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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday commended government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) for their transformation into strong contributors to the Bagong Pilipinas vision, citing record dividend remittances that finance classrooms, hospitals, and social programs across the country.

In his speech during the 2025 GOCCs Day held in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos said GOCCs have overcome a history of inefficiency and mismanagement to emerge as symbols of reform and resilience in governance.

“Inefficiency, lack of accountability, and financial strain tested their credibility. But our GOCCs did not fold under pressure. Instead, the GOCCs persevered, treating every difficulty as a chance to reform, to rebuild, and to restore public trust,” President Marcos said.

The President cited steady growth in GOCC remittances, which averaged PhP36 billion between 2011 and 2013 and reached PhP137.26 billion in 2024. The President added that collections this year have already reached PhP106.09 billion as of September, reflecting stronger performance and governance.

“From 2011 to 2013, the authorized dividend remittance of GOCCs reached an average of PhP36 billion. This trajectory only grew stronger, surpassing PhP137 billion in 2024,” the President said.

President Marcos underscored that these figures represent direct benefits for Filipino communities, as the revenues fund infrastructure, health care, education, and social welfare.

“These funds will finance the establishment and renovations of classrooms, of hospitals, and of infrastructure, as well as the implementation of vital social programs ,” the Chief Executive said.

The President also positioned GOCCs as central to the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, describing them as “beacon of integrity, excellence, and service.”

Spearheaded by the Department of Finance (DOF), the GOCCs Day is an annual celebration to give due recognition to the GOCCs’ significant and invaluable contributions through the dividend remittances, which help augment the funding needs of the government. It is also a ceremonial turnover of dividends that began in 2011.

During the 2025 GOCCs’ Day, President Marcos recognized 53 remitting GOCCs and five corporations that joined the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Service Caravan, stressing their collective commitment to extending government services. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has decided to focus on domestic issues and will not attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) High Level Week at the UN headquarters in New York City next week.

President Marcos instead asked Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro to represent him at the UNGA 80 High Level Week beginning September 22.

“The President has delegated his engagements at the UNGA to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to allow him to focus on local issues,” Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said in a statement.

President Marcos had four activities on Monday, including the announcement of the complete composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to look into irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

After the announcement, the President proceeded to San Pablo City, Laguna, to lead the inauguration and awarding of more than 1,000 new housing units at St. Barts Southville Heights.

The house and lot units were awarded to informal settler-families affected by the ongoing construction of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project Segment 2-7.

From Laguna, the President went to Tuy, Batangas, where he led the energization of the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants in Barangay Lumbangan.

The event highlighted the administration’s commitment to expanding the country’s renewable energy portfolio and ensuring sustainable power supply for local communities and industries.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive graced the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program National Culminating Activity held at the University of Makati auditorium in Taguig City.

The program, which promotes reading and learning support for children, reflects the administration’s emphasis on strengthening foundational education and youth development. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday assured Filipinos that the government will continue to pursue its development agenda, even as the newly established Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) begins investigating questionable public infrastructure projects.

Speaking at Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos emphasized that the administration remains committed to delivering services and maintaining economic momentum.

“We are trying to move as quickly as possible. In the meantime, of course, our attention continues to be directed to the work of government, that the infrastructure development continues, that our education program continues, that our social programs also continue, na walang patid,” the President said.

“As a matter of fact, we are accelerating them and increasing them.”

The Chief Executive underscored that the ICI was formed precisely to strengthen governance while ensuring that essential programs are not disrupted.

The President said that his administration welcomes the Commission’s input on improving systems and processes in project bidding and contracting.

“We have to find out how this happened and what are the changes that we need to make so that we make this into an inflection point in terms of how the government does its business and to make sure that the funds that belong to the people are well spent,” President Marcos said.

The President explained that the ICI’s mandate is to uncover irregularities, recommend reforms, and recommend cases to the proper agencies, such as the Office of the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice.

“Marami na tayong napag-usapan at isa sa napakahalaga para sa akin ay malaman paano tayo napunta sa ganito? Bakit nagkaganito iyong gobyerno natin? Papaano nangyari ito na ganito iyong naging bidding? Papaano nangyari na ganito ang naging pagbigay ng kontrata? How did this evolve?,” President Marcos said.

The President assured Filipinos that transparency and accountability will go hand in hand with continuity in service delivery, underscoring his administration remains determined to strengthen social protection, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and health while addressing issues. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday provided a list of spending “menu” for projects where the cancelled budget for flood control projects in 2026 will be realigned.

“Now since we have cancelled all flood control projects for 2026, those savings, we already put a menu para nga unang-una, kahit na for the budget na sinusulat ngayon, kailangan na maliwanag na maliwanag na mapupunta sa tamang lugar,” said President Marcos during a press conference held in Malacañan Palace.

“So we have made a menu for our legislators to follow, then say that all insertions, all changes made can only be made to the benefit of these agencies… and they basically cover education, agriculture, health, housing, infra, ICT, labor, social, energy,” President Marcos also said.

The spending “menu” consists of:

State universities and colleges: for the construction of laboratory buildings; construction of students’ dormitories; and construction of academic buildings;

Department of Education (DepEd): for basic education facilities; school building program; textbook and other instructional materials; laptops (computerization program); and the Last Mile School program;

Department of Agriculture (DA): rice subsidy; farm-to-market roads; postharvest facilities (PHF); cold storage expansion projects; and fish ports;

National Irrigation Administration (NIA): irrigation dams;

Department of Health (DOH): health facilities enhancement program; provision of medicines; and medical assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients;

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and National Housing Authority (NHA): Pamabansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program;

Office of Civil Defense (OCD): evacuation centers;

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT): free WIFI program;

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program;

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS); and

Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC): electrification projects. ǀ PND

Hours after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday, its chairperson, Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr., and its members, Rogelio L. Singson, and Rossana A. Fajardo took their oath of office before Court of Appeals Justice Pedro Corales.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who will serve as Special Adviser to the Commission, was also present during the ceremony.

President Marcos appointed individuals of proven competence, integrity, and deep familiarity with infrastructure, finance, and institutional reform.

With the oath-taking, the Commission formally begins its mandate to investigate irregularities in infrastructure projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds. The ICI was tasked to investigate flood control corruption within the last 10 years.

In a press conference earlier in the day, President Marcos emphasized the independent nature of the commission.

“In our discussions with them, they also said, ‘May we make suggestions? May we make proposals as to the procedure for bidding for all these contracts para hindi na maulit ito?’ And, of course, I said we’re perfectly open to that. What we really want is to fix the system,” President Marcos said.

The President said he was also very encouraged by his meeting with ICI Chairperson, former Justice Reyes, who said the investigation should result in a “fundamental change in the way that we do business.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was appointed as a special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for his investigative expertise and well-regarded integrity.

In a Palace press briefing on Monday, President Marcos described Magalong as “a good investigator.”

“When I went to Baguio at tiningnan ko iyong mga malabo na flood control project ay sinalubong niya kaagad ako ng isang report. Imbestigador naman talaga si Mayor Benjie,” the President said.

“Being a good investigator, he had a very, very detailed, very good report already. So, he’s been working on this for a while, so marami siyang mako-contribute,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive recalled that Magalong, as the then head of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), led the inquiry and wrote the report on the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano clash that killed more than 60 people, including 44 members of the elite PNP Special Action Force.

CIDG is the primary investigation arm of the PNP.

“That’s when I came to know of him and saw that he has integrity,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos named former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairperson of the ICI.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo were named as ICI members. ǀ PND