Within 48 hours after the President announced that an independent commission will be established, Executive Order No. 94 was signed and released today, September 11.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as a fact-finding body mandated to investigate alleged corruption, irregularities, and misuse of funds in government flood control and related projects within the last 10 years, amid mounting concerns that have eroded public trust.

The President said that the move is in line with his administration’s commitment to uphold honesty and integrity in public service, consistent with the constitutional mandate that public office is a public trust.

“The Administration is firmly committed to maintaining honesty and integrity in public service, and will take decisive measures to repress and hold accountable government officials and employees, and any other individual, who engage in graft, corrupt practices, or other acts that undermine the national interest and betray the people’s trust,” the President said in a six-page EO.

Under the EO, the ICI will be composed of a Chairperson and two Members “of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.” A Secretariat headed by an Executive Director with the rank of Undersecretary will provide administrative and technical support.

The EO stated that ICI is mandated to investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information on irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects.

The ICI is also tasked to conduct hearings, take testimony, and issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and production of documents necessary for its investigations.

President Marcos earlier said the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website has logged more than 12,000 complaints against flood control and related projects in less than a month since the website was activated last August 11.

According to the EO, the independent commission shall also recommend admission of witnesses into the Witness Protection Program under Republic Act No. 6981 and, when necessary, endorse individuals for state witness status before the Department of Justice.

The ICI is also mandated to secure documents and information from Congress relevant to its investigations.

The ICI shall also recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil, or administrative cases before the Office of the Ombudsman, the DOJ, the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and other competent bodies, and propose corrective actions and legislative measures to enhance transparency and accountability in infrastructure programs.

The Commission will prioritize the investigation of flood control projects undertaken within the last ten years.

President Marcos emphasized that the establishment of the ICI is a decisive step to ensure accountability in public works.

To ensure transparency, the ICI is also required to submit regular updates. “The ICI shall provide monthly reports to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary. The ICI shall likewise cause the publication of its accomplishments and such other relevant reports,” the EO added.

Funding for the commission’s operations will be sourced initially by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and thereafter included in the annual budget.

“The effective implementation of government flood control and related projects is vital to safeguarding the lives, property, and welfare of the Filipino people, who have repeatedly suffered from the devastating impacts of natural calamities and disasters,” the EO said.

The ICI will remain in operation until its mandate has been accomplished or unless sooner dissolved by the President. | PND

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday joined the Natnateng Cook-Off Showdown in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, enjoying some of the province’s dishes during the 108th Marcos Day celebration.

Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, their children and other officials, the President tried some llocano menu during the culinary showdown as part of the celebration of the 108th birth anniversary of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

During the event held at the Imelda Cultural Center, President Marcos received an advance greeting for his birthday on September 13.

The Natnateng Cook-Off Showdown is an annual culinary event showcasing Ilocos Norte’s rich tradition of vegetable dishes as part of the Marcos Day celebration.

Ilocos Norte towns participate in the cooking competition that focuses on the province’s diverse dishes and heritage cuisine.

Prior to joining the Natnateng showdown, the President and other members of the Marcos clan attended a thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Batac City.

President Marcos afterwards led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Daytoy ti Bannawag Monument in honor of the late President Marcos Sr., and presided over the ceremonial turnover of nearly 600 wheelchairs to Ilocos Norte cities and municipalities. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution on Thursday of wheelchairs to Ilocos Norte’s cities and municipalities as part of the administration’s initiative to provide quality patient care.

A total of 575 wheelchairs were handed over by the President in Batac City to the province’s 21 municipalities and two cities.

The wheelchairs were handed over to the Ilocos Norte local government units (LGUs) through the initiative of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) as part of the 108th Marcos Day celebration.

Among the LGUs that received the patient equipment during Thursday’s ceremonial turnover were the municipalities of Currimao, Badoc, San Nicolas, Paoay, Marcos, Solsona, Bacarra, Sarrat and the cities of Laoag and Batac.

Under the directive of President Marcos, the administration has undertaken various healthcare improvement initiatives including zero balance billing in government hospitals, expanded Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) coverage, and distribution of patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to all 1,642 LGUs nationwide by the end of the year. | PND

“We must do the right thing, that despite the difficulties, we must always find ourselves on the right side of history.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made this call as he urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the lessons of his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., during the commemoration of the late leader’s 108th birth anniversary on Thursday.

President Marcos said among the primary lessons set by his father was to “always, always side with the national interest, in the interest of Filipinos” in public service.

“These are the many, many lessons: that we must maintain always our dignity, and we must always respect the dignity of every Filipino. And not only respect the dignity of every Filipino, but we must fight for the dignity of every Filipino,” President Marcos said after the wreath-laying ceremony at the Daytoy ti Bannawag Monument in Batac City.

“We will not allow for any great power, any person, to humiliate or to put down any Filipino,” the President added.

President Marcos said his father instilled in him the value of embracing difficulties and challenges to do the right thing.

“He would constantly say, ‘Do not take, never take the easy way out.’ In other words, make sure that what you are doing is the right thing, no matter how difficult it is… Sometimes the best thing to do, the most honorable thing to do, is the hardest thing that you have to do,” said the President.

President Marcos urged Filipinos to live up to the standards set by the late president by fulfilling their civic responsibilities.

“What we need to do is to make ourselves worthy of that legacy, worthy inheritors of that legacy that we must also live up to the standards that he set for us,” said the President.

“That we must always continue to remember that what we are doing is not for ourselves. What we are doing is for the country. What we are doing is for the Filipino people.”

Marcos Sr. was born on September 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, to Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin, who were both educators.

He served the country as president from 1965 until 1986. Prior to this, President Marcos Sr. was a member of the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1959 and of the Senate from 1959 to 1965, during which he served as Senate president from 1963 to 1965. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Thursday, honored the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. during the celebration in Batac City of the former leader’s 108th birth anniversary.

Speaking after the wreath-laying rites at the Daytoy ti Bannawag Monument, President Marcos highlighted his father’s love of country and dedication to service.

“Whenever we come and commemorate the life of service of Ferdinand Marcos, not only when he was President, but through his entire life, what we always can see and what is always spoken of is the great legacy that he has left us,” President Marcos said.

“It is a legacy of service. It is a legacy of sacrifice. It is a legacy wherein he made it very clear to us that if you are going to be a good Ilocano, if you are going to be a good Filipino, then you must be willing to sacrifice everything, including your life for the Filipino, for the Philippines,” the President emphasized.

President Marcos urged Filipinos to put into practice the examples and lessons set by his father in providing good service to the people and always siding with the national interest.

“In everything that we do, we must be motivated by a true commitment to service; it must be driven by a true love of every single Filipino and a love for the Republic of the Philippines,” the President said.

Marcos Sr. was born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, on September 11, 1917.

A lawyer by profession, Marcos Sr. was elected as a member of the House of Representatives for three terms from 1949 to 1959 and of the Senate from 1959 to 1965, serving as Senate president from 1963 to 1965.

He served as the 10th President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986.

The 108th birth anniversary celebration of the late President began with President Marcos and the First Family attending a Thanksgiving Mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Batac City, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Daytoy ti Bannawag Monument.

After the wreath-laying program, the President led the distribution of medical equipment for Ilocos Norte municipalities at the Imelda Cultural Center.

After that, President Marcos joined the participants of the “Natnateng Cook-Off Showdown,” a culinary event that showcases various signature vegetable dishes in Ilocos Norte as part of the Marcos Day Celebration. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to safeguard with integrity and vigilance their members’ contributions that were earned through hard work and sacrifice.

Speaking at the 68th SSS anniversary and the launch of the 2025 Pension Reform Program in Quezon City, President Marcos emphasized that these institutions are entrusted with the hard-earned savings of workers.

“Sa mga kapwa ko lingkod-bayan sa SSS at GSIS, huwag nating kakalimutan na ang bawat kontribusyon ng ating mga miyembro ay bunga ng kanilang pagsisikap at sakripisyo,” President Marcos said.

The President stressed that the government must be ready to provide relief when the time comes and the need arises.

“Kaya naman, tungkulin natin na tiyakin na sa oras ng kanilang pangangailangan ay nandiyan tayo, handang umalalay at magbigay ng ginhawa sa kanila,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive also instructed both institutions to modernize their systems, invest wisely, and expand accessibility.

“So, invest wisely. Modernize your systems and make your processes efficient. Ensure that your services are easier to reach, be it through digital platforms or help desks and kiosks, even in the most remote areas,” President Marcos said.

“Let us protect the lifetime of work that our pensioners have built for themselves and for our country,” the President stressed.

President Marcos reaffirmed that the pension systems remain pillars of government responsibility, ensuring that social protection is felt in every corner of the nation. | PND

For the first time in 11 years, Social Security System (SSS) pensioners will receive an increase in their monthly pension.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the ceremonial launch of the 2025 SSS Pension Reform Program, a significant milestone in the institution’s history.

During his speech at the 68th SSS anniversary celebration held at the SSS main office in Quezon City, President Marcos announced that starting September 1 this year, SSS pensions have been increased.

The President emphasized that the reforms are designed to improve the lives of millions of Filipino pensioners.

“Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon sa kasaysayan ng SSS, itinaas natin ang pensyon sa ilalim ng SSS Pension Reform Program,” the President said.

The Chief Executive said the adjustment will benefit retirees without requiring additional contributions. The program includes a 10 percent increase for retirement and disability pensioners, a five percent increase for survivorship pension, and higher benefits for dependents.

The pension increases will be implemented in three annual tranches every September from 2025 to 2027. The SSS said this is the first major pension adjustment since 2014.

“Bilang pasasalamat sa ating mga kababayan na buong buhay na naglingkod at nagtrabaho para sa ating bansa, simula unang araw ng Setyembre ng taong ito, itinaas na natin ang inyong buwanang pensyon,” President Marcos said.

The President added that the pension reform will cover 3.8 million beneficiaries and release PhP93 billion within three years, helping households cover food, medicine, and family needs while boosting the economy.

By aligning the reform with the theme “Sigurado ang Ginhawa sa Bagong Pilipinas,” President Marcos underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening social protection and honoring the dignity of work.

In the same event, President Marcos declared the beginning of the celebration of National Pensioners’ Week every second week of September. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday encouraged Filipino pensioners and the public to actively prepare for their future by maximizing their retirement and insurance benefits.

In a speech during the 68th anniversary of the Social Security System (SSS) and the launch of the Pension Reform Program in Quezon City, President Marcos made a strong pitch for Filipinos to maximize their membership in the country’s social protection institutions.

“Para naman sa ating mga pensyonado, pagplanuhan ninyong mabuti ang inyong kinabukasan,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive advised beneficiaries to directly engage with the agencies to ensure proper preparation for their future benefits.

“Makipag-ugnayan po kayo sa SSS at GSIS para makapaghanda nang mabuti para sa inyong pensyon at mga benepisyo para sa mga mahal ninyo sa buhay,” the President added.

The President also appealed to workers to strengthen the foundations of the program by contributing faithfully.

“At sa aking mga kapwa Pilipino, suportahan natin ang mga programang tulad nito—sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiwala at paghuhulog ng tamang kontribusyon upang mas mapa-igting pa ang ating social security systems,” President Marcos said.

“May we all renew our resolve to secure the well-being of the Filipino people,” the President said.

The pension reform reflects the Marcos administration’s resolve to ensure that every Filipino enjoys dignity, stability, and protection in their senior years. | PND

“The road is turning, and I want to deliver this clear message to the United States: the place of the United States is here with us in the Indo-Pacific.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of the United States’ presence in the Indo-Pacific as being crucial to preserving a free, open, and peaceful region.

In his keynote address at the inaugural Manila Strategy Forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Parañaque City, President Marcos said the Philippines-US alliance upholds the rule of law and ensures peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

President Marcos noted the significant transformations occurring in the Indo-Pacific region driven by globalization and the advancement of Asian societies, primarily influenced by the United States.

“It will be crucial to the free and open nature of our region that your vigor, inventiveness, and resilience, essential drivers of the great American nation, continue to play a leading role in nurturing a strong and peaceful Indo-Pacific,” the President added.

President Marcos said while confronting geopolitical and economic issues, the United States continues to play a significant role in the world that “cannot be replaced, and that its continued engagement in global affairs benefits all, including the United States itself.”

“We remain confident that the United States, as a self-declared Pacific nation, will remain oriented and committed to the Indo-Pacific, as history has consistently proven,” said the President. | PND