President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday his “dream” is to fully digitalize all government services—especially in the health sector—to ensure faster and more efficient delivery.

“Talaga ang dream ko na lahat ng serbisyo ng gobyerno hangga’t maari, pati payment ng gobyerno … gagawin natin by computer para hindi na mahirapan ang tao. Hindi na kailangan bumiyahi ng kalayo-layo,” President Marcos said during the first episode of the BBM Podcast.

The Chief Executive particularly cited the case of state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), where he saw around 200 patients lined up to have the agency’s documents processed in a hospital, which took around two hours to finish.

“Digitalization lang ang sagot diyan,“ the Chief Executive said, citing the PhilHealth membership is being expanded.

The President said he was saddened by a survey result about PhilHealth, which showed respondents hoped the government would prioritize addressing the country’s top 10 diseases.

“Alam mo kung bakit ako nalungkot?” the President asked. “Ginagawa na namin—hindi lang alam ng tao. Kagaya ng sinabi mo.”

The President said the government also created “e-gov apps” and expanded internet coverage nationwide.

When asked about other agencies that fund health services, the President said agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office should also go digital. Hence, patients or their families no longer need to leave their homes to receive assistance.

President Marcos said the administration has already started digitalizing PhilHealth’s records; however, many people are still unaware that this has already been done by the government. The President had earlier expressed full support for PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dr. Edwin Mercado’s plan to go digital.

President Marcos also noted that by making the processes easier and faster, the government would be able to help lower or even fully cover the costs of the public’s health and hospital services, which is now nearing this goal.

“Malapit na tayo doon,” the President said. “Pinaparami na talaga yung binibigyan ng benepisyo. Hindi na pwedeng kinakamay. Kailangan talaga nasa computer na.”

President Marcos also said the government has expanded PhilHealth’s health coverage.

Another service the administration has started is the Bagong Urgent Care Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers, a 24-hour health center that addresses the ambulatory medical and surgical care needs of Filipinos.

“Para hindi na kailangan pumunta sa malalaking hospital,” the President also said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government is pursuing both primary and small-scale drug dealers while strictly upholding due process and carrying out the anti-drug campaign without resorting to killings.

In the maiden episode of the BBM Podcast on Monday, President Marcos assured the public of the government’s renewed focus on addressing the country’s illegal drug problem.

“So ngayon, in the same vein, part of the lesson of this election, let’s go back to ‘yung sa grassroots level. Kung inaalala ng tao, sinasabi, nagbabalikan (ang drugs) dito, sige, tuloy natin ‘yung malalaking drug bust,” President Marcos said during the podcast’s first episode.

“Tuloy natin… ikukulong natin ‘yung mga sangkot diyan sa drugs. Pero tingnan na muna natin ‘yung mas small offender,” the President said.

President Marcos said the renewed anti-narcotics efforts is part of the campaign, in which policemen conduct daily street patrols.

He noted that while anti-drug agencies focus on small drug dealers, due process is observed.

“Kasi talaga, iniwasan ko, ‘yung basta may suspect siya o may hinala o may sumbong, basta kung huli, papatayin na lang, di ba? Ah, wala. ‘Yun, doon kami lumayo,” the President pointed out.

The President also acknowledged the difficulty of neutralizing drug syndicates in the country, considering the large amount of grease money involved.

“Ang sindikato kasama na diyan ‘yung police, kasama na diyan ‘yung local government. Laking pera eh,” he pointed out.

“Ang dami nilang pera. Kaya kahit sa ‘yung mga judge, kaya nilang bilhin lahat. Para sa prosecutor, kaya nilang bilhin lahat. Walang panama ‘yung sweldo nila sa gobyerno dun sa binibigay ng mga sindikato. Kaya ‘yun ang binubuwag namin.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday that underperforming and corrupt officials may face removal or charges, as the administration conducts a thorough performance review of cabinet members and government agencies to address inefficiencies and improve public service delivery.

In the first episode of “BBM Podcast,” President Marcos emphasized that the review aims to assess whether government targets are being met, and identify issues hindering public service delivery.

“Maganda naman ang takbo, pero performance review. Ito yung target natin, ba’t ’di natin naabot? O ito, nakuha natin. Ito, overpriced na naman. All of these things—performance review,” President Marcos said.

The President added that the review seeks to answer key questions: “Bakit mabagal ang baba ng serbisyo? Ano yung iba? Anong gagawin natin para pabilisin? ‘Yun ang importante.”

When asked whether any Cabinet officials would be dismissed soon—amid a public clamor for accountability—Marcos acknowledged that it could happen, depending on the evaluation outcome.

“Baka mangyari ’yan. Dito nga sa ginagawa naming performance review, ’yun ang warning ko sa kanila. Kung talagang may nagkukulang o corrupt, eh kung talagang masyadong mabigat ‘yung kanilang kasalanan, eh kakasuhan namin,” he said.

The President’s remarks came in response to questions about whether officials are being given a “graceful exit” through resignations often attributed to health reasons, which some believe fails to deter misconduct or poor performance.

President Marcos instructed government officials, “Don’t explain it to us anymore. Just do it. Tama na yung mga magagandang paliwanag with the good statistics at yung drawing. Basta gawin na lang ninyo.”

As the performance review continued, Marcos assured the public that the government was serious about accountability and improving efficiency across all agencies. | PND

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public of a sufficient supply of poultry products despite the impending temporary import ban on Brazil following reports of its first bird flu outbreak.

Tiu Laurel confirmed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will impose a countrywide poultry ban on Brazil, the country’s top meat supplier.

During the Palace press briefing on Monday, Tiu Laurel said Brazil is not the Philippines’ sole supplier of poultry, noting the imposition of the poultry import ban will result in market diversion.

The advantage of Brazil is its lower prices compared to other suppliers, he said.

“I think the price difference is a few percentage lang. So, as far as supply is concerned, I really don’t see any issue. Baka may brief supply gap lang na baka one or two weeks, because they have to change origins,” Tiu Laurel said.

“But in general, I don’t see any issue, because even our local poultry industry is medyo maganda ang production eh. So, wala masyado akong nakikitang isyu,” he stressed.

Brazil’s bird flu outbreak, the first in the South American country, triggered import bans from various countries including China, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay. | PND

Malacañang on Monday appealed for public understanding regarding the impending rehabilitation of the iconic San Juanico Bridge.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. views the ongoing rehabilitation of the 52-year-old San Juanico Bridge as a proactive step to safeguard the public, although it may cause temporary inconvenience.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro pointed out the necessity of repairing the San Juanico Bridge to avoid potential hazards and ensure the well-being of the people.

“Ito lamang po ang una nating ipaparating, ito ay ayon sa ating Pangulo: ang pagre-rehabilitate po masasabi natin magkakaroon ng epekto sa taongbayan, sa concerned citizens na nandoon sa lugar. Pero tingnan po natin ito sa mas positibong aspeto dahil ito po ay rehabilitation,” Castro said.

“Mas nanaisin po talaga na maiwasan kung anuman ang maaaring idulot na disgrasya kung ito man ay hindi maayos nang maagap,” she added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico bridge is scheduled to undergo a two-year rehabilitation worth around PhP900 million following recent structural vulnerability findings.

Castro said government agencies involved in the project have been instructed to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders to minimize disruptions.

The Press Officer also noted that several mitigating measures are being implemented to address public concerns during rehabilitation.

Among these is the declaration of a blue alert status in the Eastern Visayas region, placing all regional response teams and resources on standby. The move allows agencies to mobilize personnel swiftly and utilize quick response funds.

The blue alert status was prompted by the imposition of a ban on vehicles weighing over three tons from traversing the bridge to protect it from further deterioration.

Castro said alternative transport options are being deployed to ease mobility limitations during the rehabilitation.

She added that the DPWH will deploy 13 shuttle buses around the clock to assist commuters affected by the load limits.

Meanwhile, the DPWH also works with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and LGUs to facilitate ferry services for buses and passengers using barges.

Castro said a multi-agency task force has also been created to oversee public safety, operational coordination, and security throughout rehabilitation.

“Magkakaroon din po ng public assistance desk on both sides doon sa bridge at may 24-hour patrol unit na rin po for safety monitoring,” she added. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the education system, the government has created 16,000 new teaching positions in time for the opening of classes in June this year.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Monday’s press briefing that the 16,000 new positions are part of the first phase of a larger plan to hire 20,000 teachers.

Castro also emphasized that President Marcos wants to address the teacher shortage and improve the quality of education for Filipino students. She said that PhP4.19 billion in funding for this initiative has already been allocated to the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Unang-una po, it is the directive of our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen the education system. Ang gusto po talaga ng Pangulo ay mapabawasan ang kakulangan ng mga guro sa bawat eskwela,” Castro said.

“[The] 16,000 teaching positions ay unang parte lamang po dahil ang target po ay 20,000 teaching positions,” she added.

The initiative supports the efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) to address the 56,000 shortage of teachers in 2024, and a move toward a more effective teacher-student ratio.

The new teaching positions aim to reduce overcrowding in classrooms, particularly in schools with sufficient infrastructure but that struggle with high student-to-teacher ratios.

The national classroom-to-student ratio is 1:40, above DepEd’s ideal of 1:30. Many primary schools also exceed the 1:35 target. Smaller classes allow teachers to give more focused attention and improve learning outcomes.

“Ang nais po natin at ang nais po ng Pangulo ay mabigyan po ang bawat estudyante, matutukan po ng kanilang guro para po mas maging maganda ang kanilang pagsasanay at pag-aaral,” Castro said. | PND

Upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, teachers and other poll workers who rendered services during the 2025 midterm elections will receive an additional PhP1,000 as election honoraria.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to increase the election honoraria of teachers and other poll workers.

Undersecretary Castro said the Php1,000 is in addition to the earlier PhP2,000 across-the-board increase in election allowances ordered by the President.

“Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., dinagdagan pa ng Department of Budget and Management ng isang libong piso ang election honorarium ng mga guro at poll workers,” Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday.

As a result, the new honoraria rates for members of the Electoral Board are PhP13,000 for the chairperson, PhP12,000 for the poll clerk, PhP12,000 for the third member, and PhP9,000 for the support staff.

Meanwhile, the new rates for volunteer staff members from the Department of Education (DepEd) are: supervisors, Php12,000; supervisors’ admin support staff, Php9,000; and supervisors’ tech support staff, Php10,000.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that nearly 760,000 poll workers nationwide rendered services during the May 12 elections.

Malacañang praised the poll workers who had worked until the early morning hours of the following day after the elections to secure the voting process and ensure that the votes would be counted accurately.

“Saludo po kami sa inyong dedikasyon,” Castro said of the poll workers. |PND

A vendor praised the PhP20-per-kilo rice offered under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, noting that the cooked rice remains flavorful and high-quality despite its affordable price.

In an interview with the Presidential News Desk on Sunday, Brigida Mesa, 68, expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for delivering on his promise to lower the price of rice.

Mesa described the Kadiwa rice as “masarap” and “maalsa,” noting that some customers have shared the same positive feedback.

Mesa said many residents are taking full advantage of the affordable and high-quality Kadiwa rice sold in her store at the Kadiwa Store in Mandaluyong Public Market II.

“Maganda naman po ‘yung bigas kasi ‘yung presyo lang naman ang bumaba pero ‘yung quality nandoon pa rin,” Mesa said.

She added that the PhP20-per-kilo rice is comparable to other rice varieties that cost at least PhP35 per kilo.

Mesa said the President’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo program is a big help to ordinary families who need to make ends meet.

According to Mesa, the affordable rice has allowed residents to save significantly.

She likened purchasing two kilos of rice at PhP20 each to getting a buy-one, take-one deal.

“Dahil sa Kadiwa ng Pangulo, malaking bagay at malaking tulong talaga sa mga tao dito sa nasasakupan namin sa barangay. Kasi biruin mo ba naman ‘yung 20 pesos, makakabili pa sila ng ibang bagay pa na sa savings nila … hindi na masyadong maghirap ‘yung mga tao kasi malaki ang matitipid nila,” she said.

“Marami talaga ‘yung nabili kasi biro mo ba naman ‘yung 20 pesos, parang mag-avail na sila ng two kilos na tig-40 pesos. Saka from 29 to 20 pesos, napakalaki ng binaba ng presyo, same quality naman tapos ‘yun din ‘yung ibinaba ng price,” she explained.

Mesa affirmed the invaluable service provided by the Kadiwa program to lower-income residents.

“Grabeng laking tulong sa mga tao. Saka kahit ikaw na nagtitinda, masaya ka na na-a-avail nila ‘yung mababa kasi masaya din sila kaya nga nagdagsaan ng pila,” Mesa said.

The PhP20-per-kilo rice became available on May 13 at Mandaluyong Public Market II in Barangay Addition Hills.

The Kadiwa program aligns with President Marcos’ directive to make rice and essential food items accessible, particularly to vulnerable groups. | PND

Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 valedictorian and summa cum laude Second Lieutenant Jessie Ticar Jr. expressed his deep gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the continued support to the PMA, which provides its free and quality education program.

In an interview with the Presidential News Desk on Saturday shortly after the graduation rites at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, Ticar said his military service would be his way of giving back to the nation.

“Malaking bagay po sa amin ang libreng edukasyon dito sa PMA, at alam naming hindi ito magiging posible kung wala ang suporta ng gobyerno,” Ticar said.

Thanking President Marcos, Ticar said, “Pinatapos n’ya kami sa pag-aaral at binigyan n’ya kami ng pagkakataong makapaglingkod sa bayan.”

President Marcos’ words in his speech to the PMA graduates that their homes served as the “first boot camp” resonated with Ticar.

The new PMA graduate said the discipline and values he learned at home prepared him for the rigors of life inside PMA.

“Sa bahay pa lang, natuto na ako magdisiplina ng sarili—maghugas ng pinggan, maglaba, tumulong sa pamilya. Yung mga aral na ‘yun ang naging pundasyon ko dito sa PMA,” he said.

“Dinidisiplina pa rin nila ako kahit mahirap ang buhay. At kahit limitado ang resources, hindi nila ako pinabayaan,” Ticar said of his parents and family.

Ticar said his journey was not easy, but faith, family support, and government assistance gave him the strength to persevere.

“As a future young officer of the Philippine Army, I just want to remain steadfast in my commitment na mag-serve. Ngayon ‘yung commitment ko, I will do my best kagaya ng ginawa ko dito sa PMA,” he said.

“I hope in the future, five years from now, yung determination ko na magserve is hindi mawala at bagkus ay mas umigting pa,” Ticar added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the PMA Siklab-Laya Class of 2025 as “a class of many firsts” and urged them to prepare for modern warfare—fought in cyberspace, through information protection, environmental defense, and crisis response.

“These (preparing for modern warfare) are all important. But what is also important, and possibly the most important, is your love of country. That is, an officer who knows how to love his or her country despite its flaws, in the most sincere way,” President Marcos said during the PMA commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday.

The President recognized the 266 graduating cadets as the first to be trained in Pag-asa Island amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

President Marcos also lauded the Siklab-Laya Class cadets for bringing honor to the PMA in international fora and competitions, including academic conferences in Palermo, Italy, and international sailing regattas in Italy and India.

“But beyond recognition, the most important lesson you carry is the understanding that warfare today goes beyond land, seas, and skies. We have battles that are invisible to radar—ones that take place in cyberspace, in protecting information, in safeguarding the environment, and in helping communities during crises,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

“Physical strength and agility are no longer enough. What we need just as much—are your mental sharpness and your compassion,” President Marcos continued.

After directing the PMA last year to review the curriculum in the face of emerging challenges, President Marcos noted that the cadet training now includes courses “once unseen in the military academy,” such as artificial intelligence, drone operations, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership.

“Our country needs men and women who put their country and others above themselves; who sacrifice for the good of all; and who overcome odds because they believe in the bright future ahead,” the President added.

The President awarded the Presidential Saber to class valedictorian, Cadet First Class Jessie R. Ticar Jr., who is only the fourth cadet to graduate summa cum laude in PMA’s history.

The Commander-in-Chief called Ticar an example of grit, discipline, and love for the country.

As part of tradition, the President granted a ceremonial pardon of punishment, officially sending off the PMA Siklab-Laya Class to serve the nation.

The PMA said that of the 266 graduating cadets, 137 will join the Philippine Army, 71 will serve in the Philippine Navy, and 58 will become part of the Philippine. | PND