President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism on Saturday that the government will be able to craft “a good, clean budget” for next year as Congress continues its deliberations on the proposed national spending plan.

President Marcos said the government’s focus is on reducing the cost of materials for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and identifying potential savings in its projects.

“Even now, upon resumption of the budget hearings, marami nang nakita in both Houses, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate na magkakaroon pa tayo ng savings,” the President told reporters in a media interview in Busan.

“I think we will be able to show that it is, in fact, possible to write a good, clean budget,” President Marcos added.

President Marcos has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cut construction material costs by up to 50 percent — a move expected to save the government at least PhP30 to PhP45 billion, which will be redirected to vital sectors such as health, education, and food.

As to government efforts to combat red tape, overpricing, and corruption, the President said that the government must make it increasingly difficult for unscrupulous officials to manipulate processes and steal funds from public coffers.

“Kahit anong gawin mo maghahanap ng paraan ‘yan para lokohin ang gobyerno. But if the systems are in place you make it harder and harder for those people to do ‘yung nangungurakot. Make it harder and harder for them to do,” President Marcos said.

“The harder it becomes, the smaller the number of people who are still operating under corrupt practices. So, it’s an ongoing thing. It’s not something that you can solve with one fell swoop.” PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said the protest planned for Bonifacio Day on November 30 is not a cause for concern, but urged demonstrators to keep their actions peaceful and avoid violence to prevent disorder and ensure the safety of the public.

“The only concern I have when we have demonstrations for whatever reason is that there are agitators who will go and try to cause trouble,” President Marcos said during a media interview in Busan when asked about the planned mass action.

“What demonstrator goes to a demonstration with Molotov cocktails that are not intending to cause trouble or to hurt people? Those are the people that we are worried about. And those are the people that we are watching out for,” the President added.

President Marcos urged agitators to refrain from resorting to violence during protests, noting that such actions often lead to injuries among both demonstrators and law enforcement personnel.

“Tanggalin na ninyo sa isip ninyo ‘yan. Manggugulo kayo. Wala namang mangyayari. May masasaktan lang. Nasasaktan pa ‘yung mga kasama ninyo kung minsan. ‘Yung mga pulis, wala namang kinalaman ‘yung pulis,” the President added.

President Marcos acknowledged “the reasons for people’s outrage, and that’s understandable because of corruption being discovered in connection with the implementation of government flood-control projects.”

“Those funds are supposed to go to the people to feed them and to make their lives better,” the President emphasized.

Scores of people were injured during a violent protest in Mendiola last September 21, after some masked rallyists at the Mendiola Bridge in Manila hurled rocks, sewage, and Molotov explosives at policemen.

The rest of the protest actions were conducted peacefully.

President Marcos has repeatedly called for transparency and accountability in government projects, particularly in infrastructure spending, as public scrutiny heightens over alleged ghost and anomalous flood control projects.

In his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos called out anomalous infrastructure projects, pointedly telling those responsible, “Mahiya naman kayo.”

Soon after, the Chief Executive launched the Sumbong sa Pangulo website to provide citizens with a direct channel to report substandard or non-existent infrastructure projects in their communities.

Several of the reports submitted through the platform were personally inspected by the President, who confirmed that many projects were either poorly constructed or, in some cases, never built at all. -PND

The Marcos Jr. administration has secured a landmark PhP50.7-billion investment from Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippine Corporation (SEMPHIL) – the first project to be granted Presidential Incentives under the CREATE MORE Act (Republic Act No. 12066). This marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to attract strategic, high-value investments and create more quality jobs for Filipinos.

“Samsung is already in the Philippines, they have employed [thousands of Filipinos] in their very, very high-tech manufacturing plant. The products that they make in the Philippines are of the highest tech that you can imagine. And so that is very, very important for us,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in an interview with the Philippine media delegation in South Korea.

“They [Samsung] made a commitment of a little over PhP50 billion to expand. That translates into 3,000 new jobs. And again, the transfer of technology is going to be very important,” the President added.

The Chief Executive also emphasized that Samsung has agreed to tie up with several universities in the Philippines to train Filipino workers and conduct research and development in the country.

The PhP50.7-billion SEMPHIL project and approval of its CREATE MORE Presidential Incentive were finalized following President Marcos’ meeting with top executives of Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. (SEMCO) on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Summit in South Korea.

During the meeting, President Marcos, alongside Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque, also witnessed the signing of a Supplemental Agreement between the DTI’s Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and SEMPHIL.

SEMPHIL is the Philippine subsidiary of South Korea’s SEMCO, a global leader in advanced electronics and semiconductor technology. Located in the Calamba Premiere International Park (CPIP) and registered with PEZA, SEMPHIL serves as SEMCO’s main global production hub in a cost-efficient region.

With its new expansion investment, SEMPHIL will establish a state-of-the-art, high-technology manufacturing facility to produce automotive multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) — key components used in electric vehicles (EVs) and smart devices. The project is expected to begin commercial operations by July 2027 and create over 3,500 high-quality jobs for Filipino workers.

As of December 2024, the Company already employs over 7,000 Filipinos and accounts for nearly half of SEMCO’s worldwide MLCC output.

Under the CREATE MORE Act, the President may grant tax incentives in the interest of national economic development or upon the recommendation of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB). Qualified projects are eligible for a range of incentives, including Income Tax Holiday (ITH), Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT), and Enhanced Tax Deductions. These incentives also cover Value-Added Tax (VAT) zero-rating on local purchases, as well as VAT and duty exemptions on importation.

Secretary Go highlighted the broader significance of the SEMPHIL investment. “This is tangible and a direct outcome of this administration’s landmark policy reforms,” he said. “This development sends a strong message to the global business community: the Philippines is more than open and ready for business. We are competitive and fully capable of hosting world-class, high-technology industries. More importantly, this project embodies our commitment to create more quality jobs for Filipinos, strengthen our manufacturing base, and deepen our economic partnership with South Korea.”

Echoing this sentiment on the sectoral impact, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Paga hailed the announcement as a “landmark achievement for the country’s electronics sector.” He noted that SEMPHIL’s expansion will “strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global semiconductor value chain and create more opportunities for Filipino talent.”

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), electronic products remained the country’s top export in 2024, accounting for nearly 60% of total shipments. The new SEMPHIL project is expected to boost the Philippines’ share in global MLCC exports, solidifying its position as a reliable and competitive partner in advanced electronics manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the FIRB, chaired by the Department of Finance, emphasized that this milestone demonstrates how the CREATE MORE framework balances competitiveness with fiscal prudence, ensuring that incentives are both targeted and transformative.

The grant of the first CREATE MORE Presidential Approval stands as a powerful testament to the Marcos administration’s investment-led growth strategy, demonstrating the success of its trade and investment missions, ease-of-doing-business reforms, and efforts to transform the nation into a regional manufacturing and innovation hub, while creating more quality jobs for Filipinos.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. participated in a photo session on Saturday alongside other leaders, marking the conclusion of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.

President Marcos, along with other APEC leaders, donned mint-colored scarves made from traditional hanbok fabric and posed for photos at the conclusion of the APEC summit.
The photo session follows the APEC tradition of wearing a traditional outfit from the host country.

Korean President Lee Jae Myung also handed over the APEC chairmanship to Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country will host the APEC summit next year.

Prior to that, President Marcos joined his counterparts for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Retreat Session 2 at the Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju, with the discussions centering on the theme “Preparing a Future-Ready Asia-Pacific.”

President Marcos also met with Chilean President Gabriel Boric on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), where both leaders discussed strengthening Philippines–Chile relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation despite the geographical distance between the two nations.

President Marcos also met with Chilean President Gabriel Boric on the sidelines of the Asia 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) where they discussed ways to bring Philippines-Chile relations closer despite the geographical distance.

Twenty-one APEC member economies come together to discuss pathways to shared prosperity under this year’s Summit theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,’ with the Republic of Korea serving as the host economy.

APEC’s 21-member economies are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States of America, and Viet Nam. PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. advanced the Philippines’ strategic economic and defense priorities during one-on-one meetings with top South Korean companies on the sidelines of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Busan.

At the sidelines of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Korea, President Marcos met with shipbuilding giant Hanwha Ocean to discuss its proposal to support the Philippine Navy’s submarine program through the construction of a submarine base, the establishment of a local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center, and the training of Filipino naval operators, maintainers, and commanders using advanced simulators and systems.

Executives of the Hanwha Ocean informed the President of their plans for the deployment of KSS-III PN submarines equipped with modern sonar and combat systems and lithium-ion batteries for longer underwater endurance, along with technology transfer and partnerships with local industries to advance the Philippines’ self-reliant defense capability.

President Marcos also met with DL Group. The conglomerate’s subsidiary, DL E&C, is partnering with Meralco to pursue small modular reactor (SMR) projects in the Philippines.

SMRs are compact nuclear plants that can safely produce clean, stable energy using
less land and shorter construction periods than traditional facilities.

During a top-level meeting with South Korean conglomerate Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. (SEMCO), President Marcos witnessed the signing of a Supplemental Agreement between the DTI’s Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Samsung Electro-
Mechanics Philippines Corporation (SEMPHIL).

The agreement further demonstrated the Philippines’ commitment to developing a competitive and investor-friendly environment for high-technology industries.

President Marcos also intently listened to SEMCO executives, who discussed the PhP50.7 billion expansion of its manufacturing operations in Calamba, Laguna, which will generate more than 3,000 new high-technology jobs for Filipino engineers and technicians. This project strengthens the Philippines’ role in the global electronics and EV supply
Chain.

The SEMCO planned business expansion directly supports the President’s goal of transforming the nation into a regional manufacturing and innovation hub. PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Chilean President Gabriel Boric on the sidelines of the 32nd Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting at Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea on 1 November 2025.

President Marcos discussed ways to bring Philippines-Chile relations closer despite the geographical distance that exists between the two countries, citing the two countries’ shared heritage and cultural affinity as strong basis for building partnership and cooperation.

President Marcos emphasized the need to finalize the Philippines-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which would be the Philippines’ first free trade agreement in Latin America. Both leaders agreed to facilitating the signing of the agreement by end of this year. Manila hosted the third round of negotiations for the agreement in October.

President Marcos supports President Boric’s call for greater multilateralism, citing the role of both the APEC and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in addressing regional and global tensions.

The meeting between President Marcos and President Boric comes ahead of the 80th anniversary celebration of the establishment of Philippines-Chile relations in 2026. END

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined on Friday the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders (AELM) gala dinner hosted by Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

The gala dinner, held in Korea’s southeastern city of Gyeongju, was also attended by visiting leaders of APEC economies and their spouses, high level officials of the Korean government, representatives of international organizations, and global business leaders.

In hosting the banquet, which featured dishes reminiscent of Korea’s ancient Silla kingdom cuisine as prepared by Celebrity Chef Edward Lee, President Lee expressed hope for the continued pursuit of peace and shared prosperity across the region.

A number of leaders described the dinner’s program as unforgettable, featuring Korean traditional and modern music and dance, and participated in by some of Korea’s global performers like Cha Eun-woo(Lee Dongmin) and G-dragon.

APEC AELM is being held from October 31 to November 1 at the Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO) in Gyeongju.

President Marcos maintained a full schedule on Friday, participating alongside other APEC member economy leaders in the welcome ceremonies of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the HICO.

The President also attended the AELM Session 1, the APEC Leaders’ dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), the APEC CEO Summit, and held a bilateral meeting with President Lee. PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday wished the nation a meaningful and solemn observance of All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2, reflecting on the remembrance of saints and the dearly departed.

In a message, President Marcos said the first two days of the month are dedicated to prayer, reflection, and recalling “the many people whose deeds and presence continue to be felt long after their passing.”

“During these twin feasts, we proclaim that those who came before us do not vanish into nothingness but continue to live on in our hearts and minds,” the President said.

President Marcos said the parallel feasts also serve as reminder about one’s mortality and making a positive impact during one’s lifetime.

“Even in the transience of our own mortality, we have the capacity to make a lasting impact in our communities and those around us,” said the President.

The Chief Executive acknowledged the meaning behind acts of remembrance: to pray is to enter communion with the saints and deceased loved ones; to light a candle is to bind one’s conscience with their legacy; and to lay flowers is to pledge to uphold their mission.

“Ultimately, these occasions remind us of the paradise that awaits in the hereafter—where poverty, pain, and suffering no longer hold purchase,

and where the Lord Almighty resides in splendor among His people. Until then, our duty is to fashion a foretaste of its splendor here on earth,” President Marcos said.

“Let the Philippines strive to be that lamp upon a hill where people carry the memory of the dead as strength, the witness of the saints as guide, and the hope of a permanent dwelling as purpose until time itself bows before eternity,” the President Marcos continued.

“I wish everyone a solemn and meaningful observance.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed various government agencies to ensure readiness and to carry out intensified monitoring for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, or (Undas), a Palace official said Friday.

“Bago ang pag-alis ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa Pilipinas patungong South Korea para sa 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, o APEC Summit – ipinag-utos ng Pangulo ang mahigpit na pagbabantay sa Undas,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting here in Gyeongju.

President Marcos arrived in South Korea on Thursday afternoon to participate in the APEC Summit, meet business leaders, and the Filipino community.

“Bagama’t nasa APEC Summit si Pangulong Marcos Jr. – prayoridad pa rin ng Pangulo ang seguridad ng taumbayan ngayong Undas.”

In response to the President’s directive, Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under Secretary Rex Gatchalian, issued an order to ensure that its field offices are prepared to respond to passengers traveling to the provinces.

Castro also said the DSWD made an assurance that it has sufficient relief items, including ready-to-eat food, family food packs, and different non-food items for stranded passengers.

To address the healthcare needs of travelers, Castro said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa visited DOH emergency tents along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in anticipation of an expected surge in passenger volume.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque also visited a Guadalupe market last Wednesday to ensure that there would be no price movement of goods during Undas.

“Pinuri ni Secretary Roque ang mga retailers sa pagpapanatili ng patas na presyo ng mga bilihin para sa kapakinabangan ng mga mamimili,” said the Palace official, noting the DTI closely monitors the market to ensure the stability of prices that benefits both the consumer and businesses.

To ensure peace and order during Undas, Castro said acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police units to intensify patrols in residential areas and business establishments.

Citing the PNP, Castro said close to 31,200 police personnel will be deployed during Undas – in addition to 11,700 uniformed personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Those personnel will be augmented by 29,900 force multipliers that include barangay tanods, radio groups and non-government organization volunteers to support security operations, she said. PND