The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Transparency Portal, is an expanded and more accessible version of the Sumbong sa Pangulo platform that allows the public to track government infrastructure projects and report suspected anomalies.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said on Tuesday the portal significantly improves on the earlier complaint system by offering a broader scope of information and a more user-friendly interface, enabling citizens to monitor all DPWH projects nationwide.

“As you can see, maraming pagkakahawig doon sa Isumbong mo sa Pangulo website. Pero mas expanded ito ngayon. If I may say so, parang Isumbong sa Pangulo 2.0,” Gomez said in an interview over TV5.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched the DPWH Transparency Portal on Monday as part of the continuing reforms to stop corruption in public infrastructure projects.

President Marcos started his campaign against anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects by creating the Ssumbong sa Pangulo website last August 11.

Gomez explained that the new DPWH Transparency Portal goes beyond earlier functions that focused mainly on flood control projects, as users can search any DPWH project and instantly view critical details such as the implementing office, contractor, project cost, and status.

“Contrary to the initial belief na medyo nakaka-intimidate, napaka-user-friendly ng portal. Sa search bar, i-type mo lang kung ano yung proyekto gusto mong hanapin—lalabas na lahat ng detalye,” he added, noting that he personally tested the site after its launch.

“From sino ‘yung implementing office, sino yung contractor, to the amount of the project, yung status ng project, kumpleto doon,” the PCO chief noted.

Gomez encouraged the public to regularly use the Transparency Portal to monitor ongoing projects in their communities and report possible irregularities or substandard work.

“So, I encourage the people to use this portal para masubaybayan ‘yung mga proyekto n’yo on the ground, yung proyekto dyan sa komunidad nyo. At mag-report. Kung tingin nyo talagang may katiwilian sa mga proyekto na yun, gamitin natin itong portal na ito para mag-report. Yun ang purpose ng transparency,” Gomez said.

Asked whether the new platform would eventually replace the Office of the President’s Sumbong sa Pangulo website, Gomez said the shift will happen naturally once most reports are turned over and citizens transition to the DPWH-managed system.

“Eventually mag fade out na ‘yung Sumbong sa Pangulo pag hindi na tayo nakakatanggap ng reports diyan at na-turnover na natin sa ICI yung karamihan ng report. Naturally mawawala na ‘yan,” the PCO chief said.

Gomez explained that while the portal is housed under DPWH and developed in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Office of the President will still have visibility over the system.

The DPWH Transparency Portal is expected to strengthen public participation, deter corruption, and enhance accountability in the implementation of infrastructure projects nationwide. | PND

Nakipagpulong si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Lunes sa mga pinuno ng iba’t ibang ahensyang responsable sa pagpapatupad ng mga warrant of arrest laban sa mga indibidwal na kinasuhan ng graft at malversation dahil sa iregularidad sa mga proyekto ng flood control.

Kabilang sa mga opisyal na nakipagpulong sa Pangulo sa Malacañang sina Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla at Acting Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.

Dumalo rin sa pulong sina Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Executive Director Benjamin Acorda Jr., Acting Philippine National Police Chief PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., at National Bureau of Investigation Officer-in-Charge Angelito Magno.

Sa isang video message nitong Lunes ng umaga, sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos na pito sa 16 na akusado ay nasa kustodiya na ng mga awtoridad.

Hinikayat ng Pangulo ang iba pang akusado, kabilang ang dating Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Zaldy Co, na sumuko. Binalaan din niya ang sinumang magtatago o magtatangkang magkanlong sa mga akusado na maaari rin silang managot sa batas.

Inutos ng Punong Ehekutibo ang imbestigasyon hinggil sa mga anomalya sa flood control projects sa kanyang Ika-apat na State of the Nation Address noong Hulyo 28.

Noong Setyembre 11, 2025, nilagdaan ng Pangulo ang Executive Order No. 94 na lumikha sa Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Ang komisyong ito ang magsasagawa ng imbestigasyon sa mga flood control at iba pang proyektong pang-imprastruktura at magrerekomenda ng mga kasong dapat isampa laban sa mga responsable sa iregularidad. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday met with the heads of various agencies involved in the implementation of the arrest warrants against individuals indicted for graft and malversation in flood control irregularities.

Among the officials who met the President in Malacañang include Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Acting Department of Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Executive Director Benjamin Acorda Jr., Acting Philippine National Police Chief, PLt. Gen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., and National Bureau of Investigation Officer-in-Charge Angelito Magno also joined the meeting.

In a video message early Monday, President Marcos said seven of the 16 accused are now in the custody of the authorities.

The President urged the rest of the accused, including former Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Zaldy Co, to surrender, as the President warned those who might harbor the accused that they will also be criminally liable.

The Chief Executive ordered the investigation into flood control anomalies during his July 28 Fourth State of the Nation Address.

The President signed on September 11, 2025 Executive Order No. 94 creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). This body shall investigate flood control and other infrastructure projects and recommend the filing of appropriate charges against those responsible for irregularities. | PND

Muling hinamon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang nagbitiw na Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co na umuwi na sa Pilipinas at harapin ang kanyang mga kaso kaugnay ng korapsyon sa flood control, kaysa magbulgar ng mga walang basehang mga alegasyon habang nagtatago.

Una nang ibinasura ng Pangulo ang mga alegasyon sa kanya ni Co, na nahaharap sa arrest warrant kasama ang 15 iba pa kaugnay sa kasong graft at pagwawaldas ng pondo ng bayan sa maanumalyang flood control project sa Oriental Mindoro.

“Kung meron siyang gustong sabihin, sabihin niya. Malalaman naman ng tao iyan. Patunayan niya. But come home, come home,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos sa isang press conference sa Malacañang ngayong Lunes.

“Ba’t ka nagtatago sa malayo? Ako hindi ako nagtatago. Kung meron kang akusasyon sa akin, nandito ako. Gawin niyang pareho, para patas lang naman,“ pagpapatuloy ng Pangulo.

Binigyang-diin ng Punong Ehektubio na ang mga paratang nito habang nagtatago ay walang saysay o kabuluhan dahil ayaw nitong umuwi at patunayan ang kanyang mga akusasyon.

“Well look at the quality of his statement. Mahaba na ang naging mga usapan natin tungkol sa fake news. Anyone can go online and make all kinds of claims, and say all kinds of things. Pauli-ulit,” ayon sa Pangulo.

“But it means nothing. For it to mean something, umuwi siya rito. Harapin niya ang mga kaso niya,” diin ng Pangulo.

Nauna rito, inanunsyo ng Pangulo na nasa kustodiya na ng mga awtoridad ang iba pang kapwa akusado ni Co.

Sa harap nito, hinimok ng Pangulo ang natitirang iba pang akusado na sumuko na sa mga awtoridad at harapin ang kanilang mga kaso.

Nagsampa na rin ang Ombudsman ng kasong graft at malversation cases laban kay Co at mga opisyal ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at sa ibang sangkot mula sa Sunwest Corporations batay sa ebidensyang nakalap ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) at DPWH. | PND

In another step to end corruption, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched on Monday the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Transparency Portal to provide the public access to comprehensive information on government infrastructure projects nationwide.

President Marcos said lack of transparency has contributed to the widespread irregularities in the DPWH, which the President exposed when he denounced the flood control projects kickbacks during his Fourth State of the Nation Address last July 28.

“Ang Transparency Portal ay hindi lang isang website. Ito ay isang pangako. Ito ay isang sagot na digital na pader laban sa korupsyon, ang magpapatibay sa ating paniniwala na ang pamahalaan, bukas, tapat at nakikinig sa sambayanan,” President Marcos said in a press conference in Malacañang.

“Kaya hikayatin natin ang bawat Pilipino na makialam kayo, magtanong, at mag-monitor. Gamitin natin ang bagong portal na ito. Magkasama natin itayo ang isang Bagong Pilipinas: mas maayos, mas matibay na imprastruktura, at buo ang tiwala ng tao sa kanilang pamahalaan.”

For the first time ever, information on all DPWH projects since 2016 are now open to the public to monitor their implementation and report observations on any irregularities.

The DPWH Transparency Portal will serve as a digital library for 247,172 DPWH projects.

The President said the portal will contain important details such as the implementing office, total project cost, progress rate, and funding source.

Accessible through the DPWH official website, the Transparency Portal was developed in about two months with support from private sector technology partners and the Philippine Space Agency, which will provide satellite images.

The portal’s search and filtering functionality allows users to browse or search for projects and narrow results by specific criteria.

Project details, including images, geographic data, and downloadable copies of contract documents, and the status of contracts and projects, will be uploaded every month.

The system will also use artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a faster, more efficient user experience.

The public can submit reports or observations anonymously, which the DPWH-Office of the Secretary will review, endorse, and act upon accordingly.

President Marcos reiterated his administration is determined to hold accountable those behind the malversation of public funds and to institute reforms to end anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said resigned Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Zaldy Co should come back to the country and answer the charges against him in connection with flood control corruption, instead of making baseless claims while in hiding.

President Marcos dismissed all allegations against him made by Co, who is facing a warrant of arrest with 15 others for graft and malversation of public funds over an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

“Kung mayroon siyang gustong sabihin, sabihin niya. Malalaman naman ng tao ‘yan eh. Patunayan niya. But come home, come home,” President Marcos said during a press conference in Malacañang on Monday.

“Ba’t ka nagtatago sa malayo? Ako hindi ako nagtatago eh. Kung mayroon kang akusasyon sa akin, nandito ako. Gawin niyang pareho. At para patas lang naman,” the President continued.

The Chief Executive said Co’s claims while in hiding “mean nothing” since he refuses to come home to substantiate any of his accusations.

“Well, look at the quality of his statements. Mahaba na ang naging mga usapan natin tungkol sa fake news. Anyone can go online and make all kinds of claims and say all kinds of things, paulit-ulit,” said President Marcos.

“But this – it means nothing. For it to mean something, umuwi siya rito. Harapin niya ‘yung mga kaso niya,“ the President emphasized.

Earlier on Monday, President Marcos said several of Co’s co-accused are now in the custody of authorities.

The President urged Co and the rest of the accused who remain at large, to surrender to authorities in order to properly face the charges against them.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and malversation charges against Co and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Sunwest Corporation based on the evidence gathered by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the DPWH. | PND

Inanunsyo ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Lunes na pito sa 16 indibidwal na may warrant of arrest kaugnay ng kaso ng katiwalian sa isang flood control project ang naaresto na.

Sa isang video message, sinabi ng Pangulo na isa sa mga akusado ay naaresto ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), habang anim naman ang kusang sumuko sa Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

Dalawa pa anya sa mga akusado ang nagpahiwatig na sila ay boluntaryong susuko.

Hinimok ng Pangulo ang natitira pang akusado na sumuko, at binalaan ang sinumang magtatago o magtatangkang ikubli ang mga ito na sila rin ay kakasuhan.

“‘Yung Isa pong nahuli ng NBI natagpuan hindi sa kanyang sariling tahanan, kaya’t mananagot din ‘yung mga nagtatago,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.

“Sa mga nagtatangkang tumulong sa pagtatago, tandaan ninyo na kahit papaano mananagot din kayo kung kayo ay nagtatago ng isang fugitive from justice,” ayon sa Pangulo.

“Tuloy-tuloy po ito. Hindi kami titigil. Hindi kami hihinto.”

Muling iginiit ng Pangulo na walang espesyal na pagtrato sa sinumang inaresto at mananatili silang nasa kustodiya ng NBI habang hinihintay ang susunod na utos ng korte.

Nanawagan din si Pangulong Marcos sa iba pang akusado na may standing warrants of arrest—kabilang ang nagbitiw na si Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Zaldy Co—na sumuko na upang harapin nang maayos ang mga kasong isinampa laban sa kanila.

“Muli, sa tatlong warrant at labing-anim na pangalan, pito na ang hawak ng ating awtoridad, dalawa susuko na. Pito ang mananatiling at large at kasama na diyan si Zaldy Co,” ayon sa Pangulo.

“Sa lahat ng natitirang akusado, ang aking payo sa inyo ay sumuko na kayo. Huwag niyo nang antayin na habul-habulin pa kayo.Mas maganda para sa sitwasyon ninyo na sumuko na kayo para maganda ang inyong pagsagot sa mga alegasyon na dinala kontra sa inyo,” diin pa ng Pangulo.

Noong Biyernes, sinabi ng Pangulo na ipinatutupad na ng mga awtoridad ang arrest warrants laban kina Co at mga opisyal ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at Sunwest Corporation na kinasuhan ng Ombudsman sa Sandiganbayan dahil sa umano’y graft at malversation of public funds kaugnay ng isang anomalous flood control project sa Oriental Mindoro.

Ang Pangulo mismo ang nagpasimula ng imbestigasyon sa mga iregularidad sa flood control projects noong kanyang ika-apat na State of the Nation Address (SONA) noong Hulyo 28.

Malaki na ang progreso ng imbestigasyon sa loob ng tatlong buwan mula nang ilunsad ang Sumbong ng Pangulo website noong Agosto 11 at likhain ang Inter-Agency Committee on Infrastructure (ICI) noong Setyembre 11 para imbestigahan ang mga kaso ng korapsyon sa flood control at iba pang proyekto ng pamahalaan sa nakalipas na 10 taon. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said seven persons have been arrested out of the 16 individuals who were issued warrants of arrest for a flood control project graft case.

In a video message, President Marcos said of the seven people who are now in the custody of authorities, one was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) while six surrendered to the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

Two other accused have reportedly indicated they will turn themselves in to authorities.

The President urged the rest of the accused to surrender while he warned that those who might harbor the accused will also be charged.

“‘Yung isa pong nahuli ng NBI natagpuan hindi sa kanyang sariling tahanan, kaya’t mananagot din ‘yung mga nagtatago sa kanila,” said the Chief Executive.

“Sa mga nagtatangkang tumulong sa pagtatago, tandaan ninyo na kahit papaano mananagot din kayo kung kayo ay nagtatago ng isang fugitive from justice,” the President said.

“Tuloy-tuloy po ito. Hindi kami titigil. Hindi kami hihinto.”

President Marcos reiterated that the arrested individuals will not receive special treatment and will remain in the custody of the NBI pending the next court order.

The President urged the other individuals facing warrants of arrest, including resigned Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Zaldy Co, to surrender to authorities in order to properly face the charges against them.

“Muli, sa tatlong warrant at labing-anim na pangalan, pito na ang hawak ng ating awtoridad, dalawa susuko na. Pito ang mananatiling at large at kasama na diyan si Zaldy Co,” President Marcos said.

“Sa lahat ng natitirang akusado, ang aking payo sa inyo ay sumuko na kayo. Huwag niyo nang antayin na habul-habulin pa kayo.Mas maganda para sa sitwasyon ninyo na sumuko na kayo para maganda ang inyong pagsagot sa mga alegasyon na dinala kontra sa inyo,” the President emphasized.

Last Friday, President Marcos said law enforcement authorities would serve arrest warrants against Co and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Sunwest Corporation who were charged by the Ombudsman before the Sandignbayan for graft and malversation of public funds over a major anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

The President himself initiated the investigation into irregularities in flood control projects during his July 28 Fourth State of the Nation Address.

The investigation has made significant progress within three months since the President opened the Sumbong ng Pangulo website on August 11 and created the ICI on September 11 to investigate corruption in flood control and other government infrastructure projects over the last 10 years. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Sunday led the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang, formally ushering the Yuletide season in the Palace.

In his remarks, President Marcos said Christmas has always carried a special meaning for Filipinos.

“Like I’ve always said, we are the only country that puts up Christmas decorations starting in September and people cannot understand why that is. But that is because we are Pinoys and Christmas has a special meaning for Filipinos,” said the President.

“That’s why we celebrate it really very, very, very seriously and really take the time out to once again be with family, once again be with loved ones,” the President added.

The Chief Executive said for the millions of Filipinos working and living abroad, Christmas is the only time they return to be with their families in the Philippines.

“And of course that always includes family and the kids. Christmas is for children. But you know, children of all ages though. Because whatever age you are, you can still enjoy Christmas as well as any child,” President Marcos said.

The First Couple together with guests watched “Puso ng Pasko,” a Filipino Christmas ballet performed by the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines accompanied by the Manila Symphony Orchestra and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

The first full-length, all-Filipino Christmas ballet, “Puso ng Pasko” captures the true spirit of Paskong Pinoy under the mentorship of National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes with musical arrangements by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.

The President and First Lady also presented the awards and prizes to the three winners and three special awardees of the “Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin” nationwide parol-making contest.

Now on its fourth year, the national Christmas lantern-making competition received a total 133 entries from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training institutes nationwide.

With this year’s theme, “Ilaw ng Bayan: Parol ng Pag-asa at Pagkakaisa,” the parol-making contest highlights Filipino craftsmanship and the unique Filipino way of celebrating Christmas. | PND

For more than a century, the National Printing Office (NPO) has been the silent yet steadfast guardian of the nation’s most vital documents — from election ballots and passports to accountable forms that keep public institutions running smoothly.

As the agency marks its 124th founding anniversary, Director III, Atty. Ruth Maureen C. Rillon said the NPO continues to play a crucial role in upholding transparency, efficiency, and trust in governance, in line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“As the government’s official printing arm, the NPO remains steadfast in supporting transparent, accountable, and reliable governance by securely producing essential government materials. For 124 years, we have consistently delivered secure and accurate printed materials crucial to upholding public trust, which is aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of a more progressive and service-oriented government,” Rillon said.

“As we celebrate 124 years of service, we express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated workforce, partner agencies, and the Filipino people for their trust and support. We reaffirm our duty to remain a reliable pillar in delivering secure and high-quality printed materials that uphold transparency and strengthen public service excellence,” Rillon noted.

The NPO chief stated that the agency has maintained its relevance, integrity, and excellence as the official printing arm of the government across various administrations.

“The NPO continuously upholds high standards of printing quality, ethical conduct, and strict compliance with government policies and industry regulations. Our resilience lies in our commitment to institutional mandates that transcend leadership changes. We sustain our integrity and ensure continuity of high-quality services for the Filipino people,” she added.

Rillion pointed out that the NPO ensures accuracy, security, and confidentiality in printing sensitive and high-value government documents by enforcing comprehensive internal controls to protect the integrity of all government documents entrusted to our care.

“These (measures) include restricted access to production areas, strict personnel clearances, and secure workflow segregation to prevent unauthorized handling. Our printed materials incorporate advanced security features to ensure authenticity and prevent counterfeiting,” she noted.

In addition, she emphasized that the NPO employs secure data management protocols and real-time monitoring systems to safeguard sensitive information from receipt to final turnover. By continuously adopting international best practices in secure printing, we guarantee that high-value and confidential government documents remain protected throughout the entire production lifecycle.

Rillon added that the NPO continues to navigate challenges related to digital transformation and the need for modernization of printing technologies. “We are implementing phased equipment upgrades, strengthening preventive maintenance programs, and enhancing workforce capability development through targeted training and skills advancement.”

“We are likewise pursuing automation and process streamlining efforts to further improve production efficiency and turnaround time,” she added. “In support of these initiatives, the NPO benchmarks with leading secure printing institutions both in the Philippines and abroad to adopt proven innovations and acquire state-of-the-art machinery that will ensure we remain responsive to the evolving needs of government service delivery.”

Balancing Efficiency and Accountability

“At the core of the NPO operations is a commitment to uphold both efficiency and accountability in every stage of the production process. Our workflow strictly adheres to government procurement laws, auditing policies, and internal control systems to ensure transparency and proper stewardship of public resources,” Rillon noted.

To meet the high demands of printing accountable forms, election ballots, and the Official Gazette, Rillon said the NPO employs rigorous quality assurance protocols, standardized procedures, and real-time progress monitoring.

“We also extend manpower hours when necessary and deploy dedicated security teams to safeguard production activities, particularly for high-risk and time-critical projects. By integrating operational efficiency with strong governance practices, reinforced by secure and continuous production capability, the NPO ensures the timely delivery of critical government materials without compromising the integrity and accountability expected from a secure printing institution,” Rillon added.

Adapting to Digital Transformation and Transparency Needs

Rillon said the NPO recognizes the evolving landscape of government communications, where digital access and secure printed materials must work hand in hand. To meet these emerging needs, the agency is “actively developing modern workflow systems, enhancing data management protocols, and expanding automation in our production processes.”

“We are also exploring hybrid printing solutions: an approach that integrates both physical and digital formats. This includes the secure digitization of selected government documents, the use of electronic proofing systems, and improved digital workflows that complement traditional printing. These innovations allow government-issued materials to remain accessible, secure, and verifiable across multiple platforms,” she added. “Through these modernization efforts, the NPO continues to strengthen transparency, responsiveness, and public access to trusted government information.”

Environmental Sustainability and Responsible Resource Management

As one of the largest consumers of paper in the government printing sector, Rillon said the NPO acknowledges its responsibility to help preserve the environment and reduce ecological impact. In line with this, the NPO is adopting progressive and environmentally sound printing practices that promote sustainability at every stage of production.

“We implement waste reduction and recycling programs, ensure responsible procurement of materials, and continue transitioning to energy-efficient and low-emission equipment,” she said.

To further support environmental protection, Rillon added that the NPO has also initiated its first-ever institutional tree-planting activity: a meaningful step toward replenishing natural resources and giving back to the environment that sustains our operations. “This initiative underscores NPO’s commitment to accountability, recognizing that for every sheet of paper produced, we must also contribute to restoring what we use.”

Vision for the NPO’s Future

Rillon said the NPO envisions itself as a premier, modernized, and globally competitive secure printing institution: anchored on innovation, sustainability, and a steadfast commitment to the Filipino people.

“As we advance into the future, we aim to expand our capabilities through strategic joint ventures and collaborative printing projects with government partners and secure-printing organizations,” she added

“We will continue to evolve as a people-centered institution fully aligned with national development priorities, while strengthening our role in transparent, efficient, and citizen-focused governance. By pursuing modernization, professional excellence, and wider inter-agency cooperation, the NPO seeks to deliver greater value to the public it faithfully serves,” Rillon said. | PND