including farmers, millers, and traders – to prevent rice price manipulation.

The Palace Press Officer assured the public of sufficient rice supply, particularly as the harvest season starts.

“Pa-start na nga rin po ang harvest season. So, with that, nakikita po natin na tama po ang supply ng bigas sa atin mula sa local farmers. So wala pong masyadong iniisip na magiging problema ang DA patungkol sa supply ng bigas,” Castro said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a 60-day suspension of rice importation, effective September 1, in response to low prices for palay (unmilled rice).

The President’s order aims to protect local farmers reeling from low palay prices during this current harvest season.

The DA reported that bumper rice harvests worldwide, the lifting of India’s rice export ban, and the Philippines’ record-high 9.08 million metric tons of palay produced in the first half of the year have put downward pressure on rice prices. | PND

“Walang sisinuhin, walang malapit sa puso, walang kaalyado. Kung sino man ang involved dito, sasampahan ng kaso.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed that charges will be filed against those involved in irregularities in government infrastructure projects, regardless of personal ties or political alliances.

In a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated President Marcos’ determination to address the issue and seek justice for Filipinos affected by recurrent severe flooding.

“Sinabi naman din po ng Pangulo na hindi ito titigilan at tatapusin niya ito bago siya matapos ng termino,” Castro said.

“Magdedemanda po talaga. Sasampahan ng kaso ang dapat masampahan ng kaso,” she added.

According to Castro, the President has ordered a lifestyle check on all officials amid the investigation.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is also undertaking a thorough audit of the projects.

To date, the President has personally inspected 11 flood control-related projects in Marikina, Iloilo, Bulacan, and Benguet.

Complaints were received through the sumbongsapangulo.ph website, a platform dedicated to reporting failed or questionable flood control projects.

Castro urged the public to continue reporting questionable public infrastructure projects. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday urged the public to respect President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to replace Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III, who himself has expressed respect for the order.

“Huwag naman nating masabi na nagkaroon ng messy transition because nagkausap naman po sila. Alam po natin na naiintindihan ni General Torre kung ano ‘yung naganap at nirerespeto po niya kung ano ‘yung naging desisyon ng Pangulo,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Asked about the reasons behind Torre’s relief, Castro referred to the statement of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who earlier pointed to issues related to a National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) resolution on police reshuffling. The resolution reportedly bypassed the required en banc approval.

“Maliwanag naman po siguro ang pagkakasabi ni Secretary Jonvic Remulla kahapon at mayroong mga issues na hindi napagkasunduan at we just have to respect the wisdom of the President on this matter,” Castro said.

Despite his departure from the PNP, Castro confirmed that President Marcos had offered Torre another position in government but declined to provide further details pending formal acceptance.

Castro said that details about Torre’s potential new role in the administration will be announced once finalized.

In response to claims by the Makabayan bloc that Torre’s removal reflects internal cracks in the administration, Castro firmly dismissed the speculation.

“Hindi po ‘yan nangyayari at hindi po ‘yan ang nakikita natin dahil sabi nga po natin si General Torre ay napakagaling na public servant at maaari pa rin po siya magsilbi sa bayan. So, hindi po natin nakikita kung ano ‘yung nakikita ng Makabayan bloc,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered lifestyle checks on government officials as part of his administration’s intensified anti-corruption drive amid alleged irregularities in flood control projects nationwide, Malacañang said Wednesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos emphasized the need for continuous scrutiny of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) records to uncover questionable projects.

“Ongoing din ang investigation ng pamahalaan upang matukoy ang mga nasa likod ng mga proyektong dapat sana ay makakatulong na solusyon ng malawakang pagbaha sa bansa,” Castro said.

To date, President Marcos has personally inspected 11 flood control projects in Marikina, Iloilo, Bulacan, and Benguet, following complaints submitted through sumbongsapangulo.ph.

As of 9 a.m. on August 27, the Palace has received at least 9,020 reports concerning flood control projects, Castro added.

Castro explained that the directive also signals oversight agencies such as the Commission on Audit (COA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and local government units (LGUs) to intensify their own inquiries.

Castro added that the Office of the Ombudsman, BIR, and the DPWH itself have the authority to conduct lifestyle checks within their respective jurisdictions.

“Sa bawat ahensya mayroon naman po na puwedeng magkaroon ng lifestyle check,” Castro said.

When asked who would be covered by the lifestyle check, Castro clarified that the process would initially focus on DPWH officials allegedly linked to anomalous projects but might extend to others involved.

“Kung sino po ‘yung mga ahensya na dapat magkaroon ng pag-lifestyle check, gawin po nila,” Castro said.

The Palace urged the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting questionable flood control projects through sumbongsapangulo.ph to support the government’s efforts in curbing corruption. | PND

While acknowledging the positive potential of a “truly digital Philippines,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged Filipinos to exercise more vigilance against fraudulent schemes and scams amid the fast-expanding use of digital technology.

“We must also recognize that progress comes with challenges. Any powerful tool cuts both ways. In this digital age, we must become more vigilant against the risks that come with it,” President Marcos said during the opening of the Manila Tech Summit 2025 at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

“Fraudulent schemes and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated every day with the aid of artificial intelligence, with digital currencies, and syndicates that know no frontiers,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also mentioned that while artificial intelligence (AI) offers breakthroughs, it brings threats of job displacement and loss of privacy.

“This is why we must also strengthen our defenses, manage risks, and block malicious attempts before they harm our people,” stressed President Marcos.

Measures taken against digital scams include the implementation of the Anti-Financial Account Summary Scamming Act; the creation of an e-commerce Bureau as a one-stop shop for complaints and compliance under the Internet Transactions Act; and the implementation of the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Act to protect consumers in the digital marketplace from fraud and unsafe transactions.

President Marcos also cited initiatives to reskill and upskill more Filipinos for jobs in AI, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and creative design.

The President said that the government is looking into the growing problem of online gambling which preys on people’s vulnerabilities.

“We are addressing this through initial measures, such as suspending the in-app gambling access in mobile payment apps and websites. This way, we can help protect our citizens and preserve the integrity of our financial system,” said President Marcos.

Now in its fifth year, the Manila Tech Summit 2025 carries the theme, “Forging a New Global Order: Risks and Opportunities Redefined.”

More than 1,300 delegates from over 300 organizations are participating in the summit that will run from August 26 to 27.

The event was organized by FinTech Alliance.PH, the country’s largest digital industry association representing over 130 companies that drive more than 95 percent of digital retail transactions. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday laid out his vision of a digitally connected Philippines where opportunities reach every Filipino, urging stronger public–private partnerships to accelerate financial technology growth and inclusion “brick by brick, gigabyte by gigabyte.”

In his speech during the Manila Tech Summit 2025 held in Taguig, President Marcos said technology must serve as a bridge to close the gaps between those “who have more in life and those who have less,” while assuring that the government will continue building the infrastructure to sustain digital growth.

“The connected nation that we dream of will only come online if we all choose to build it brick by brick, gigabyte by gigabyte,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive pointed out that in 2024, the country’s digital economy was valued at PhP2.25 trillion, equivalent to 8.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

This sector created more than 11.3 million jobs, demonstrating its power to generate inclusive opportunities for Filipinos.

The President cited other accomplishments in the digital sector, which he attributed to the support of industry leaders, innovators, and thinkers who have contributed to building a “future-ready, inclusive, and resilient Philippine financial technology sector.”

Among the government’s key initiatives, President Marcos highlighted the ongoing construction of the National Fiber Backbone to deliver faster internet to 17 million Filipinos by 2028, the rollout of the Philippine Identification System for broader financial inclusion, and the expansion of Free Wi-Fi for All and the Bayanihan SIM Project to connect schools and remote areas.

The President also pointed to stronger consumer safeguards through the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, the E-Commerce Bureau, and the SIM Registration Act, alongside efforts to reskill Filipinos for jobs in AI, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and creative industries.

“All of these efforts place technological innovation at the center of our governance,” the President said.

While recognizing these gains, the President underscored that “there is still plenty of room for growth” and called on stakeholders to help position the country as a major player in global financial technology.

“We see the greater need to tap the endless possibilities of a truly digital Philippines,” said President Marcos, who also vowed to build more infrastructure and craft stronger policies that will support technology-driven visions and enable Filipinos to thrive in the digital age. | PND