Malacañang on Wednesday announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Education (DepEd), and local government units (LGUs) will join forces to accelerate the construction of classrooms nationwide.

The collaboration among government agencies is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide direct funding to LGUs to address classroom shortage, according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

“Alinsunod sa hangarin ni Pangulong Marcos na mabigyan ng direct funding ang mga lokal na pamahalaan para sa pagpapatayo ng mga classrooms sa bansa, nakatakdang magkaroon ng memorandum of agreement ang DPWH, DepEd at local government units upang mapatupad ito,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

President Marcos emphasized the urgency to complete the construction of classrooms, according to Castro.

“Ang nais ng Pangulo, ang kakulangan sa classrooms ay dapat na mapunan sa lalong madaling panahon para sa kabutihan ng mga mag-aaral. Hindi puwede ang mabagal kumilos, iyan ang direktiba ng Pangulo,” the Palace Press Officer said.

Castro said under the planned memorandum of agreement, funds will be downloaded to LGUs to implement the construction, while the DPWH and DepEd will oversee and monitor the progress.

“Nakatuon na ang paningin ng Pangulo sa mga mabilis na pagsasaayos ng mga classrooms dito sa DPWH, DepEd at LGU. Ang plano rito ay ipapaubaya ang pondo sa LGU at ang pagpapatupad at pagpapagawa ng mga classrooms ay imo-monitor ng DPWH at ng DepEd,” Castro said.

According to Castro, the joint effort of the DPWH, DepEd, and LGUs aims to complete around 2,370 classrooms.

Approximately 200 classrooms are expected to be completed by the DPWH before the end of the year, while 822 classrooms are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026. The target completion of 2,000 classrooms is by the third quarter of next year. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez as chairperson of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed Gutierrez’s appointment, noting that the latter will serve until September 17, 2031.

For Gutierrez’s appointment, Castro cited the President’s commitment to appointing capable leaders to key government posts.

“Unang-una naman, ang gusto ng Pangulo kapag ito ay kanyang itinalaga ay dapat na magaling na isang lider at isang magaling na namumuno,” Castro said.

Prior to her appointment to the NCSC, Gutierrez was a member of the Government Service Insurance System Board of Trustees.

Gutierrez previously served as Ombudsman from 2005 to 2011 and as Justice Secretary under then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Established in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11350, the NCSC is mandated to ensure the full implementation of laws, policies, and programs that promote the rights and welfare of senior citizens in the country. | PND

Any move to revive the death penalty must undergo careful and comprehensive study, a Malacañang official said on Wednesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has not yet taken a position on the issue, amid calls to impose capital punishment on corrupt politicians and public officials.

Castro said the return of capital punishment should not be rushed, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the five pillars of the justice system are working effectively and fairly.

“Dapat aralin ito dahil hindi lamang ito bigla-biglang sinasabi na dapat nandiyan na ang death penalty. Inaaral mabuti dahil dapat malinis, mabuti, maging maayos itong tinatawag nating five pillars of justice system,” she said.

The Palace official also warned against the risk of wrongful convictions in a flawed system, citing past instances where individuals admitted to planting evidence or fabricating accusations.

“Hindi tayo puwede na umaasa at maimpluwensiyahan. Dapat mawala sa impluwensiya ng mga Pilipino ‘yung mga nakaraang pangyayari kung saan may nag-admit na sila ay sanay gumawa ng intriga at magplanta ng ebidensiya,” Castro said.

“Paano kung ang inosente ay nagawan ng intriga at naplantahan ng ebidensiya? Death penalty ang maaaring ipataw. Kawawa naman po ‘yung masasabi nating inosente,” she added.

The Philippines abolished the death penalty in 1987, becoming the first country in Asia to eliminate capital punishment for all crimes in modern times.

It was reinstated in 1993 through Republic Act 7659 under then President Fidel Ramos, in response to rising crime rates. The law reimposed the death penalty for heinous crimes, initially through the electric chair. In 1996, Republic Act 8177 was enacted, designating lethal injection as the method of execution.

A moratorium on the death penalty was declared in 2000 by then President Joseph Estrada. His successor, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, maintained the moratorium and ultimately signed Republic Act 9346 in 2006, which once again repealed the death penalty. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, who made history on Tuesday as the first woman to assume the post.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on her historic election as Japan’s first female Prime Minister,” President Marcos said in a statement.

“Her assumption demonstrates Japan’s firm democratic advocacy, and reflects the country’s commitment to progress and representation,” the President added.

President Marcos expressed his eagerness to work with Prime Minister Takaichi in strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially as both countries prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

“I look forward to working with her in commemorating the 70th Anniversary of 🇵🇭🇯🇵 diplomatic ties in 2026, and in deepening the 🇵🇭🇯🇵 Strengthened Strategic Partnership for the peace and prosperity of our peoples. 🇵🇭🤝🇯🇵,” the President said.

The Philippines and Japan officially established diplomatic relations on July 23, 1956. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government welcomes mining investments from companies that comply with the country’s laws, respect the Filipino people and ensure environmental protection.

During the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition at The Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, President Marcos urged industry leaders to discuss how to make the Philippines a reliable source of critical minerals for clean energy, promote regional industrialization and create jobs, and attract investments without compromising the environment.

“To fully attain the aspiration of this sector, we must continue to attract investors who share our values—those who respect our laws, those who respect our people, and those that respect our environment,” the President said.

The Chief Executive underscored the importance of sustainability that is “measured by how many lives we uplift and how faithfully we guard the blessings of our land for the generations to come.”

To realize this vision, the government has adopted key reforms, President Marcos said.

The Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act creates a fair, transparent, and consistent taxation framework for the sector, strengthening public trust and investor confidence.

The Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act ensures continuous checking of the nation’s natural wealth by assessing the forests, minerals, and ecosystems to prevent unchecked exploitation.

President Marcos also asked mining operators to align their Social Development and Management Programs with national and global development frameworks, ensuring that they contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“And to attract quality investments, we are simplifying the procedures in the processing of mining applications,” said President Marcos.

“As we continue to explore this field, may our operations remain underpinned by science, guided by sustainable goals, and anchored on shared interests,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday asserted the administration’s thrust towards responsible mining, adding that the revenue from the industry must directly benefit the Filipino people.

Irresponsible mining operations in the country will not be permitted, President Marcos said during the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition held at The Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The Chief Executive said the industry gathering comes at a crucial time as the country pushes for sustainability, job generation, and attracting investments in the mining sector.

“This Administration shares a common vision of a responsible, inclusive, and climate-resilient mining in the country,” President Marcos said.

“Irresponsible mining has no place in our nation. We will strictly enforce the laws against practices that destroy forests, that poison rivers, that endanger lives. Mining should build communities, not burden them,” the President declared.

The Chief Executive said every mining operation must be consistent with the country’s environmental commitments, including the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Philippine Energy Plan.

President Marcos emphasized that mining revenues must bring tangible benefits to the people.

“The wealth from our soil should translate into schools for our children, hospitals for families, and roads that link people with opportunities,” said the President.

Towards this end, the President said that the government is strengthening transparency and accountability in the mining sector, pointing out that the Filipino people deserve to know how the nation’s resources are being managed.

President Marcos commended the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines for uniting industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders and for adopting the Towards Sustainable Mining Program — making the Philippines the first in Asia to do so.

“Your adoption of the Towards Sustainable Mining Program—a global benchmark for environmental, social, and governance standards—proves that responsible mining is achievable,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also thanked mining industry leaders for their engagement in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, to help ensure that mining revenues are used for the good of the Filipino people.

“This is the kind of partnership that turns resource generation into human progress,” said the President.

With the theme, “From Policy to Progress: Driving Mining Through Innovation and Investment,” the two-day Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition convenes leading figures from the mining industry to discuss the future of mining in the Philippines and beyond. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued five proclamations declaring special non-working holidays in five localities this November to allow residents to participate in their respective local celebrations.

Proclamation No. 1064 declared November 20 a special non-working holiday in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, for the municipality’s founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1065 declared November 22 a special non-working holiday in Itogon, Benguet for the municipality’s 125th founding anniversary.

Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 1066 declared November 26 a special non-working holiday in Dasmariñas City, Cavite for the city’s founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1067 declared November 27 a special non-working holiday in Burgos, La Union for the municipality’s 100th founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1068 declared November 20 a special non-working holiday in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, to celebrate the annual festival of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

The proclamations said that declaring the holidays is fitting and proper to give the residents the full opportunity to participate in the occasions and enjoy the celebrations.

By the authority of President Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin signed the proclamations. | PND

“Bawat tapat na guro, sundalo, at pulis ay isang tagumpay laban sa katiwalian at pangungutya na sumasalot sa ating bansa.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos for exemplifying the “Bagong Pilipino” — honest, upright, and serving with compassion.

President Marcos said the 10 awardees, composed of teachers, soldiers and police officers, serve as an inspiration to correct wrong practices in government.

“It is always with the greatest pride, honor, and pleasure that I honor the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos because you are exemplary individuals who have gone the extra mile to transform lives, to uplift communities,” said the President as he led the awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

“Mga kababayan, ipinakita ninyo na ang tunay na paglilingkod sa bayan ay hindi nasusukat sa katayuan sa lipunan, kundi sa layuning maghatid ng pagbabago sa ating mga kababayan,” the President added.

“Kayo ang mukha ng Bagong Pilipino: matapat, may paninindigan, at buong pusong naghahatid ng serbisyo sa kapwa Pilipino.”

President Marcos said the stories of the awardees offer a renewed hope and reminder that integrity still lives within the government and their honor still defines what it means to be Filipino.

“Guro. Sundalo. Pulis. Anuman ang inyong propesyon o paraan ng paglilingkod, ipinapaalala ninyo na ang tunay na kadakilaan ay nasa serbisyo na may dangal at katarungan,” said the President.

“Bawat tapat na guro, sundalo, at pulis ay isang tagumpay laban sa katiwalian at pangungutya na sumasalot sa ating bansa. Kasama po kayo sa aming inspirasyon upang magsumikap na itama ang mga nakagawiang mali sa gobyerno,” the President added.

This year’s 10 Outstanding Filipinos who received the Medallion of Excellence include four teachers: Noel Sadinas, who was honored for turning a dumpsite into a learning space for indigenous students; Amando Perfecto Molin, whose acts of kindness brought inspiration to students across Southeast Asia; Dr. Mylene Uy, who pioneered natural products research in Mindanao; and Dr. Angelo Mark Walag, who championed experiential learning and empowered teachers in underserved schools.

Among the ranks of soldiers, the President awarded Underwater Operationsman First Class Anro Anthony Turallo for his courage that helped reclaim communities from violent extremism; Colonel Ricky Canatoy for rebuilding war-torn villages; and Colonel Joey Fontiveros for establishing the nation’s first Cyber Battalion.

In the police service, the Chief Executive honored Police Master Sergeant Ivan Velasco for community-driven programs that unite law enforcement and environmental protection; Police Major Elmira Relox for restoring the dignity of countless women and children through her rescue and reintegration efforts; and Police Colonel Frederick Obar for innovative reforms and digital learning system that have transformed the way the police serve the public. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday reiterated his commitment to cleanse the bureaucracy to ensure that every public official and public servant deserve the trust of the Filipino people.

“Patuloy tayo sa paglilinis ng hanay ng pamahalaan upang matiyak na ang bawat opisyal, bawat lingkod-bayan ay karapat-dapat sa tiwalang ibinibigay sa kanila ng taumbayan,” President Marcos said during the awarding of the 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in Malacañan Palace.

Amid the flood control corruption probe he initiated, the President acknowledged that the current challenges faced by the nation have shaken the public’s trust in government institutions.

“Hindi madali ang laban na ito. Marami pa tayong haharapin, marami tayong pagdadaanan,” said President Marcos.

“It will be hard and sometimes it will be painful, but it will be worth it because what we are fighting for is a country that our children will inherit and a nation that they can be proud of, that they can be proud to say I am Filipino.”

Addressing the question of whether the government can still be trusted, the Chief Executive pointed to the 10 honorees as living proof of hope and integrity in public service.

“In their service, you will find your answer. Because of them, we are reminded that hope is never lost, that integrity still lives in our institutions, and that honor still defines what it means to be Filipino,” President Marcos said.

Among this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awardees are four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers who all brought valuable contributions to the lives of many.

As the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program marks its 40th year, President Marcos said the award has become a “beacon of integrity and inspiration, proving that even at the most difficult times, there will always be Filipinos who remain committed to serving and leading with honor.”

The President extended his gratitude to Metrobank Foundation and its partners in the private sector – PSBank, Rotary Club of New Manila East, and Rotary Club of Makati Metro for honoring those who embody the best ideals of public service. | PND

Motorists can now traverse NLEX, SLEX and other tollways across Luzon using only one RFID.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called for unity in the name of public service to continue reforming and modernizing the country’s transportation system.

“Mga kababayan, patuloy po nating pinapahusay ang ating transport system. Mas gaganda pa po ito kung magtutulungan tayong lahat. Kaya tuloy-tuloy lang ang kooperasyon at disiplina sa kalsada,” President Marcos said during the launching of the One RFID, All Tollways in Calamba City, Laguna.

Under the One RFID, All Tollways system, motorists could now use a single RFID sticker when traversing all Luzon toll expressways.

Toll-paying motorists have the option to register for the new single RFID system, or to retain the current two RFID accounts – Autosweep and Easytrip – to be used depending on the expressway.

President Marcos cited the “continued trust, commitment, and flexibility” of the government’s partner concessionaires, operators, and Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)/RFID providers for making the toll collection interoperability project possible.

Years of consultation and cooperation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), the Chief Executive said, have finally led to the adoption of a unified system that responds to the real needs of motorists.

“And true to the spirit of public service, you worked hand in hand not because you needed to but because you wanted to make travel easier for the Filipino people,” President Marcos said.

“This is the true Filipino spirit. One of unity, bayahinan, and pakikipag-kapwa.”

President Marcos thanked San Miguel Corporation Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan for “being part of the solution.”

“This is once more proof that together, we can create innovative solutions to the everyday challenges faced by our people,” said the President. | PND