President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen its presence across various domains as geopolitical challenges evolve.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I call on you to continue to strengthen our presence in the air, on land, and at sea,” President Marcos said during the oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP.

“We must guard the peace we have gained and deepen our ties with partners who also envision a freer, more stable region,” President Marcos added.

The Commander-in-Chief acknowledged the AFP’s multiple achievements this year.

The President mentioned strengthening the country’s international defense posture through joint and multinational exercises, such as Balikatan 40, Exercise ALON with Australia, Talisman Sabre, and engagements with partners across the Indo-Pacific.

President Marcos said the AFP has also continued to maintain readiness through training, simulations, and command exercises, thus improving its tactical responsiveness to ensure that it is prepared to defend the country.

At the same time, the AFP has demonstrated its reliability in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, from typhoons and volcanic eruptions to earthquakes here in the country and even in Myanmar, the President said.

“You have shown our people and the world that the Filipino soldier is always ready to save lives, deliver relief, and rebuild communities,” President Marcos said.

The President said the accomplishments underscore the professionalism, dedication, and readiness of the AFP, as well as strengthen the people’s confidence in the country’s ability to protect its sovereignty and uphold its values.

Recognizing the AFP’s sacrifices in serving the nation, President Marcos assured that his administration “will do the best we can to provide you with the resources and benefits so that you can focus on your duty.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday he expects the military to remain loyal to both the Constitution and the Filipino people, as the Commander-in-Chief led the swearing-in ceremony for newly promoted high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Huwag kalimutan: Ang panunumpa ninyo ngayon ay sa Republika at sa bawat Pilipinong nagtitiwala na dahil sa inyo, sila ay mabubuhay nang ligtas at may dangal,” President Marcos said during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly promoted generals and flag officers in Malacañan Palace.

“Today is not only a milestone but a renewed pledge that your loyalty remains with the Constitution and the Filipino people,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

The President said he expects the newly promoted military top brass to always act with integrity, uphold the rule of law, and defend democracy.

As the new AFP officials took their oath, President Marcos reminded them to set an example for the young men and women in the uniformed services “who will look to you for your leadership.”

“These new stars you’ll carry will demand your utmost discipline, honor, and service,” the President said.

The Commander-in-Chief acknowledged that their promotion is well-deserved, as he recognized the AFP’s various achievements this year.

“These accomplishments underscore the professionalism, the dedication, and the readiness of the Armed Forces,” the President said.

“They also strengthen the confidence of our people in your ability to protect our sovereignty and to uphold the values that we hold as a nation.”

The military has also continued to sustain readiness through training, simulations, and command exercises, the President said.

These initiatives have improved the tactical responsiveness of the AFP, ensuring that it remains prepared to defend the country. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday said that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) tasked with investigating anomalous flood control projects, will collaborate with, rather than overlap or contradict, other government agencies conducting separate investigations into these projects.

“Ang ICI po ay binigyan ng kapangyarihan upang makipag-collaborate, upang tawagin ang anumang ahensiya ng gobyerno na maaaring makatulong sa pag-iimbestiga,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Castro cited investigations to be conducted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“Kasama na rin diyan ang NBI at ang iba pong mga law enforcement agencies. At ang gagawin ng DOJ ay hindi naman po sila gagawa ng maaaring kumontra o mag-overlap sa adhikain at misyon ng ICI,” said Castro.

The DOJ has created a special task force to investigate alleged corruption and bid-rigging in flood control projects.

According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon will chair the Public Works Corruption and Bid-Rigging Task Force, with the NBI’s Public Corruption Division acting as lead investigator.

“Malamang at maaari nating masabi, ang gagawin pong task force na ito ay para mapabilis ang mga nauna nilang naimbestigahan. Kung mayroon na silang naimbestigahan noon, maaari na agad magsampa ng kaso, at hindi naman ito tututulan ng ICI,” said Castro, when asked to comment on the DOJ’s plan. | PND

Malacañang encouraged Filipinos to voice their strong disapproval of corrupt practices and illegal enrichment by politicians, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s rallying call against corruption.

“Alam mo kahit na marami tayong batas, kahit iyong namumuno natin ay matino at ayaw ng korupsiyon, kung ang mga nasa ilalim ay walang kadala-dala na gumawa ng krimen, tayo na mismong taumbayan ang magpaalala sa mga politiko na walang ginawa kundi ang magpayaman,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in press briefing on Tuesday.

“Tayo na lagi, taumbayan na ang laging magpaalala sa kanila ng sinabi ng Pangulo, ‘Mahiya naman kayo,” Castro urged, repeating President Marcos’ memorable words during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28.

“Kaya sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino!” the President had said during the last SONA where he denounced the massive kickbacks in flood control projects.

Castro’s remarks were in response to a question about any measures to prevent local government units (LGUs) from being influenced into approving anomalous infrastructure projects.

Last Monday, President Marcos ordered that LGUs will once again be required to formally accept completed national infrastructure projects in their areas, reviving a safeguard removed by the previous administration.

The President said that LGU acceptance is crucial to ensure that national infrastructure projects, such as roads and flood control systems, meet proper standards.

President Marcos reinstated the LGU acceptance requirement as part of the reforms and investigation by an Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) into the systemic corruption in flood control and related infrastructure projects. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday affirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. respects the people’s grievances and hears their sentiments over corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects recently exposed by the President himself.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured that the people’s sentiments will be acknowledged and given due regard as protest actions are set to be held on Sunday.

“Ang Pangulo ay nirerespeto ang mga tinig ng taong-bayan. Kung anong hinaing, ‘yan po ay nadidinig at nararamdaman ng Pangulo,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer, however, cautioned that, “Huwag lamang haluan ng ibang intensyon para mismong gibain ang gobyerno.”

At the same time, Castro said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other uniformed personnel should not be dragged into any political maneuvering or be used in attempts to destabilize the government, in light of the planned anti-corruption protests.

“Ang ayaw lang po ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon mismo, at mismo ng AFP at PNP, gamitin itong damdamin ng tao, sentimyento ng tao ng mga elemento na maaaring magpagiba sa gobyerno,” Castro stressed.

“Ito pagpo-protesta na ‘to ay huwag natin ihalo ‘yung mga militar, uniformed personnel dahil ang protestang ito ay manggagaling talaga sa taong-bayan. At hindi sila dapat gamitin para magkaroon ng destabilization,” Castro added.

The Department of National Defense (DND) and AFP recently issued a statement condemning politically motivated calls for them to withdraw support from the government, reiterating they remain steadfast defenders of the nation and democratic institutions.

The DND and the AFP leadership also expressed full support for the anti-corruption campaign led by President Marcos, recognizing it as a “national crusade for good governance, justice, and progress.”

Initiating efforts to combat corruption, the President established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate and expose irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed legislative proposals to institutionalize and grant more power to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which was created by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to investigate corruption and abuses in the implementation of government infrastructure projects.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the two proposed measures—Senate Bill 1215 and House Bill 4453- which seek to institutionalize and grant contempt powers to the ICI—reflect lawmakers’ support of President Marcos’ decision to create the commission.

“Ang sabi po ng Pangulo, ito’y fact-finding commission. So, hindi po kinakailangan talaga po na magkaroon ng power na mag-punish doon sa mga taong hindi dadalo,” Castro said.

“Pero kung iyon po ay ibibigay sa Independent Commission ng mga mambabatas, maganda po iyang suhestiyon at iyan po ay welcome na welcome po sa Pangulo,” she added.

Castro said the Palace will back any measure as long as it favors public interest.

“Malamang nakita rin po ng mga mambabatas kung anong kahalagahan ng ginawa ng Pangulo na mag-create po ng independent commission,” Castro said when asked about Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s statement that he would formally request the President to certify SB 1215 as urgent to hasten its passage.

“Welcome po ang lahat ng maaaring maitulong para mas maging malakas pa po ang kapangyarihan ng Independent Commission na ito dahil iisa lamang din po ang adhikain nito: mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot,” Castro emphasized.

President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 94 on September 11, creating the ICI to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against government officials, employees, or individuals involved in anomalies in flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the last 10 years. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday affirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to skip the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York City next week reflects on his commitment to prioritize pressing domestic concerns, assuring that there is no direct threat to his life.

“Maliban po sa naging pagbabanta dati ng Bise Presidente sa buhay ng Pangulo, base po sa National Security Council ADG (Assistant Director General) Cornelio Valencia, wala po na direct threat sa buhay ng Pangulo,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Despite the absence of a specific threat, Castro noted that measures are in place and security forces remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of the President.

“Pero hindi po sila magiging kampante sa pagsiguro at bigyan ng seguridad ang buhay ng Pangulo,” Castro added.

Malacañang on Monday announced that President Marcos has delegated his UNGA engagements to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro “to allow him to focus on local issues.”

When asked if the anti-corruption demonstrations planned during the weekend factored into the President’s decision not to attend the UNGA, Castro said the Chief Executive is not worried about the mass actions since he initiated the investigation into massive anomalies in flood control projects.

“Hindi naman po nangangamba ang Pangulo dahil alam po niya na ang pagpuprotesta ng taumbayan ay tungkol sa paglaban sa korapsiyon. At binanggit din po niya kahapon na siya mismo ang nagsimula upang mapaimbestigahan itong mga maanomalyang flood control projects,” the Palace Press Officer said.

“So, hindi po nangangamba ang Pangulo sa gagawing protesta dahil alam po niya na ang magpuprotesta dito ay kakampi rin po niya, kakampi sa kaniyang adhikain. Dahil sabi nga po niya kahapon, kung hindi siya presidente, malamang ay makakasama rin siya sa pagprotesta laban sa korapsiyon,” Castro added.

President Marcos on Monday completed the composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) he created to investigate anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects within the last 10 years and to recommend appropriate legal action against those liable for the misuse of public funds.

The President named retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as ICI chairperson, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo as members, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser. | PND

Malacañang has issued a series of proclamations declaring special non-working holidays in various provinces and localities across the country, providing residents the opportunity to commemorate important local occasions, including foundation anniversaries, civic milestones, and cultural festivities.

Proclamation No. 1021 declared September 18, 2025 a special non-working day in the municipality of Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, while Proclamation No. 1022 designated September 19, 2025 as a special non-working day in the municipalities of Pili, Ocampo, Canaman, Camaligan, Magarao, Bombon, and Calabanga, all in Camarines Sur.

Earlier, Proclamation No. 1023 declared September 2, 2025, a special non-working day in Mondragon, Northern Samar.

For October 2025, Proclamation No. 1024 declared October 1 as a special non-working day in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, while Proclamation No. 1025 declared the same date as a similar holiday in Hungduan, Ifugao.

October 2 was declared a special non-working day in the municipality of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya under Proclamation No. 1026, and in the entire province of Dinagat Islands under Proclamation No. 1027.

Also for the same month, Proclamation No. 1028 declared October 8 a holiday in the City of Koronadal, South Cotabato, followed by Proclamation No. 1029 setting October 14 as a similar special non-working day for the municipality of Victoria, Laguna.

Proclamation No. 1030 declared October 16 in the municipality of Culaba, Biliran, while Proclamation No. 1031 declared October 17 in the province of Negros Oriental as special non-working days.

October 20 was designated a holiday under Proclamation No. 1032 in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, while Proclamation No. 1033 declared October 23 in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur as a special non-working day.

Proclamation No. 1034 declared October 25 as a similar holiday in Lemery, Batangas.

Meanwhile, under Proclamation No. 1035, November 28, 2025 was declared a special non-working day in the municipality of Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The proclamations state that declaring these local holidays will enable residents to participate fully in their respective celebrations, foster community pride, and promote local culture and traditions. | PND

“My challenge to our GOCCs is to invest in modern technology, simplify our processes, and cut down on red tape so that every Filipino enjoys easy, fair, and dignified access to the services they deserve.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thus challenged government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to modernize operations, invest in digital transformation, and ensure transparency in the use of public funds to better serve the Filipino people.

In his speech during the 2025 GOCCs Day held in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, President Marcos said GOCCs must rise to the challenge of becoming more efficient and responsive to the needs of the public.

The President explained that modernization and innovation are essential in aligning with global standards while meeting the growing demands of citizens for faster and more transparent services.

“For the rest of the bureaucracy, our job is to ensure that the dividends of our GOCCs would redound to better services,” the President said.

President Marcos stressed that accountability and trust must guide the use of GOCC dividends, warning that public confidence is difficult to rebuild once eroded.

“We need to spend these funds with utmost transparency and accountability. Public trust is our most valuable currency. Once lost, rebuilding it becomes far more difficult,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized that beyond financial contributions, GOCC funds should drive systemic reforms and reach the most vulnerable sectors of society.

“These funds should promote genuine reforms that uplift the quality of life, reach the vulnerable, and leave a lasting contribution for the next generation,” the Chief Executive said.

The President underscored that the push for Bagong Pilipinas requires GOCCs to serve as models of efficiency, innovation, and stewardship, balancing modernization with strict adherence to integrity and public accountability.

The 2025 GOCCs’ Day is conducted to give due recognition to the significant contributions of GOCCs, particularly through their dividend remittances and extending their mandated public services.

According to the Department of Finance (DOF), so far this year, the total dividend collection from 53 GOCCs is PhP 116.84 billion, wherein 15 GOCCs contributed at least PhP1 billion each.

These are Landbank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Clark Development Corporation(CDC), Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PGC). | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved new salary adjustments and medical benefits for employees of government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), recognizing their dedication to delivering essential services to Filipinos.

In his remarks during the 2025 GOCCs’ Day held in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos said the reforms form part of his administration’s recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of the GOCC workforce.

“In support of the hardworking men and women who make this possible, I have approved the Compensation and Position Classification System II that would increase the salaries of GOCC employees. I have also approved the provision of a tiered medical allowance for GOCC employees depending on the capacity of the GOCCs,” President Marcos said.

The President clarified that for corporations that had already implemented the earlier Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) 1, the adjustments will apply retroactively.

“For GOCCs that implemented CPCS 1, the increases will retroact to January 1, 2025, upon receipt of their Authority to Implement from GCG,” the President said.

President Marcos said the move ensures fair recognition for workers who continue to uphold efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public service.

“Dahil sa inyong determinasyon at malasakit, mas maraming Pilipino ang ating natutulungan at naaabot ng ating mga serbisyo,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive stressed that investing in the welfare of GOCC employees reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a more capable and motivated public sector workforce that can further deliver on the Bagong Pilipinas vision. | PND