Malacañang said the government is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted water supply amid management changes within the private concessionaire, PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.

In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) led by Administrator Jose Moises Salonga is regularly reporting to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on its efforts to address consumers’ concerns.

Castro said LWUA is preparing a memorandum circular that will serve as a guideline to prevent service interruptions.

“Ang mga consumers ay hindi dapat singilin kung wala naman talagang serbisyong naibibigay ang PrimeWater. So, hintayin natin ang memorandum circular na ilalabas ng LWUA patungkol dito,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer said the government will continue to pursue possible lapses and liabilities of PrimeWater amid reports that the Lucio Co Group has taken over its management from the Villar Group.

“Ang mga lapses or liabilities ng PrimeWater as the management, kung ano ang kanilang maaaring mga kakulangan o naging liabilities ay dapat pong mapanagot. Depende ito sa reports or mga dokumentong maiipon para maipakita kung mayroon mang liability ang PrimeWater,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has firmly dismissed misleading claims portraying the Philippines as a training hotspot for violent extremist groups, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the National Security Council (NSC) maintained there is no confirmation to allegations that the father-and-son suspects in the recent mass shooting in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia received training in the Philippines before the incident on December 14.

“The President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot,” Castro said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

According to Castro, the NSC said reports describing the Philippines as an ISIS hotspot were misleading since currently there is no validated report that the suspects in the Bondi Beach shooting received any form of training in the Philippines.

“Philippine authorities in coordination with international partners continue to verify all available information but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training,” the NSC said in a statement read by Castro.

In its statement, the NSC emphasized that Philippine security forces have significantly weakened ISIS-affiliated groups since the 2017 Marawi siege, reflecting substantial improvements in the country’s domestic security environment.

“Both United Nations and the US Government assessments indicate that these groups now operate in a fragmented and diminished capacity. Violence in Mindanao is largely driven by historical conflicts and local clan disputes rather than the operational capacity of ISIS-affiliated organizations,” the NSC said.

The NSC pointed out the significant improvements achieved in the domestic security environment that were previously affected by terrorism.

“These developments reflect the sustained efforts of our security forces and the resilience of our communities in advancing peace, order, and development across the nation,” the NSC said.

The NSC added that President Marcos remains clear in his directive to the Anti-Terrorism Council and other member-agencies to stay vigilant to prevent any terrorist activity within Philippine territory and to continuously enhance cooperation with international partners to safeguard national security. | PND

“Be firm, be fair, be decisive while remaining fully respectful to the rights and dignity of every single Filipino.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday thus called on 50 newly promoted star-ranked officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to continuously improve their leadership and performance, stressing that higher rank demands greater commitment, responsibility, and public trust.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos said promotion is not merely recognition of past service, but a call to meet higher standards in leadership and accountability.

“As you climb up a rank, you must realize this is not merely a recognition of past performance, but rather, a clearer and higher expectation of how you must lead from this point forward,” President Marcos said.

The President noted that higher rank entails broader authority and greater influence over police operations, personnel welfare, and public trust.

“This is the stage where leadership is being measured by your judgment, restraint, and consistency in upholding the law,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive encouraged the newly promoted generals to continue improving themselves and avoid being complacent.

“So, I ask you to continue to improve yourselves—personally, professionally, institutionally. Do not be complacent,” the President said.

The President underlined the vital role of the police as the public’s key line of defense amid challenges such as social divides, political noise, community tensions, and digital and technological threats.

President Marcos then reaffirmed the administration’s continued support for the PNP in terms of reforms that would enhance their capability and boost their morale, citing the updated base pay and the increase in daily subsistence allowance to PhP350.

The President also vowed continued support for the welfare of police families, recognizing that their well-being is essential to the effective service of the nation.

As the holiday season approaches, President Marcos called for heightened vigilance and visible police presence in public areas, transport hubs, and communities to help ensure the safety of citizens and the peaceful celebration of the season.

“Tiyakin ninyo ang kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan upang tunay nating maramdaman ang saya ng Kapaskuhan nang may kapanatagan at pagkakaisa, at may tunay na ligaya,” the President said.

“This season likewise reminds us that public service does not pause even in times of celebration. So, continue to serve with honor, lead with purpose, always act in the best interest of our great nation and of the Filipino people,” President Marcos added.

Of the 50 newly promoted star-ranked officers, six are Police Major Generals and 44 are Police Brigadier Generals. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide electricity around the country especially to remote areas, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently provided the Pag-asa Island Integrated School in the Kalayaan municipality in the West Philippine Sea with the Mobile Energy System (MES).

“Upang masiguro ang liwanag sa mga paaralang hindi maabot ng enerhiya, namahagi ang Department of Energy sa pangunguna ni Secretary Sharon Garin ng Mobile Energy System para sa Pag-asa Island Integrated School,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Castro said the government also provided the school with ten parol or Christmas lanterns from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) centers in various provinces.

“Sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., lahat ng kabataan ay may aasahang maliwanag na kinabukasan,” Castro added.

The Mobile Energy System (MES) is a renewable energy source used for micro-grids, businesses, health facilities, schools, and homes.

The MES is a safe, dependable, and sustainable power source for emergencies and disaster relief efforts in case traditional power sources falter. ǀ PND

Malacañang announced on Tuesday the appointment of lawyer Anna Liza Logan as the new Chief Presidential Legal Counsel succeeding former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who died last month.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro also announced the designation of Atty. Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan Tiuseco as Senior Deputy Executive Secretary (SDES); Atty. Danielle Marie Rieza-Culangen as Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration (DESGA); and Atty. Joseph Irvin A. Obenza as Deputy Executive Secretary for Financial Affairs (DESFA).

The Palace Press Officer also announced Atty. Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres was appointed as Deputy Executive for Legal Affairs (DESLA); Atty. Erwin Sta. Ana as Undersecretary for Economic Affairs; and Atty. Alemar I. Mosquito as Assistant Secretary both under the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the launching of new facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s goal of transforming the country’s primary gateway into a more comfortable, efficient, people-centered, and globally-competitive airport.

In his speech after the inspection of the enhanced facilities at the NAIA 3 in Pasay City, President Marcos recalled his commitment made over a year ago in partnership with New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) to improve the country’s airport and position the Philippines as a Tourism Powerhouse in Asia.

“Hindi lamang ito usapin ng imprastraktura. Ito ay usapin ng malasakit—ng pag-unawa sa pagod, pangamba, at pananabik ng bawat Pilipino at bisitang dumarating sa ating bansa,” the President said.

The previous improvements include strengthened airside operations; improved seating, cooling systems, restrooms, and Wi-Fi, restoration of old equipment, enhanced baggage handling, and introduction of new mobility options.

President Marcos noted that these efforts are currently delivering tangible results, significantly enhancing travel experience.

The President cited the single-day high of 92 percent on-time performance amid growth in passenger volumes, routes, and airline partner, and the first-ever customer experience accreditation from Airports Council International which proves that the Philippines can indeed meet global standards while remaining grounded in genuine Filipino service.

“This accomplishment reminds us that when systems are fixed and institutions cooperate, efficiency follows—and so does public trust,” the President said.

Building on that progress, President Marcos along with NNIC proudly introduced on Tuesday more new amenities added at the airport.

These include the new immigration e-gates that allow passengers to clear immigration in as little as 20 seconds; All-Filipino Food Hall and Mezzanine Food Hall that offer travelers better spaces to rest, dine, and reconnect; and the Dignitaries Lounge that reflect the Filipino values of warmth, respect and hospitality.

The President also led the launch of the Medical Tourism Concierge Area which is designed to assist patients with efficiency and compassion.

“Ito ay patunay na iginagalang natin ang oras ng bawat biyahero at pinahahalagahan ang kanilang dignidad—sapagkat ang maayos na serbisyo ay karapatan ng bawat Pilipino,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also noted the Department of Tourism (DOT)’s introduction of the Transit Tour initiative, which offers international passengers with long layovers an opportunity to explore the country.

“Layunin po nating iparamdam ang diwa at ganda ng Pilipinas kahit sa maikling panahon,” said the President, adding the program is open to transiting passengers of Philippine Airlines, those connecting through other carriers, and landed travelers with onward domestic flights.

The President said all these improvements will benefit all travelers, including families with children and the elderly, and most especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The President together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos met returning OFWs, including Rhodora Alcaraz Tuñacao from Hong Kong who was injured in the recent apartment complex fire in Tai Po district while shielding an infant under her care.

The President stressed that like Tuñacao, all OFWs are sacrificing themselves for their families’ welfare, hence deserve to be treated as heroes.

President Marcos also announced that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has begun to distribute balikbayan boxes from 130 abandoned container vans to their owners, aiming to ensure the owners receive them before Christmas. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his deep gratitude to the employees of Malacañang for their dedication to their work throughout the year.

During the flag raising ceremony at the Office of the President (OP), President Marcos said the employees have done their duties above and beyond their responsibilities.

The President urged the employees to stay focused on their work in spite of the political noise, recognizing their commitment and contribution towards the implementation of the administration’s reforms.

“We have actually been very effective disruptors of the old guard, and that is something that we will just have to weather because what we are doing is correct, what we are doing is right, what we are doing is necessary,” the Chief Executive said.

“It is time. It is our opportunity here, now, today to make things right, to make things better, to make the lives of each Filipino better. That is how important our jobs are,” President Marcos emphasized.

President thanked the employees as he wished them to enjoy the Christmas season with their families and loved ones.

“From the depths of my heart, I am grateful to you for the work that you have done, because I know that you have dedicated above and beyond, lahat ng ginagawa ninyo, above and beyond the common duty, as we say in the military,” said President Marcos. | PND

Malacañang said the Department of Health (DOH) will implement the Medical Assistance for Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients or MAIFIPP to insulate it from politics while expanding its coverage.

According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the plan of the DOH is to increase the budget for MAIFIPP next year to implement the zero-balance billing policy in hospitals under local government units (LGUs).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced during his Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28 that the government is implementing a zero-balance billing policy to ease the financial burden on patients.

The zero-balance billing policy guarantees full coverage of the medical expenses of patients in basic or ward accommodation in DOH hospitals.

“May mga ospital dito na hindi kaugnay ng DOH hospitals at nais palawakin pa ang serbisyo sa ating mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay din ng zero balance billing sa LGU hospitals,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing on Monday.

“Hindi kasi dadaan sa mga politiko ang pondo na ito. Didiretso ito sa local government units, sa LGU hospitals, at ang magpapatupad din nito ay DOH,” Castro added. | PND

Malacañang assured the public on Monday that safeguards are in place to prevent corruption in farm-to-market roads, stressing that reforms are aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing a repeat of past irregularities.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said reforms initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. include transparency in budgeting, public bidding, and the transfer of program implementation to agencies working closely with local government units.

“Tandaan natin, sino po ba ang ang unang nagsabi na gusto niyang maging maayos ang budget? Ang Pangulong Marcos Jr. Siya rin po ang nagpaimbestiga ng mga maanomalyang flood control projects at infrastructure,” the Palace Press Officer said.

“So, ayaw niya pong maulit iyong mga naganap noong nakaraan. Kaya ito ang nais niya, maging maayos lahat ang transaksiyon, maging bukas sa publiko, kaya nagkakaroon tayo ng transparency portal at iyan din ang gagawin ng DA (Department of Agriculture),” Castro added.

The assurance comes as the implementation of farm-to-market road projects will be shifted from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The transfer is intended to align project implementation more closely with needs on the ground, while strengthening transparency through open bidding and closer coordination with local government units (LGUs).

“Ang programang ito ay pamumunuan ng DA at ng LGU (local government units), at pati ang mga bidding nito ay open sa publiko para makita nila,” Castro said.

The transfer is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ongoing sweeping campaign to probe anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects, ensure accountability for the abuse of public funds, and implement institutional reforms. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday commended the Department of Agriculture (DA) for successfully keeping African Swine Fever (ASF) under control across the country.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President expressed satisfaction with the report presented by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and other key officials during a meeting on Monday morning, citing the 90 percent efficacy rate of the government’s ASF vaccination program.

“Sa ulat ng DA, halos 500,000 na mga baboy ang nababakunahan ng pamahalaan kontra ASF sa ilang bahagi ng bansa kasama na dito ang Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Tarlac, at Pampanga,” Castro said.

Castro said the vaccination rollout covers 12 semi-commercial farms, nine smallholder farms, and one government-run farm.

The Palace official said aside from progress in containing ASF, the DA also reported several interventions being done by the agency to continually ease the lives of farmers and fisherfolk.

Castro said the DA has established 33 agri-food hub units that aim to improve market access for local produce across four provinces including Pampanga, Quezon, Camarines Sur, and Bukidnon. The agri-food hubs are also designed to improve the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk.

In addition, Castro said the government has identified 145 Rice Processing Systems (RPS) nationwide. Of the 145 RPS, 127 have already been completed, while 18 are still under construction.

A total of 145 beneficiaries are expected to gain from these facilities, which aim to increase rice production in the country.

Castro further announced the plan of DA to open a Mega Cold Storage Facility in Pili, Camarines Sur, in January 2026.

She said the government has also identified 33 sites nationwide where more cold storage facilities will be built.

“Sa liderato ng Pangulo, lahat ay aangat lalong-lalo na ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda na malapit sa kanyang puso,” Castro said. | PND