Malacañang has declared special non-working days in the City of Iriga in Camarines Sur, the municipality of Makilala in North Cotabato, and the Cordillera Administrative Region to give residents the opportunity to fully participate in their respective occasions.

Proclamations certifying the holidays were signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on August 11.

The Palace issued Proclamation No. 996, announcing September 3 as a special non-working day in the City of Iriga in celebration of its 57th Charter Anniversary.

In Proclamation No. 997, September 8 was declared a special non-working day for Makilala to mark the municipality’s 71st Founding Anniversary.

Under Proclamation No. 998, September 13 was declared a special non-working day in the Cordillera Administrative Region in commemoration of the Sipat.

On September 13, 1986, then President Corazon C. Aquino met with representatives of the Cordillera Bodong Administration and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army to signify the Sipat, or cessation of hostilities, and to acknowledge the people’s aspirations for Cordillera autonomy. | PND

Malacañang has issued several proclamations declaring special non-working days in various provinces and cities to allow residents to participate in significant local celebrations, including founding anniversaries, charter days, and cultural festivals.

Proclamation No. 988 declared August 29 (Friday) as a special non-working day in the Municipality of Dangcagan, Bukidnon, in celebration of its Founding Anniversary.

Proclamation No. 989 designated August 30 (Saturday) as a holiday in the City of Mandaue, Province of Cebu, to commemorate its 56th Charter Anniversary. The said date also marked the formal organization of the city government under Proclamation No. 586, series of 1969.

Proclamation No. 990 sets September 5 (Friday) as a special non-working day in General Santos City, South Cotabato, in celebration of the 27th Tuna Festival.

Proclamation No. 991 declared September 8 (Monday) also as a holiday in the Municipality of Loon, Province of Bohol, to mark the SidlaKasilak Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights.

Proclamation No. 992 declared September 8 (Monday) as a special non-working day in the City of Digos, Davao del Sur, in celebration of its 25th Founding Anniversary (Araw ng Digos).

Proclamation No. 993 named September 9 (Tuesday) as a special non-working day in the City of Bais, Negros Oriental, to celebrate its 57th Charter Anniversary.

Proclamation No. 994 proclaimed September 13 (Saturday) as a special non-working day in the Municipality of Claver, Surigao del Norte, to commemorate its Founding Anniversary (Adlaw Nan Claver).

Proclamation No. 995 declared September 18 (Thursday) as a special non-working day in the Municipality of Bansalan, Davao del Sur, to mark its 73rd Founding Anniversary.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the proclamations on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on August 8, 2025.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation stated. | PND

Malacañang has declared a special non-working day in Angono, Rizal, and Lucena City to give residents the opportunity to fully celebrate and participate in their respective occasions.

Under Proclamation No. 986, August 19 was declared a special non-working day in Angono, Rizal, in commemoration of its separation from the Municipality of Binangonan, Rizal.

The Palace also issued Proclamation No. 987, announcing August 20 as a special non-working day in Lucena City in celebration of its 64th Charter Anniversary or Araw ng Lucena.

Both proclamations were signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on August 4. | PND

Congress leaders on Tuesday presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the signed Government Optimization Act, which aims to enhance the delivery of public services through improved efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Republic Act 12231, also known as the Government Optimization Act, was signed into law by President Marcos on August 4. This significant legislation represents a pivotal step towards a more efficient and responsive government.

RA 12231 provides for strengthening, merging, or abolishing agencies and functions deemed redundant or misaligned, while protecting the welfare of civil servants.

The transformative law grants the President the authority to reorganize the executive branch by consolidating, strengthening, or eliminating redundant agencies and functions.

By streamlining government operations, the Act is expected to enhance the delivery of public services.

The landmark reform underscores the government’s commitment to a more agile bureaucracy, ensuring that services reach Filipinos faster, better, and with a stronger focus on social protection and fiscal responsibility.

Among those present were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate President Francis Escudero, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Joel Villanueva, and Alan Peter Cayetano, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, and Undersecretary and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) head Adrian Carlos Bersamin. | PND

Malacañang urged the public on Tuesday to use the sumbongsapangulo.ph website responsibly, emphasizing its crucial role in the government’s investigation into irregularities in flood control projects.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro called on Filipinos to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of the complaints they submit through the platform.

Castro stressed that all reports undergo verification and review and warned that any prank or malicious submissions could undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the initiative.

“Huwag lamang po ninyo sanang gawing laro ang pagri-report. Siguraduhin lamang po ninyo na iyong iri-report ninyo ay may basehan para po hindi naman masayang ang oras ng gobyerno para saliksikin pa po ang inyong ini-report, iyon pala ay niloko lamang po ninyo,” Castro said.

For those who are hesitant to speak out through the platform, Castro clarified that submitting one’s name is optional. She also assured that the submission of information has no deadline.

“(Kung) mayroon po talaga kayong alam patungkol sa mga projects na ma-anomalya, hindi po kinakailangang ilagay ang inyong pangalan kung kayo po ay natatakot sa pagri-report na ito,” Castro said.

“Wala po itong deadline, at hangga’t nandito po ang Pangulo bilang Pangulo ay mag-report po kayo,” she added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website on Monday, aimed at promoting accountability and transparency in flood control project spending.

In his press conference, the President committed to reading all the reports himself. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is firmly committed to rooting out corruption and the misuse of public funds in flood control projects, such that the government’s investigation will spare no one, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

“Kahit malapit sa puso, kahit kaibigan, wala pong sisinuhin ang Pangulo – mananagot ang dapat managot,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Castro said the investigation into irregularities in flood control projects will be led by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) through its Regional Project Monitoring Committees (RPMC).

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will provide the records of all the projects, she said.

“Sa pag-iimbestiga po hindi naman po kasama mismo ang DPWH. Sila lamang po ang magbibigay, magpo-provide ng mga information, ng mga records dahil po ang siyang mag-iimbestiga rito po ay pangungunahan po ng Regional Project Monitoring Committees at ang Oversight Team po ay ang Department of Economy, Planning, and Development o DEPDev,” Castro said.

Aside from DEPDev, other participating agencies include the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of the President-Presidential Management Staff (OP-PMS), and possibly non-government or people’s organizations.

“Lahat po ng naipon na records ng RPMC isusumite po ito sa DEPDev at iyong consolidated po ang siyang mismong ibibigay po sa Pangulo,” Castro said.

Castro said public reporting on flood control projects will not have a deadline.

While reporting may be done anonymously, Castro warned the public not to send fictitious or fraudulent information.

“Huwag lamang po ninyong sanang gawing laro ang pagre-report. Siguraduhin lamang po ninyo na iyong ire-report ninyo ay may basehan para po hindi naman masayang ang oras ng gobyerno na para saliksikin pa po ang inyong ini-report,” Castro said.

President Marcos launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website on Monday and called on the public to directly report to him any anomalous flood control projects in their areas.

The website, sumbongsapangulo.ph, was set up following the President’s directive during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to investigate irregularities in flood control projects, considering the recurrent severe flooding experienced during the typhoon season. | PND

Firm in his stance to defend the West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered Philippine forces to continue protecting the country’s maritime territory and sovereign rights, despite the recent incident near Bajo de Masinloc.

“Mananatili po tayo doon kung ano po ang dating ginagawa, at pagpapatuloy pa din na gagawin ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ang pagtulong sa mga mangingisda at pagprotekta sa ating maritime rights,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Tuesday during a press briefing in Malacañang.

“Sinabi ng Pangulo na wala siyang ibibigay na panibagong instruction kundi mananatili pa rin ang pagprotekta sa karapatan ng Pilipinas sa teritoryo at sa sovereign rights at maritime rights ng Pilipinas,” Castro said.

“Sinabi din niya na sa lahat ng laban hindi naman tayo aatras dahil ang mga Pilipino ay matatapang,” Castro added.

A Chinese naval vessel collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel while chasing the Philippine patrol boat BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) in the West Philippine Sea on Monday.

The incident occurred near the Bajo de Masinloc while the PCG escorted vessels out to distribute aid to fishermen in the area.

The PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were on a mission on Monday to distribute aid to local fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc as part of the “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM)” program. ǀ PND

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday officially presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) amounting to PhP6.793 trillion, aimed at sustaining the momentum gained by the administration over the past three years.

In a ceremony in Malacañang, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman handed President Marcos the 2026 NEP, which will be submitted to Congress on Wednesday, August 13.

The 2026 NEP is 7.4 percent higher than the enacted FY 2025 budget of P6.326 trillion.

With the theme, “Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation,” the proposed budget for next year will build on the solid foundations laid by the Marcos administration in the past few years.

Still anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the 2026 budget will prioritize the essentials that uphold the fundamental rights of the people, such as the right to quality and accessible education; strengthened healthcare systems and services; expanded social protection programs; and food security.

Last July, President Marcos approved the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026, which reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and improving the lives of every Filipino.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address, the President said he would not sign any General Appropriations Act (GAA) that is not aligned with the administration’s priority programs and tolerates fund misuse. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Tuesday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to rid its ranks of personnel who abuse power, saying corrupt police personnel would only undermine the PNP’s gains.

Speaking at the celebration of the 124th Police Service Anniversary in Camp Crame, President Marcos gave recognition to improvements in the PNP, including its technology-aided faster response time and use of more modern equipment.

The Chief Executive, however, reminded the PNP that technology can never replace the police presence on the ground, so police personnel need to stay faithful to their sworn duty.

“Huwag din nating kalimutan na bahagi ng banta sa seguridad ang mga nasa hanay na bumabaluktot mismo ng ating layunin. Aanhin pa ang pinaka-modernong kagamitan kung may iilang pulis pa rin ang umaabuso sa kapangyarihan?” the President stated.

President Marcos said the PNP should continue to investigate and hold such personnel accountable.

“We do not condone wrongdoing among those who swore to uphold the law and to protect the citizens of our Republic. Inuulit ko: walang lugar ang katiwalian sa ating kapulisan,” the President stressed.

The Chief Executive also reminded the PNP that criminals, too, have mastered new and sophisticated ways to advance their schemes.

“Inaabuso nila ang mga makabagong teknolohiya upang manloko, manlinlang, at mambiktima. Ito ang kailangan nating bantayan. Ito ang ating dapat sugpuin,” the President said.

President Marcos assured continuous support for police who faithfully carry out duties and even put their lives on the line to serve the people. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not make a hasty decision on the fate of online gambling in the country and will give due consideration to stakeholders’ suggestions, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

At a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro underscored the importance of conducting a comprehensive study and consultations with various stakeholders before implementing any significant policy changes.

“Maliwanag ang sinabi ng Pangulo diyan. Sa kanyang opinyon, dapat aralin at hindi dapat magpadalos-dalos ng kilos dahil kailangan madinig natin lahat ang mga stakeholders at mga concerned parties patungkol dito,” Castro said.

In a podcast interview last week, President Marcos announced that he plans to create a body that will formulate the government’s policy on online gambling. The panel will include key stakeholders such as representatives from the Catholic Church.

Castro assured that the President will hold a dialogue with stakeholders as soon as his schedule permits.

Castro likewise acknowledged the urgency of the matter amid the ongoing budget preparations for 2026, considering the country’s heavy reliance on e-gaming revenues to fund vital social programs.

Asked whether the President is leaning toward regulation rather than an outright ban following his recent remarks, Castro said there is no final decision yet, and the President still needs to listen to the opinion of the stakeholders first.

President Marcos earlier said a total ban would only push gambling activities underground, making it harder for the government to monitor and control them.

Castro reiterated the President’s sentiment that the real problem is not online gambling itself, but the social impacts tied to it, including addiction, especially among young people, which should be addressed promptly.

“Ang sabi nga niya hindi naman ‘yung paglalaro o ‘yung sugal mismo or online gaming ang nagiging problema kung hindi ‘yung pagiging addicted to gambling at iyon dapat ang umpisahan na masolusyonan,” said Castro. | PND