President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday welcomed the proposal from Ramon Ang, president and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, to desilt the Metro Manila waterways as part of efforts to address recurrent flooding.

However, President Marcos emphasized that desilting should go hand in hand with local government unit-led waste management solutions.

Ang proposed to tackle the flooding issue in Metro Manila without imposing any cost on the government or the public.

“I always said the private sector needs to be part of everything, of our national development,” President Marcos said in a press briefing in Malacañang’s Kalayaan Hall during the launching of a government website for flood control projects.

“Now, ‘yung proposal ni Ramon Ang is also certainly very welcome because, you know, we’ve seen his projects. Maganda naman ang mga nagiging resulta.”

The President pointed out that local government units, particularly in the National Capital Region, must address the garbage problem.

President Marcos emphasized that desilting efforts will not work until there is a lasting solution to the garbage problem, and mentioned a proposal for a waste-to-energy facility in the City of Manila and possibly other areas.

The Chief Executive said the country’s taipans could be counted on to support government initiatives.

“And this is not anything new. The so-called taipans of the country pagka mayroon tayong gustong gawin, nag-o-offer talaga sila. Kaya marami silang naitutulong,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. disclosed on Monday that an initial review found that PhP100 billion worth of 20 percent of all flood control projects in the past three years were undertaken by 15 contractors.

Citing the preliminary report of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), President Marcos said PhP545 billion in public funds went to flood control projects nationwide since July 2022.

“I don’t know about you, but that is a very big number. By any measure, that is an enormous number,” the President said in a press conference in Malacañang.

The DPWH identified a total of 2,409 contractors for both local and national flood control projects.

“However, this is another disturbing assessment, statistic: 20 percent of the entire 545 billion budget napunta lang sa 15 na contractors. Sa 15 na contractor na ‘yan, lima sa kanila ay may kontrata sa buong Pilipinas,” said the Chief Executive.

President Marcos ordered the ongoing audit to investigate further why 20 percent of flood control projects went to only 15 contractors.

“That for me was the one that stood out very much. Five of these contractors had projects in almost the entire country. So those are the ones that immediately pop out na sa aking palagay ay kailangan natin tingnan,” said the President.

Recalling his term as Ilocos Norte governor, President Marcos said that local government units (LGUs) hire local contractors to ensure closer coordination and faster implementation of public works projects.

The President encouraged the public to provide information, as he emphasized that the DPWH has only provided initial findings on the review of flood control projects so far.

“We are not accusing anyone of anything yet. However, it gives us an idea of what, how this has been conducted. So, I hope the people will take advantage of this. And as I said, there is always a way for them to give their comments,” President Marcos said.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, the Chief Executive ordered an audit of flood control projects under his administration, as he denounced the corruption that caused people to suffer from recurring flash floods during heavy rains. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged more Filipinos to use the eGovPH app, which is as easy to use as popular social media apps.

The President said that during the development of the eGovPH app, he gave instructions on simplifying the app so that a non-tech-savvy person would be able to use the app for easier and more convenient government transactions.

“I made sure while, noong sinusulat pa ‘yung code diyan, ang test ko lagi, ang sinasabi ko, kailangan isimple ninyo, isimple ninyo. Kailangan napakadali,” President Marcos said in the BBM Podcast Episode 3 aired on Thursday.

A government study has estimated that 89 million Filipinos use Facebook.

“So, sabi ko dapat ‘yung app natin, ‘yung eGov app natin, kung kaya mo mag-Facebook, kaya mo mag-eGov app,” President Marcos said.

“So, hindi na kailangan masyadong turuan. Ang kailangan lang nating gawin ngayon ay ipaalam sa tao na may ganito.”

The eGovPH app consolidates several government services into a single mobile phone platform to make transactions more convenient and efficient, which aligns with President Marcos’ directive to improve public service delivery.

“Because that’s the only way to do it. You cannot operate in 2025 na kinakamay-kamay mo ang forms, pupunta-punta ka sa opisina,” President Marcos said.

“Huwag na kayong pupunta sa opisina. ‘Yung mga nakakatanda, ‘yung mga hindi masyadong sanay sa computer, kahit na grade school (student), alam na nilang gawin ‘yan,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive reiterated the government’s program to expand online transactions, saying the Philippines has to attain a higher level of digitalization to be competitive and do business with other countries.

“It’s absolutely imperative now that children know how to use a computer, they know how to use the internet, and they know how to do work on the internet. Hindi na puwedeng hindi. It’s not an option anymore,” said the President. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday asked China to give advance notice of potential rocket debris falling within Philippine territory from China-launched rockets.

President Marcos said the Philippines has no interest in China’s rockets and has offered to retrieve any rocket debris and return them to China.

At the Kapihan sa Media forum in Bengaluru, India, President Marcos said China did not commit violations related to the launch of the Long March 12 rocket on August 4, when suspected rocket debris fell near Palawan.

“It’s not the first time that this has happened. And, actually, if you look at the incidents, they did not commit any violations. There have been no casualties,” said the President.

“We just wish that perhaps they could warn us a little earlier so that we know the path of the rocket, where the path is and kung magbibitaw sila ng stages kung saan babagsak,” the President pointed out.

President Marcos said during his visit to Beijing in 2023, he offered to China’s President Xi Jinping that Filipinos could help retrieve the debris and return them to China.

“I remember in my trip to Beijing early on, that I told President Xi, ‘You know, we have no interest in your rockets. Just tell us where they will land, we will collect it and give it to you,” the President said.

“And that continues to be my offer to China. Hindi n’yo kailangan agawin sa amin ‘yan. Saka anong gagawin namin d’yan? Sabihan nyo kami kung saan dadaan yung rocket. ‘Pag may babagsak, kukunin namin sa dagat tapos dadalhin namin sa inyo. Wala namang problema,” President Marcos said.

“The good side to all of this, wala naming casualty. Wala naming tinamaan. Hindi naman nagka-problema,” the President noted. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Friday that the government would convene all interested stakeholders for a “conclave” to develop a comprehensive policy on online gambling, especially on the socio-economic impact.

During the “Kapihan with the Media” at Bengaluru, India, President Marcos said the government would consult the Church, educators, parents, the police, and addiction experts, among other stakeholders, for the policy formulation.

“Internally, we are calling it a ‘conclave’ to put all of the interested parties. CBCP (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ members have) been very vocal on their position, so they must be heard,” President Marcos said.

The President underscored the need to carefully examine policy options, saying an outright ban on online gambling is not always the immediate solution.

President Marcos pointed out that when “e-sabong” was banned, online cockfight gambling operations merely went underground.

“So, let’s use that as an example. Successful ba ‘yung pag-ban natin sa e-sabong? Kung hindi, bakit hindi naging successful? Yun ang mga kailangan natin pag-aralan,” the Chief Executive said.

“I don’t want to influence anyone’s opinion here until we hear from the group who will be examining the question. But in my opinion, a ban will not take care of the problem. We have to be a little bit more measured in our response,” the President stressed. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concluded a highly productive week marked by a successful five-day State Visit to India that yielded significant milestones in strengthening the Philippines’ partnership and USD5.8 billion potential investments with one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

President Marcos’ State Visit to India yielded actual direct investments worth USD 446 million and potential investments reaching up to USD 5.8 billion in key sectors, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT-BPM.

The President stressed that the key agreements are expected to generate over 4,000 direct jobs and provide digital training to more than 26,000 Filipinos by 2026, fueling a major boost to the nation’s economic growth.

“Karaoke diplomacy”

Upon arriving in New Delhi on August 4, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. immediately met with the Filipino community, honoring the contributions and sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to programs that safeguard their welfare and rights.

The lively gathering turned festive as Cabinet secretaries joined OFWs in spirited karaoke sing-alongs, belting out beloved Original Pilipino Music (OPM) classics.

The event set a warm and celebratory tone for the President’s State Visit, blending diplomacy with genuine camaraderie, which the Chief Executive described as “Karaoke diplomacy.”

Boost cooperation in key sectors

On August 5, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos received a grand ceremonial welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a solemn tribute at Raj Ghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy.

The historic day continued with a high-level meeting at Hyderabad House, where President Marcos and Prime Minister Modi sealed the elevation of Philippine-India relations to a Strategic Partnership that paves the way for deeper cooperation in emerging and critical sectors, including digital technology, renewable energy, healthcare, defense, trade, and space exploration.

Signing of 13 landmark agreements

President Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the signing of 13 landmark agreements spanning defense and maritime cooperation, legal assistance, science and technology, tourism, digital innovation, space research, and cultural exchange.

The President lauded India’s lifting of its export ban on non-basmati rice, underscoring its vital role in bolstering Philippine food security, while affirming shared values and strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Modi, in turn, announced free e-visas for Filipino tourists — a reciprocal gesture to Manila’s visa-free policy for Indian nationals — signaling a new era of strengthened bilateral engagement.

Boosting connectivity and cultural ties

President Marcos announced the resumption of direct flights between the Philippines and India starting October, a key move to boost tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties, alongside the unveiling of a commemorative stamp featuring the sampaguita and lotus to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

The President also met with Bharatiya Janata Party Chair and Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda to explore health sector collaboration, focusing on sharing best practices and innovative solutions to improve Philippine healthcare.

Capping the day with a meeting and state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, President Marcos hailed his State Visit as “one of the most productive and constructive,” confident that the Strategic Partnership will unlock new avenues for cooperation and development.

Strengthening business and investment links

On August 6, President Marcos led the Philippines-India CEO Roundtable at the Taj Mahal Hotel, bringing together 17 top executives from both nations’ key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, healthcare, digital services, and manufacturing.

In his keynote, the President reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a business-friendly climate through major economic reforms, declaring, “Our investment environment is the most open and liberal that it has ever been,” as he invited Indian firms to invest.

President Marcos also met with GMR Group executives, partners in the US$3–4 billion Sangley Aerocity Project in Cavite, a flagship venture set to create thousands of jobs, boost revenues, and advance the country’s infrastructure agenda.

Protecting farmers

Even while in India, President Marcos addressed issues back home, ordering a 60-day suspension of rice imports starting September 1, on the recommendation of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. The order was meant to protect local farmers from falling palay prices caused by a global rice surplus and influx of cheaper imports.

Advancing foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific

Wrapping up his visit to New Delhi before proceeding to Bengaluru, President Marcos delivered a key foreign policy address at a forum hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), urging stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region to collaborate in upholding the established rules-based international order amid growing regional and global challenges.

President Marcos emphasized the importance of upholding international law, strengthening maritime security, and deepening cooperation between ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region to promote peace, stability, and inclusive growth.

Tapping Bengaluru’s innovation and tech expertise

On August 7, President Marcos Jr. traveled to Bengaluru, India’s tech and innovation hub, where he headlined the Philippines-India Business Forum and witnessed the signing of 18 MOUs and LOIs, securing major investments in renewable energy, healthcare, education, IT-BPM, digital services, and manufacturing, with potential investments reaching up to USD 5.8 billion in key sectors.

The President highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to an investment-friendly climate through structural reforms, transparent policies, and strategic collaboration in sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, energy transition, and digital innovation.

President Marcos also held high-level meetings with senior executives from Hinduja Group, NephroPlus, iSON Group, and Tata Group, advancing partnerships in digital transformation, healthcare, and sustainable economic growth.

Before heading home on August 8, the President held a Kapihan forum with Philippine media covering his trip, where he provided a comprehensive summary of his five-day State Visit. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed on Friday that he will sign the bill postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to fully focus on the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.

During the Kapihan with the Media in Bengaluru to cap his five-day State Visit to India, President Marcos stressed the significance of the BARMM polls, scheduled for October, for the region and for the peace process.

The President explained that preparing for both the BARMM elections and the Barangay and SK polls scheduled in December would overstretch the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and divert attention and resources from ensuring the success of the landmark BARMM vote.

“Ang COMELEC actually ang nagsasabi, ‘Hindi namin kaya.’ Dahil kailangan nating tutukan yung BARMM,” President Marcos said.

“You have to remember, the BARMM election that is upcoming in October is the first time we have ever had this kind of election at all. At all. Sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, hindi pa nagkaroon ng BARMM Parliament na hinalal ng tao. So, that is why it is so important,” the President continued.

President Marcos underscored that a failure of the BARMM elections would be a major setback for the peace process in Mindanao.

“If that election fails, malaking bagay, malaking failure ‘yan dun sa peace process. Kaya’t kailangan na kailangan maging matagumpay ang pagganap ng halalan ng BARMM. And that’s why we really, really are focusing on that,” President Marcos stressed.

The Chief Executive said that the Supreme Court ruling on the Barangay and SK elections was factored into the decision.

“With a view on the Supreme Court decision that we cannot shorten the term of the barangay officials, we are actually lengthening the term of the barangay officials. So that’s not in conflict. So I think the most sensible and the most common sense solution is to postpone” the Barangay and SK elections,” said President Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Indo-Pacific stakeholders to work together in maintaining and respecting the established rules-based international order.

Speaking at the “Indo-Pacific Oration” series organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) at the Leela Palace in New Delhi, India on Wednesday, President Marcos called for a renewed focus on upholding legal frameworks to ensure peace, stability, and respect for sovereignty in the region.

The President stressed that upholding the rules-based international order is essential to ensuring sovereign equality among nations, promoting regional and global stability, and providing a legal framework that guarantees fair and equitable access to shared global resources, critical for achieving sustainable development.

President Marcos added that such a framework enables countries to coordinate and respond effectively to challenges that no single nation can address alone.

The President also reaffirmed the significance of the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and India, especially amid the evolving geopolitical landscape, and observed that both countries, which were among those that labored to establish the United Nations, are well-placed as bastions of democracy and two of the most ascendant economies to cooperate on global issues.

“Through our Strategic Partnership, the Philippines and India must assert the clarity of international law. As co-architects of the rules-based international order, we have a solid foundation on which we can build,” President Marcos said.

The Observer Research Foundation, established in the 1990s, works to support policy-making, democratic institutions, good governance, economic development, and contributes to shaping India’s foreign policy toward peace and cooperation.

There were about 200 attendees to the ORF Oration Series featuring the Philippine President, consisting of high-level officials from the Indian Government, diplomats, think tanks and members of the academe. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. placed education as the top priority in the second half of his administration to guarantee the future of Filipino workers.

In the latest episode of the BBM Podcast that aired on Friday, President Marcos was asked for his choice if he wanted to see just one project through before his term ends.

“Education for me will be the gauge of success of this administration,” the President said.

The President reiterated his commitment during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to see to it that every Filipino family should have at least one member who graduated from college or from technical-vocational school.

“Pag nagawa natin ito, successful ‘yun,” President Marcos said, adding that government programs to improve conditions in the country would be wasted if Filipinos do not receive quality education and training.

“Pag hindi maganda ang training, hindi maganda ang edukasyon ng mga Pilipino, hindi naman sila makakapag-compete in the labor market,” the Chief Executive said.

“Walang advantage lahat ‘nung ating ginawa. Kaya ang puno’t dulo talaga nila education. Our greatest resource is our people. Our greatest resource is the human capital of the Philippines,” the President emphasized.

The President acknowledged the strong preference among foreign employers for hiring Filipinos.

“In many industries around the world, if all else being equal, kung pantay-pantay lang lahat, ‘Ah Pilipino ‘yung kukunin ko. Mas gusto ko Pilipino.’ For me, that is the most important part of all this development that we are doing,” President Marcos said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reported on Friday the successful outcome of his August 4 to 8 State Visit to India, describing a new era of closer engagement between the Philippines and India.

In a statement issued upon his arrival at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, President Marcos said the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and India brings an even stronger sense of optimism in bilateral relations that will foster progress and prosperity, and contribute to the peace and security in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

In terms of trade and investment, the President reported that the Philippines secured real investments of USD446 million in 18 business agreements, and generated interest for potential investments of up to USD5.798 billion.

These cover key sectors such as digital infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology-business process management (IT-BPM).

“The elevation of our bilateral ties signals our mutual recognition of the complementarity and alignment of our interests, not only in bilateral matters but also in many regional and international issues of critical importance to both our countries,” President Marcos said.

“As Strategic Partners, the Philippines and India enter a new era of closer, multidimensional, and impactful engagement between our countries and our peoples,” the President also said.

During the President’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian officials, the two governments signed cooperation agreements on judicial matters, space, science and technology, defense and security, culture, and tourism.

In his Foreign Policy Address delivered at the event hosted by Observer Research Foundation, President Marcos emphasized the shared aspirations for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region; security and rule of law; supply chain resilience; food security; and countering terrorism, and other traditional and non-traditional threats.

Real investments from the business deals are expected to generate 4,030 direct jobs, while potential investments may create at least 3,150 additional jobs, including large-scale employment linked to infrastructure, manufacturing, and renewable energy projects, President Marcos said.

Some of these agreements, according to the President, include commitments to digital upskilling with a combined value of USD11.07 million, and are projected to train about 26,120 Filipinos by 2026 in artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, and cybersecurity.

The visit’s outcome will also boost tourism after Prime Minister Modi announced free e-visa application for Filipino tourists. Relatedly, the Philippines has been granting 14-day visa-free entry for Indian tourists since June.

In addition, President Marcos said he and Prime Minister Modi discussed partnerships in the development of the Philippines’ digital infrastructure, to strengthen its digital systems and capabilities. The Philippines is also excited by the prospects of space cooperation with India, the President added.

While in India, President Marcos met with the Filipino Community, recognizing their important contributions to promoting Philippine culture abroad and fostering people-to-people ties. | PND