President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has welcomed Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s (MMC) PhP7-billion investment plan in the Philippines in the next five years as this will create more jobs for Filipinos.

MMC President and CEO Takao Kato paid a courtesy call to the President in Malacañang Thursday and discussed his company’s investment plan for the country.

Kato said MMC’s expansion plan includes adding a new production model at its Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) plant facility in Laguna.

“The jobs that it will provide, that your investment will provide, are very important to us and certainly, vehicle manufacture is one of those,” President Marcos said.

The President said that MMC will be included in the government’s Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) Program, a new proposed version of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program. He hoped MMC’s inclusion would help in its expansion plans.

Kato said the Philippines is MMC’s most important investment in Southeast Asia, citing its good and stable economy.

“In the ASEAN, (the) Philippines is our number one market,” Kato told the President.

MMC is a multinational automobile manufacturer founded in April 1970, maintaining production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Russia, and the Philippines.

MMPC, on the other hand, is a 100-percent wholly owned subsidiary of MMC, which began operations as Chrysler Philippines Corp. in 1963 as the assembler and distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth passenger cars.

MMPC has a manufacturing plant located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, with 50,000 units of annual production capacity. It has the potential to expand to 100,000 units per year.

As of November last year, the motor vehicle industry sold 425,208 units, with MMPC cornering 19 percent of the domestic market but second only to Toyota with 46 percent. | PND

The Philippines will not be swayed by China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday as he pledged to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and interests.

At a press conference in the Palace, President Marcos said the country’s policy will remain unchanged despite China’s numerical advantage in naval assets deployed in the West Philippine Sea.

The President addressed questions regarding the prolonged presence of a Chinese “monster ship” in the area for over a month.

The President stressed that Philippine vessels will continue patrolling the area despite China’s harassment.

“Ano bang mission ng Coast Guard? Ano bang mission ng Navy? To protect the territorial integrity of the Philippines. So, that’s what they do. They will continue to do that no matter what any other foreign power does.”

The President said that Philippine vessels will continue to patrol despite harassment from China.

“We will always be there making sure our fishermen are able to exercise their sovereign rights,” he also said.

If a foreign vessel begins to intrude or come close to Philippine coastal waters, Philippine vessels will be challenged and reminded that what they are doing is illegal, he added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday that the executive department was not involved with the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte and distanced himself from the process.

“No, the executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. Walang role ang executive sa impeachment,” President Marcos said during a Palace press conference when asked about the filing of the impeachment complaint.

On the idea that nothing happens in the House of Representatives without the President’s approval, he responded that he was being given too much credit.

He said the House has done its constitutional mandate as legislators have to proceed with the impeachment complaints.

“They will decide how they will proceed. I don’t think you can expect the congressman, or the senator, or the SP, or the Speaker to come to me, ‘Oh, what do you want us to do?’ They have their own way of doing things,” the President stressed.

“I do not give guidance to Congress. Again, you give too much credit that I can tell congressmen to do this, and to do that. I cannot. I do not give guidance to Congress. We are independent of each other.”

President Marcos said his allies in the House heeded his call not to initiate the impeachment process because the timing was unfavorable for the country, which has to deal with many challenges.

Quoting from Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile’s statement, the President said that once the impeachment complaint is filed, members of both houses of Congress have no choice but to proceed.

“The House has no choice, the Senate has no choice, kailangan nilang iproseso ang impeachment complaint. And that’s precisely what has happened,” the President said.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte, formally accusing her of a serious breach of the Constitution that could result in her removal from office. It marks the first time a vice president of the Philippines has been impeached.

Duterte is facing accusations of culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes, including her alleged misuse of confidential funds of her office and the Department of Education (DepEd).

At least 215 House members backed the fourth impeachment complaint against the Vice President on the last session day before Congress adjourned for the midterm elections. | PND

The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte will not have any adverse impact on the Philippine economy, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

“I doubt it very much,” President Marcos replied when asked how prepared the government is for the impeachment proceedings’ possible impact on the country’s economy.

“Wala naman akong nakikitang magiging effect na ganon,” the President added.

The President stressed that the government remains steadfast in its investment plans, strategies, and structural changes.

“Yun lang naman ang tinitingnan ng investors, so I don’t think it will have any effect,” the President said in referring to the impeachment proceedings.

At least 215 members of the House of Representatives signed the impeachment complaint against the Vice President, allowing it to be sent directly to the Senate for trial.

The impeachment complaint involves serious allegations, including a conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Other complaints include the malversation of PhP612.5 million in confidential funds, bribery and corruption within the Department of Education (DepEd),  unexplained wealth, and the failure to disclose assets.

The Vice President also faces allegations of involvement in extrajudicial killings, destabilization, insurrection, public disorder, and overall conduct while in office. | PND

The Philippines has enhanced its efforts to build a more responsive, inclusive, and transparent government under the “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative in keeping with its international commitment to promote open and participatory governance.

Addressing the delegates to the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) in Taguig City Thursday, President Marcos said his administration is committed to maintaining the momentum of best practices.

“This momentous occasion testifies to how we have embraced open governance as part of our national identity under a Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said. “This is complemented by our sincerest efforts to make government processes more responsive, inclusive, and transparent.”

The President said that access to information, government transparency, digitalization, and the establishment of freedom of information facilitate people’s involvement in governance.

He noted that citizen participation in governance initiatives, such as the Citizen Participatory Audit Program, Grassroots Participatory Budgeting, and the Open Data Portal, has brought the Philippines global recognition.

The Philippines has also implemented the Citizen Participatory Audit Program, Grassroots Participatory Budgeting, and the Open Data Portal, enhancing policy and program execution.

According to the President, 4,000 government units and civil society organizations have pledged their commitment to open governance through the nationwide advocacy campaign “OGPinas!”

“In fact, our socioeconomic transformation blueprint, the Philippine Development Plan of 2023 to 2028, identifies OGP as a key mechanism to deepen participatory governance,” the President said.

“By actively involving our citizens in the decision-making process, we establish their significant influence on policy development, as it should be,” he added.

Established in 2011, the OGP seeks to promote transparency and accountability, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance among member countries.

Executive Order No. 31, issued by the President in June 2023, institutionalized the Philippine OGP as a multi-stakeholder partnership.

The Philippines is one of eight founding members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), alongside Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The OGP comprises 75 member countries, 106 local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and multilateral partners.

President Marcos thanked the OGP for allowing the Philippines to host its meeting here for the first time in 14 years.

He then urged stakeholders to become accountability advocates, fostering deeper community trust through “impactful dialogues, concrete action, and genuine support.”

“Join the conversation. Be advocates of accountability in your own communities. Be part of the global commitment to open governance. Let our initiatives honorably reflect the aspirations of our respective citizens,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday acknowledged the representatives, partners, and stakeholders of the Philippines Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) as key enablers of open governance.

Speaking at the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) in Taguig City, President Marcos commended Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Ph-OGP chair, for advancing the Open Government Agenda in the Philippines.

The President also recognized Malayang Lapian ng mga Kababaihan (MALAYA KA, Inc.), a civil society organization (CSO) partner led by Ms. Aurora Chavez, for its support in promoting open government and delivering sustainable solutions to various social concerns.

A total of 4,000 stakeholders from local government units (LGUs) and CSOs have pledged their commitment to open governance through the nationwide advocacy campaign called “OGPinas!”

He said citizen participation in governance initiatives such as the Citizen Participatory Audit Program, Grassroots Participatory Budgeting, and Open Data Portal has earned the Philippines global recognition.

“The Philippines also pursued the Citizen Participatory Audit Program, Grassroots Participatory Budgeting, and Open Data Portal. These programs allow our citizens to participate in the governance process, enriching policy and program implementation. Through these efforts, we have been recognized globally,” he said.

Established in 2011, the OGP seeks to promote transparency and accountability, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance among member countries.

The Philippines is one of eight founding members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), alongside Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The OGP comprises 75 member countries, 106 local governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and multilateral partners. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has extended the term of Philippine National Police Chief P/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil by four months, effective February 7, 2025, his retirement day.

A memorandum dated February 4, 2025, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, states that the President approved the extension of Marbil’s government service beyond the compulsory retirement age of 56.

The memorandum was addressed to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla.

Marbil, the 30th PNP chief, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Sambisig Class of 1991. He took command of the top police post on April 1, 2024.

Marbil previously headed the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership and served as the regional director of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) and as the director of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG).

His tenure as police chief has been marked by initiatives in law enforcement modernization and crime prevention. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday recognized Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat’s contributions to enhancing bilateral ties between the Philippines and Thailand.

During a farewell call on the President at Malacañan Palace, the Chief Executive thanked Traisorat for the strengthened alliance between the two Asian neighbors.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have done to bring our countries closer. Thailand and the Philippines have forged many new agreements and many new alliances in the past years,” President Marcos said.

The President said that Philippines-Thailand cooperation in post-pandemic recovery, economic policies, and diplomatic engagements has brought significant progress in these areas during the ambassador’s tour of duty here.

The Thai ambassador said he appreciated his “very fruitful and rewarding” time in the country.

The Philippines and Thailand have signed 54 bilateral agreements covering various sectors, including air services, agriculture, the abolition of entry visas, tourism, and technical, scientific, and cultural cooperation.

Both countries also agreed on illicit trafficking prevention, trade and industry, and defense logistics.

Trade and economic relations

In 2023, Thailand was the Philippines’ seventh major trading partner, eighth largest export market, and sixth largest import supplier.

Total trade between the two nations amounted to $10.81 billion, with $2.93 billion in Philippine exports and $7.87 billion in Philippine imports.

The same year, the remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Thailand reached $64.72 million. As of October 2023, 32,950 Filipinos were living and working in Thailand.

This year, the Philippines and Thailand will mark the 76th year of diplomatic relations since June 14, 1949. | PND

Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, a US-trained orthopedic surgeon with 35 years of experience in hospital management, today took his oath as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) before President Ferdinand R. Marcos in simple rites at Malacanang Palace.

Mercado replaced Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr., in the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) that provides health insurance to all Filipinos under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).

Mercado has been the vice chairman of the Mercado General Hospital/Qualimed Health Network since March 2021. He has demonstrated proven leadership and executive and strategic planning expertise. Under his leadership, Mercado General Hospital Inc. (MGHI) has expanded into a national chain of healthcare facilities that includes four general hospitals, six multi-specialty clinics, two surgery centers, 150 primary care corporate clinics, a college for paramedical professionals, and a physician practice group of 400 four doctors.

A Doctor of Medicine graduate of the University of the Philippines in 1987, Mercado completed his Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School in 2023. He also has an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina in the US.

Mercado has dedicated his work to ensuring equitable access to quality medical care and leveraging technology to strengthen health systems, particularly in financial management and primary care programs.

He did advocacy work with the Zuellig Family Foundation and several DOH Centers for Health Development, providing technical assistance to Provincial Health Boards on operationalizing their Healthcare Provider Network (HCPN).

A faculty lecturer at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) on Global Supply Chain, Research Methods, and Implementation Science, Mercado is also a guest lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Public Health on Medical Processes and Programs.

Mercado is a fellow under Dr. Chunling Lu, the program director in Global Health Economics and Social Change, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Social Medicine and Global Health, Harvard Medical School, since July 2023. He is studying the cost of per-member payment for global coverage of in-patient services. He is involved in an ongoing study on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an assistive tool for community health workers to deliver primary care.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed retired Maj. Gen. Isagani Nerez as the new chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the lead agency in the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin swore in Nerez at Malacanang Palace on Tuesday. Nerez replaces retired police general Moro Virgilio Lazo, who had led the agency since October 2022.

A native of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Nerez is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Maharlika Class of 1984. In 2022, President Marcos appointed him Undersecretary for Police Affairs at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs.

A lawyer and seasoned law enforcement officer, Nerez has held key positions in various units of the Philippine National Police (PNP), including the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER), Directorate for Integrated Police Operations, Eastern Mindanao.

He joined the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), and the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

He also served as the chief of the Baguio City Police Office and later as Chief Superintendent of the Cordillera Police Regional Office. | PND