Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, a US-trained orthopedic surgeon with 35 years of experience in hospital management, today took his oath as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) before President Ferdinand R. Marcos in simple rites at Malacanang Palace.

Mercado replaced Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr., in the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) that provides health insurance to all Filipinos under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).

Mercado has been the vice chairman of the Mercado General Hospital/Qualimed Health Network since March 2021. He has demonstrated proven leadership and executive and strategic planning expertise. Under his leadership, Mercado General Hospital Inc. (MGHI) has expanded into a national chain of healthcare facilities that includes four general hospitals, six multi-specialty clinics, two surgery centers, 150 primary care corporate clinics, a college for paramedical professionals, and a physician practice group of 400 four doctors.

A Doctor of Medicine graduate of the University of the Philippines in 1987, Mercado completed his Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery from Harvard Medical School in 2023. He also has an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina in the US.

Mercado has dedicated his work to ensuring equitable access to quality medical care and leveraging technology to strengthen health systems, particularly in financial management and primary care programs.

He did advocacy work with the Zuellig Family Foundation and several DOH Centers for Health Development, providing technical assistance to Provincial Health Boards on operationalizing their Healthcare Provider Network (HCPN).

A faculty lecturer at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) on Global Supply Chain, Research Methods, and Implementation Science, Mercado is also a guest lecturer at the University of the Philippines College of Public Health on Medical Processes and Programs.

Mercado is a fellow under Dr. Chunling Lu, the program director in Global Health Economics and Social Change, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Department of Social Medicine and Global Health, Harvard Medical School, since July 2023. He is studying the cost of per-member payment for global coverage of in-patient services. He is involved in an ongoing study on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an assistive tool for community health workers to deliver primary care.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed retired Maj. Gen. Isagani Nerez as the new chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the lead agency in the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin swore in Nerez at Malacanang Palace on Tuesday. Nerez replaces retired police general Moro Virgilio Lazo, who had led the agency since October 2022.

A native of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Nerez is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Maharlika Class of 1984. In 2022, President Marcos appointed him Undersecretary for Police Affairs at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs.

A lawyer and seasoned law enforcement officer, Nerez has held key positions in various units of the Philippine National Police (PNP), including the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER), Directorate for Integrated Police Operations, Eastern Mindanao.

He joined the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), and the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

He also served as the chief of the Baguio City Police Office and later as Chief Superintendent of the Cordillera Police Regional Office. | PND

The government is committed to enforcing accountability for tax evaders who continue to circumvent the country’s tax system.

On Tuesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued a strong warning to hold tax evaders accountable. He assured the public that the government carefully monitors expenditures to protect public funds.

“I have said this before: We will hold those who continue to circumvent our system accountable,” the President said during the 2025 Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) National Tax Campaign Kickoff at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The ceremony was in observance of the National Tax Awareness Month.

“And I say this with hope and with sternness—hope that we all see the value in contributing to our country and that the law will deal sternly against those who exploit the system unfairly,” he said.

The President stressed that honest tax contributions fuel something greater than individual interests.

He said that every peso collected is rightfully allocated to programs that benefit the people.

“Makakaasa po kayo na mahigpit nating babantayan ang paggugol sa pondo ng bayan. Sisiguruhin natin na ang ating pondo ay magbubunga ng mga proyektong ikakabuti ng ating bansa at ikauunlad ng bawat isang Pilipino,” he said.

Strengthening tax collection and digital transformation

President Marcos also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve tax collection. He said that beyond enforcement, the BIR has embraced the government’s transformation to streamline compliance, reduce corruption risks, and enhance taxpayer services.

He described the BIR’s Online Registration and Update System (ORUS)  as a game-changer, allowing taxpayers to register books and BIR’s employee records and process transfers and document releases.

Implementing the Digital TIN IDs has enhanced security and convenience for taxpayers while the Electronic One-Time Transaction (eONETT) System has simplified the processing and issuance of Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCARs), the President also said. | PND

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected nearly PhP3 trillion in taxes last year – the highest posted in two decades, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reported on Tuesday.

Speaking at the 2025 BIR National Tax Campaign Kickoff at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), President Marcos said the BIR collected over PhP2.85 trillion in 2024, surpassing its PhP2.52 trillion record in 2023.

The President said the bureau’s revenue last year could easily fund 1,140,800 new schools, 190,133 kilometers of roads, and 167,014 rural health facilities.

“Ngayong araw na ito, muli kaming nananawagan sa ating mga kababayan at magpapaalala sa pagbabayad ng tamang buwis,” he said. “Ang bawat mamamayang sumusunod sa tamang pagbayad ng buwis ay nagiging bahagi sa ating pag-unlad.”

The President likewise renewed his call for Filipinos to pay the correct taxes.

The BIR has strengthened its tax collection by expanding the tax base, simplifying key processes and documentary requirements, and digitalizing the tax system.

The initiatives led to the registration of 74,656 new establishments in 2024, bringing the total number of registered taxpayers to nearly 5.7 million—a milestone that translates to new government projects and more economic opportunities for Filipinos.

The BIR has also intensified its compliance enforcement by inspecting and verifying 307,028 establishments, recovering PhP257.01 million through compliance checks.

The President cited BIR’s efforts against tax fraud, mainly through the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) program, which led to cases filed against ghost sellers and buyers. The initiative resulted in PhP4.33 billion in 2024, a sharp increase from the PhP617.95 million collected in 2023.

Crackdowns on illicit trade — including cigarettes, vapes, and other excisable goods — generated PhP110.33 million in revenue last year. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is confident that his high survey ratings will help sway Filipino voters to support administration candidates in the May midterm elections.

“Siguro, I’m sure it has an effect. Makakatulong ‘yun,” President Marcos said when asked whether his strong Social Weather Station (SWS) survey ratings could boost the chances of administration candidates in the upcoming elections.

Commenting on the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) Leaders’ Convergence Summit Friday, the President said the event will address challenges faced by different jurisdictions and the needs of administration candidates.

“What we are doing is really more in terms of organization. The messaging, I think, is pretty clear to all our candidates already because we have been talking about it for the last two and a half years and even during the campaign,” he said.

“We will see kung ano ang problema sa bawat lugar, kung ano ‘yung mga pangangailangan na may kakulangan ng iba’t ibang kandidato. It’s really, really a gearing up already for the campaign.”

During the summit, the President discussed the importance of good governance, national development, and leaders’ responsibilities in creating a just, equitable, and prosperous nation. | PND

Calls for a wage increase require careful study of its legal and economic implications, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said this on Friday during a media interview in Pasay City, citing the importance of finding a balanced approach that considers the country’s small business owners and regular wage earners.

“The employers are worried na sinasabi nila lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga maliliit na employer, halimbawa mga sari-sari store, mga parlor, beauty parlor, ‘yung mga ganoon, ‘yung maliliit lamang,” President Marcos said.

“Pag tinaas ‘yung minimum wage, mababawasan ang kanilang empleyado kasi ganoon pa rin ‘yung pera nila. Hindi naman madadagdagan ‘yung pera na pambayad nila ng suweldo,” he explained.

The President pointed out that the proposed wage increase would most affect small businesses.

On Thursday, the House Committee on Labor and Employment approved a substitute bill mandating a PhP200 daily across-the-board wage increase for private sector workers.

“Pero palagay ko naman there is a way to increase that, but we have to resolve the legal issues, we have to resolve the economic issues. So, it still deserves a great deal of study,” President Marcos said.

He said the tripartite board established by Congress determines the wage increases.

“We have a tripartite board that actually determines the increase in the wage. We have to study it further to see how that will work together. Because this is — the tripartite body was the creation of Congress din,” he also said.

President Marcos assured Filipinos that the government is addressing wage issues, particularly in light of rising prices for basic commodities and inflation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) members to translate party principles into concrete programs and initiatives to improve Filipinos’ living conditions.

“How do we make those principles into reality? And that’s what these elections are all about,” President Marcos told party members at the PFP’s Leaders’ Convergence Summit, which he hosted at the Manila Hotel.

Formed in 2018, the PFP is a national political party in the Philippines chaired by the President.

“Kaya’t isapuso natin ‘yan. Huwag nating kakalimutan kung bakit tayo nandito. Huwag nating kakalimutan kung ano ang nagdala sa atin dito—ang ating hangarin; ang layunin na pagandahin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino, na pagandahin at ipagtanggol ang Pilipinas,” the President said.

The summit served as a platform for meaningful discussions on the nation’s progress over the next three years and beyond, guided by party principles and Bagong Pilipinas’ vision.

The President said the summit was important as it would provide insights and direction to party members and aspiring candidates for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

He stressed the role of good governance, national development, and leadership responsibility in building a just, equitable, and prosperous nation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed satisfaction with Filipinos’ 59 percent approval rating regarding his performance and administration.

Speaking on the sidelines of the One Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) graduation ceremony, President Marcos said the survey results further motivated him to work even harder for the Filipino people.

“Of course, it’s very encouraging. Siyempre lalakas ang loob namin para patibayin pa, pagandahin pa namin ang trabaho namin,” the President said.

“It’s always good to see that what we are doing is reaching most – the majority of people at nararamdaman naman nila ‘yung mga aming ginagawa,” he also said.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from December 12 to 18, 2024, found that 59 percent of adult Filipinos were satisfied with his performance, while 23 percent expressed dissatisfaction and 17 percent were undecided.

The SWS survey results indicated that the Marcos administration maintained a ” good ” net satisfaction rating.”

The administration received a high rating for assisting disaster victims, enhancing the quality of children’s education, supporting the poor, implementing job creation policies, and advancing science and technology.

The administration received a “good” rating for successfully implementing housing programs for the poor, ensuring food security, maintaining an efficient public transportation system, preparing for typhoons, addressing climate change, communicating honestly with the public, and defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

It was given a “moderate” rating for its efforts to ensure no family experiences hunger, the same survey results showed. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged government senior and mid-level executives to promote transparency and good governance.

Speaking at the One Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) graduation ceremony in Pasay City, President Marcos reminded the 661 graduates to always consider the people’s welfare.

“Without a doubt, our nation is in need of leaders who are committed to the greater good. Leaders who embody the highest ideal of a disciplined Bagong Pilipinas—always opting to choose a difficult right over a convenient or easy wrong,” the President said.

He said Filipinos deserve a government that upholds diligence, accountability, and integrity.

“I ask that every time you come to work, ensure that your efforts are geared towards uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos. Start by helping the government improve the delivery of services to our citizens,” the President said.

“I trust you to ensure that every centavo appropriated to your offices be spent judiciously and wisely for projects that sustainably benefit the Filipino people, not only of this present generation but all those who are to come,” he added.

The President assured that his administration is committed to ensuring budget allocations and expenditures directly enhance the lives of Filipinos and elevate the country to new heights.

He said that key initiatives for improvement include simplifying public transactions, reducing red tape, and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic processes.

“As you move forward, never lose sight of your core. Remember why you joined the public service and why you even pursued additional and rigorous [and] competitive programs in this Academy,” the Chief Executive said.

The DAP is mandated to conduct human resource development programs, research, training, consultancy, and publication activities to address developmental challenges and support national progress.

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Of the 661 graduates today, 456 are civilian government officials and personnel, 118 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers and personnel, 43 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officers, and 44 from the private sector.

Eight were conferred the Executive Doctorate in Education Leadership; 45 Master in Development Management – Middle Managers Class; 27 Master in Public Management (MPM) Online; and 56 MPM Major in Health Systems and Development (Department of Health).

A total of 118 completed an MPM Major in Development and Security (DevSec) of the AFP, 43 each the MPM Major in DevSec with a Specialization in Maritime Safety and Security of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and a Master in Productivity and Quality Management Major in Microfinance – Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions.

Twenty-two earned a diploma in Development Management (Senior Executives Class), seven earned a Diploma in Development Management (Middle Managers Class), one each earned a Diploma in Productivity and Quality Management, and one earned a Certificate in Public Management.

Four earned a Diploma in Public Management and 23 Certificates in Public Management for Cabuyao City, Laguna.

Under executive and certificate courses, four graduates received Certificate of Completion (Middle Managers Class); 45 Certificate Course on Foresight and Futures Thinking Batch 8; 71 Local Government Executives and Managers Class; 18 Phronetic Leadership Class; and 125 Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff (CBILLS) Program. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to Gustavo González, the outgoing United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator to the Philippines, for his contributions to strengthening relations between the Philippines and the UN.

“You did so much between the UN and the Philippines,” President Marcos told González during a farewell ceremony in Malacañang on Friday.

“I was looking at the time that you were here. There’s a very, very large increase in engagements between the United Nations and the Philippines – specifically COVID, the BARMM,” the President said.

González informed the President that it was not only his last day as Resident Coordinator for the Philippines, but also his last day as a UN representative, as he would be retiring from active service.

“Mr. President, thank you so much. I very much appreciate your time but today is also my last day as a UN active officer. So I’m going to retire. No doubt that the Philippines will be in my heart because this is a special moment for me,” he said.

González concludes nearly five years of service in the Philippines as UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator. From 2013 to 2017, he served as the United Nations Development Programme’s Sub-Regional Development Coordinator for the Syria-related Crisis, overseeing operations in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.

The UN is an international organization founded in 1945, comprising 193 member states. It maintains international peace and security, protects human rights, delivers humanitarian aid, promotes sustainable development, and upholds international law. | PND