Former president Rodrigo R. Duterte has threatened Police Maj. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III with a lawsuit from his family once the two-star police official retired from the service.

Torre, the acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), revealed this on Thursday during a panel discussion of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) hosted by Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

He said that Duterte made the threat while being taken into custody after the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) served the arrest warrant to the former president on March 11.

“Mismong si (dating) Presidente Duterte ay ni-remind na ako, magre-retire ako, at aasuntuhin ako ng kanyang mga anak at ng kanyang mga kamag-anak. Tine-threaten niya ako,” Torre said.

Torre reported that the police officers assigned to arrest Duterte were also physically and verbally attacked by members of Duterte’s family.

“Itinulak ako ni Honeylet (Avancena). Tinabig niya ako at malakas ang pagkatabig niya noong nagkasalubong kami sa hallway. Nasa video naman na minura ako ng kanyang anak (Kitty),” Torre said.

One of the women’s police escorts was attacked by Avancena, hitting her head with a mobile phone, PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, said.

Amid the verbal and physical abuse by the Dutertes, Fajardo said the police officers maintained their cool in serving the arrest order.

“In fact, ‘yung mga pulis natin dun ay pinagmumura din. Pinagsabihan ng masasakit na salita at si Ms. Honeylet po ay pinukpok pa po sa ulo ‘yung isang police po natin at nag-sustain po ito ng napakalaking bukol sa kanyang noo at dinala sa ospital,” Fajardo said.

Meanwhile, Fajardo reminded police officers to be professional.

“But for as long as they are members of the PNP, ay mayroon po tayong mga dapat pong i-observe na mga protocol with respect sa airing po ng ating mga personal sentiments,” she said.

Fajardo said the police force remains in high morale even after assisting in the arrest of their former commander-in-Chief. | PND

The Philippines has achieved a significant economic milestone, with strategic investments in the country reaching PhP 4.6 trillion, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday.

President Marcos stated that the milestone results from the government’s efforts to streamline investment processes and collaborate with various agencies to attract more investors.

The President stated that the influx of investments is expected to generate about 300,000 jobs for Filipinos, offering them improved livelihoods and meaningful personal and professional growth opportunities.

During Thursday’s Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan Milestone Event held in Malacañang, President Marcos announced that the government had certified 187 strategic investments in key sectors, including energy, digital infrastructure, food security, and manufacturing, as of February 2025.

Some of these investments, he said, were obtained with the help of Executive Order (EO) No. 18, known as Green Lanes for Strategic Investment, which facilitates a fast track for significant big, high-impact projects in the Philippines. A One-Stop-Action-Center fast-tracks and assists the issuance of permits and licenses to investors.

The President mentioned the EDC-Project Charlie Hyperscale Data Center in New Clark City, Tarlac, as a key beneficiary of Green Lanes.

He cited two solar power projects in Pangasinan that are currently operating, including the 159 megawatt-peak Laoag and the 94 megawatt-peak Cayanga-Bugallon.

The streamlined process demonstrates the administration’s commitment to reducing red tape and fostering economic growth to create more jobs for Filipinos.

“The goal is simple: less red tape, more action, more results, more success, more quickly. We want investments to come in, projects to break ground faster, [and] jobs to reach our people sooner. Because when businesses move quickly, progress follows just as fast,” the President said.

The government hopes these investments will reduce the prices of goods and services due to increased competition. Improved transportation, energy, and communication systems are expected due to new technologies introduced by investors.

President Marcos likewise thanked the members of the Investments Facilitation Network, along with the national and local government agencies, for their consistent dedication to enhancing the Philippines as a more attractive investment destination.

“You have helped build an environment where businesses can succeed and, in turn, where our people can lead better and more dignified lives,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cited the success of the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) in Batangas City for aiding farmers and fisherfolk while also fostering development in the Southern Tagalog region.

President Marcos inaugurated the SIDC Grains Terminal and Trading Project in collaboration with the Batangas City local government and the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project. The event took place in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City.

“Talagang masasabi ko na ang SIDC ay isang modelo ng kaunlaran. Pinatunayan nito na kayang-kaya ng mga kooperatiba na makipagsabayan sa mga malalaking negosyo at magpatayo ng mga malaking pasilidad,” the President said.

“Kung nagawa ito ng SIDC, nakakatiyak din ako na magagawa rin ito ng iba pang mga kooperatiba sa bansa,” he said.

As a strong supporter of the cooperative movement, the President said that SIDC serves as a model for the country, demonstrating how a cooperative should be operated while assisting its members and the industry.

The President stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the government, private sector, and local farmers to develop the agricultural sector further.

Increased collaboration among stakeholders will provide more opportunities for Filipinos, ultimately improving their living conditions, according to the President.

With an investment exceeding PhP270 million, the SIDC Grains Terminal and Trading Project was established by the DA, the World Bank (WB), and SIDC.

The feed mill facility consists of two silos with a total capacity of 12,000 metric tons of corn. This amount equals 480,000 feed sacks, supporting over 100,000 hogs or approximately 600,000 poultry.

With the opening of this facility, corn storage will be improved to support the poultry and livestock industries in Batangas and the region. The President said this development will help ensure a stable income for raisers and growers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government will enhance its support for the agricultural sector to increase production and improve income.

President Marcos renewed his commitment when he inaugurated the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) Grains Terminal and Trading Project, a PhP278.3-million grains facility in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City, on Thursday.

“Lagi po ninyong tandaan na kami sa pamahalaan ay walang tigil sa pagbibigay ng suporta sa inyong mga pangangailangan upang mapabuti ang sektor – mapabuti, mapatibay, mapalakas, at mapalaki ang sektor ng agrikultura,” the President said.

The President ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to coordinate with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to strengthen the farmers’ cooperatives.

“Kaya inatasan ko ang DA na makipag-ugnayan sa CDA, Cooperative Development Authority, para patibayin, palakasin ang mga kooperatiba ng ating mga magsasaka,” the President said.

He said that, like the SIDC, other cooperatives will also receive government help to acquire new machinery and post-harvest facilities to increase their harvests and income.

“Tinitiyak po natin sa inyo na gagawin namin ang lahat upang matupad ang mga ito,” he added.

President Marcos said the goal of helping out and giving more opportunities to the farmers will be achieved with the government and private sector joining forces.

He bared the government plans to raise funds for the purchase of dryers, silos, warehouses, rice and corn mills, as well as other equipment for the agriculture sector.

He said that purchasing these facilities and improving the systems would lessen the wastage of rice and corn, lower food prices, and make farmers more productive.

The government will also speed up irrigation and water pumping station projects and expand the programs that will improve and increase production through more effective and advanced technology.

The President said that with the help of the DA and World Bank, the SIDC established the PhP278.3-million facility. The feed mill facility has two silos with a total capacity of milling 12,000 metric tons of corn, equivalent to producing 480,000 sacks of food for 107,000 hogs or 597,758 poultry. |PND

The government was merely fulfilling its responsibilities and commitments to the international community in cooperating with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) regarding the arrest of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed this during a media briefing Tuesday night when asked about calls for mass protest actions from Duterte supporters.

“Again, the government is just doing its job. Wala namang (personalan), it’s not because it’s one person or another that we do the things that we do,” the President said.

“Maybe noong mga nakaraan na mga administrasyon, baka ganoon ang ginagawa. Pero sa akin, hindi naman ganoon. Sumusunod tayo sa batas. We are a member of the community of nations,” he added.

The President said the case against Duterte had evolved since 2017 when he was still a private citizen.

“Civilian pa ako noon, so this is the evolution of his case, and this is where we end up,” he added.

On Tuesday morning, the former President and his family arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from a Hong Kong trip. He was immediately placed in government custody at Villamor Air Base.

Duterte was escorted to a private plane, which took off at 11:03 p.m., en route to The Hague in the Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his bloody war on drugs during his administration. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday night reaffirmed that the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte complied with the Philippines’ commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

In a Palace briefing, President Marcos said that the Interpol Manila had received an official copy of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Duterte.

The Prosecutor General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) served the warrant as Duterte alighted from the plane from Hong Kong.

“Interpol asked for help, and we obliged because we have commitments to the Interpol which we have to fulfill. If we don’t do that, they will not – they will no longer help us with other cases involving Filipino fugitives abroad,” President Marcos said.

“This is what the international community expects of us as the leader of a democratic country that is part of the community of nations,” he added.

Duterte was placed in government custody at Villamor Air Base after he, his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, and members of his entourage arrived at 9:20 am from Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific flight No. CX 907.

The plane carrying Duterte later departed Manila en route to The Hague, Netherlands, where he is set to face charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his war on drugs. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement the updated Bicol River Basin Master Plan to address the perennial flooding in the Bicol Region.

“I already instructed the Public Works to come up with a master plan which is appropriate for now. There is no other way to address the flooding problem except to manage the water flowing into the Bicol Region River Basin,” President Marcos said during the Regional Development Council meeting in Pili, Camarines Sur, on Friday.

“At least we have a plan now. We have to implement it properly because the old master plan was not rigorously implemented so we have the same problem,” he said.

The President stressed that the country needs to adjust because the weather will become more severe with climate change, and the old master plan is no longer suitable for addressing emerging crises.

He said the plan should be made available to all stakeholders to enable them to understand how it is supposed to work, particularly agencies that are supposed to implement it, and the role of local and national government.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the agency updated the master plan for the Bicol Region River Basin under the Philippine-Korea Project Facilitation Program.

“We have completed the updating of the master plan to include also the basic parameters taking into account the climate change,” Bonoan told the President.

During President Marcos’ visit to Camarines Sur in November last year, he directed various agencies and local government units to work together on the integrated and future-proof implementation of plans for the Bicol River Basin.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund “L-Ray” Villafuerte Jr. requested the DPWH to dredge the low-lying areas of the Bicol River, particularly the Libmanan-Cabusao and the Nabua-Bato-Baao Lake.

Villafuerte cited areas prone to flooding because the river is too shallow. He said dredging could be an immediate solution before fully implementing the master plan. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday that the Philippines could still boost its people-to-people exchanges with the United Kingdom (UK) due to their strong relations.

President Marcos made the statement in a meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy in Malacañang.

The President cited the significant increase in the number of Filipinos living and working in the UK. He informed Lammy that the UK-based Filipinos are grateful for how the UK has welcomed them.

“That’s a very clear indication of how strong our relations have become in many, many areas. So, I’m sure your visit will be a symbol of that strengthening relationship,” he said.

An estimated 200,000 Filipinos are in the UK, working in various sectors, including IT, aviation, hospitality and service, and healthcare. Since 2001, there has been an increase in the number of Filipino engineers and IT experts working with British telecommunication, software, and e-commerce solutions companies.

Lammy is in the Philippines to promote the enhanced partnership between the Philippines and the UK further.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed issues related to trade and investments, maritime, climate change, and the environment.

Formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UK were established on July 4, 1946. |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promote and protect women’s rights.

“The Bagong Pilipinas we are building will always advocate for women’s rights and vigorously oppose anything threatening their progress,” President Marcos said in his message for International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month.

The President hailed the contributions of women throughout history, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the country’s progress.

“Many of the developments we witness today can be attributed to the innumerable contributions of women across generations who fought, struggled, and advocated for various noble causes,” he said.

President Marcos stated that the government will continue to share stories of remarkable women to inspire younger generations to make their mark.

During last year’s celebration, the President called for ongoing efforts to eliminate gender biases and discrimination, especially in marginalized communities.

He urged all Filipinos to provide equal opportunities for women and to protect the progress made towards inclusivity and empowerment.

“Always remember that, by amplifying the voices of women, championing their rights, and reinforcing their fundamental freedom, we, in turn, elevate entire communities and nations, propelling ourselves towards a stronger, more equitable, and more progressive world for all,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. provided thousands of employment opportunities to Bicolanos on Friday as he led the Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas event in Camarines Sur.

Speaking at an event at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex in Pili town, President Marcos said the initiative is part of government efforts to address the current challenges.

“Kaya naman po ay ang una naming tinitingnan kung ano ang pinakamagandang serbisyo na maibigay namin sa tao. At sa aming palagay, ito na po ang pinakamahalaga sa bawat isa sa atin — ‘yung ating kalusugan na tayo’y malalakas, wala tayong sakit,” the President said.

“Mayroon tayong trabaho para mayroon tayong magandang hanapbuhay. Mayroon tayong mabilihan ng mga pangangailangan na medyo nakakamura nang kaunti, hindi kasing mahal doon sa ibang lugar,” he added.

The President said the job fair is spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units (LGUs).

The job fair will offer employment opportunities to approximately 3,000 Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) beneficiaries exiting the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

He said the 4Ps beneficiaries will also receive training on starting a livelihood, a significant step in improving the lives of Filipino families.

The job fair offers over 2,500 jobs, including administrative and support services, construction, wholesale, and retail.

The Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas initiative aims to empower 4Ps beneficiaries by providing employment opportunities, livelihood assistance, and access to essential support services.

Meanwhile, the President praised the Bicolanos for their courage and resiliency and thanked employers and partner agencies for trusting Filipino workers.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of doctors and healthcare workers who provided free medical services to more than 600 people during the event. | PND