President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos on Wednesday led the reopening of the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, reaffirming the government’s support for Filipino athletes and for the promotion of sports among the youth.

President Marcos expressed pride in the rehabilitation work done on PhilSports Complex and thanked the First Lady for spearheading the project which began in July this year.

“To see these new facilities, these new arrangements that you have done for our athletes is something that brings a great deal of joy to my heart because our athletes really should be supported,” the President said in his remarks.

The Chief Executive emphasized the importance of sports on the national and personal levels – bringing glory and fostering unity to the country and developing personal discipline and strength of character.

“I have always said it, and I think you may have heard me say it so many times, how important I consider sports for very, very many things. Not only the glory it brings to our country, the pride it brings to every Filipino,” said President Marcos.

“And that’s so important. And it also brings the country together. Because walang Pilipino na hindi kakampi sa Olympian nation o sa athlete natin na lumalaban.”

President Marcos said he asked Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick Gregorio to bring sports back to schools, underscoring how sports build character by teaching sacrifice, discipline, and teamwork.

“We will continue to bring pride to the Philippines. We will continue to inspire young people. And we will continue to support that inspiration by saying, we are here, the government is here, we are working to make sure that you have all that you need para maging maganda naman, maging matagumpay ang inyong mga maging competition kahit saan man kayo pumunta,” said the President.

A brainchild of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, PhilSports Complex was formerly known as ULTRA or University of Life Training and Recreational Area when it was opened in 1985.

It aimed to provide a world-class facility for the training of national athletes and to serve as a major sports hub.

Considered as one of the country’s premier national sports centers, PhilSports Complex offers a competition venue and residential and recovery facilities.

The facility has not only been a national training hub, but also served as a venue for cultural, athletic, and entertainment events, as well as a shelter during disasters and emergencies.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, President Marcos and the First Lady together with other officials and guests inspected the renovated facilities, namely the National Athletic Center, Dormitory H and the National Sports Museum Building.

The rehabilitation of the PhilSports Complex was in time for the Philippines’ hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup scheduled from November 21 to December 7.

The facility is managed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

It has four main sports facilities: PhilSports Multi-Purpose Arena, PhilSports Swimming Center, PhilSports Football and Athletics Stadium, and the Athlete dormitories.

The athletes’ dormitories consist of 10 buildings that house national athletes. ǀ PND

Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Miyerkules ang panunumpa sa tungkulin nina Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto at Acting Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go.

Ginanap ang seremonya ng panunumpa sa Study Room ng Palasyo ng Malacañan.

Sa anunsyo ng mga bagong talagang opisyal noong Martes, binigyang-diin ni Presidential Communications Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro ang matatag na rekord nina Recto at Go sa larangan ng polisiya, pamahalaan, at mga inisyatibong pang-ekonomiya.

Ayon kay Castro, ang malawak na karanasan ni Recto sa paggawa ng polisiya sa ekonomiya, batas sa pananalapi, at pambansang pagpaplano ay nagpapakita ng kanyang kakayahan na pamahalaan ang mga operasyon ng gobyerno at pangasiwaan ang pagpapatupad ng mga pangunahing programa.

Nauna nang nagsilbi si Recto bilang Finance Secretary at miyembro ng Monetary Board. Naging Socioeconomic Planning Secretary rin siya at Director-General ng National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) noong 2008.

Samantala, si Go, na dating Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, ay naging mahalagang bahagi sa pagpapalakas ng pamumuhunan, pagtitiyak ng tiwala ng mga mamumuhunan, at pagsasaayos ng mga inisyatibong pang-ekonomiya sa iba’t ibang ahensya.

Ngayon, siya ang may pananagutan sa pagtutok sa direksyong pananalapi ng bansa at pagpapatupad ng mga layunin ng administrasyong pang-ekonomiya.

Bago ang kanyang pagtatalaga sa gobyerno, si Go ay humawak ng mga pangunahing posisyon sa pribadong sektor, kabilang ang pagiging Pangulo at Chief Executive Officer (CEO) ng Robinsons Land Corporation, Chairman ng RL Commercial REIT, Inc., at Chairman/Vice Chairman ng Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp.

Ayon pa kay Castro, ang mga pagbabagong ito sa pamunuan ay nagpapakita ng dedikasyon ni Pangulong Marcos sa pagpapalakas ng mga institusyon, pagpapabuti ng koordinasyon sa pamahalaan, at pagtitiyak na ang administrasyon ay nakatuon sa pagbibigay ng “katatagan, oportunidad, at seguridad” para sa mga Pilipino. | PND

The Philippines secured a major trade boost as the United States lifted tariffs on more than USD1 billion worth of Philippine agricultural products, along with a broad range of industrial goods, allowing nearly half of the country’s total exports to the U.S. to enter duty-free.

Acting Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go described the development as a “win for Philippine agriculture and our exporting community” since the newly-exempt agricultural products were “vital to our farmers and rural economies.”

Bananas, coconuts, mangoes, dried guavas, coffee, tea, spices and some fertilizers are among the products that previously faced a 19 percent levy but will now be exempt from tariffs.

“Their exemption from the 19 percent tariff will enhance the competitiveness of our agricultural exports, and increase jobs, and strengthen supply chains,” Go explained.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said these agricultural products generated more than USD1 billion in export value in 2024, while the industrial products were worth USD5.8 billion.

Last Friday, the White House announced the Trump administration decided to remove the tariffs on agricultural products following reciprocal trade negotiations and considering domestic demand and capacity to produce certain products.

The development would result in almost half of the Philippines’ USD14.5 billion worth of exports to the U.S. now entering free of tariffs after many industrial products, including semiconductors, were also exempt from tariffs.

Go said tariff rates for other products, such as garments, textiles, and furniture, are still on the “wish list” of products under negotiation for tariff exemption.

Go and DTI Secretary Cristina Roque expressed optimism that the tariff exemptions will benefit the Philippine economy.

The U.S. imposed a 19 percent tariff on most Philippine goods in July, along with most of the major ASEAN economies. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday administered the oath of office to Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto and Acting Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go.

The oathtaking ceremony took place at the Study Room of the Malacañan Palace.

In announcing the appointments last Tuesday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cited Recto and Go’s track records in policy, governance and economic initiatives.

According to Castro, Recto’s extensive experience in economic policy-making, fiscal legislation and national planning makes him well-suited to manage government operations and coordinate the implementation of high impact programs.

Recto previously served as Finance Secretary, and as member of the Monetary Board. He also served as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in 2008.

Meanwhile, Go, formerly Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, has been instrumental in advancing investments, strengthening investor confidence, and aligning economic initiatives across agencies.

He is now entrusted to oversee the country’s fiscal direction and the implementation of the administration’s economic agenda.

Go held several key positions in the private sector including, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Robinsons Land Corporation, Chairman of RL Commercial REIT, Inc., and Chairman/Vice Chairman of the Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp.

Castro said that the changes in leadership underscored President Marcos’ commitment to strengthening institutions, enhancing government coordination, and ensuring the administration remains focused on providing “stability, opportunity, and security” for Filipinos. | PND

Nananatiling naka-focus si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa pagtupad ng kanyang tungkulin sa kabila ng kabi-kabilang ingay sa politika, at hindi siya papaapekto sa mga paratang na walang basehan.

Binigyang diin ni Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez na hindi titigil ang pamahalaan sa gitna ng mga kontrobersiya, at nananatiling nakasentro sa serbisyo publiko ang mga prayoridad ng Pangulo kahit pa may pagbabago sa Gabinete at mga alegasyon mula mismo sa kanyang kapatid.

“Patuloy ang trabaho ng Pangulo natin. As we speak, the President is in Bicol right now checking on the relief operations sa mga nasalanta natin kababayan sa nung huling bagyo. So, nagtatrabaho ang Pangulo natin as we speak,” ani Gomez sa interview sa ANC nitong Martes.

“Governance does not stop. At napakalaki yung hamon sa atin. Napakalaki ng responsibilidad ng ating Pangulo. And he will not stop. He will not dignify any and all of these wild allegations that are swirling around at the moment,” dagdag pa ng PCO chief.

Tinawag ni Gomez na lubhang nakakatawa ang mga alegasyon sa Pangulo. “And if I may quote the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, sinabi na rin ng ating mga obispo na currently we have a pandemic of lies. Nakakalungkot man pero napakaraming kasinungalingan ang lumilipad left and right.”

Hinimok din ni Gomez ang publiko na maging mapanuri. “Siguro sa ating mga mamamayan, maging mapanuri tayo sa mga impormasyong natatanggap natin at sine-share natin. Dahil napakadali na ngayong magsinungaling sa mga panahon na ito.”

Sinabi pa ni Gomez na ang alegasyong inilabas ng kapatid ng Pangulo, si Sen. Imee Marcos, ay hindi bago at hindi rin kapani-paniwala, dahil lumabas na rin umano ang mga katulad na paratang—na napatunayang mali—noong panahon ng kampanya noong 2022.

“Nagpa-drug test ang Pangulo sa isang reputable na ospital sa St. Luke’s at ang resulta ng drug test na yun, negative sa cocaine use, ang resulta ng drug test na ‘yun ay mahigit 30 million Filipinos voted for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be the next president. So lumang tugtugin na. And if I may quote a cliche, this has seemed to be a tale as old as time,” paliwanag ni Gomez.

Dagdag pa niya, “Nakakalungkot na nanggaling pa ito sa sarili mong kapatid. Napaka-pambihira nito sa ating kulturang Pilipino. Kaya hindi na nga ididignify ng Pangulo ito. Hindi papatulan ng Pangulo natin ito.”

Pinaninindigan ni Gomez na walang magiging epekto ang naturang walang-basehang paratang. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains focused on his duties despite a wave of political noise, said Malacañang, adding that baseless claims will not distract the Chief Executive from serving the Filipino people.

Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez emphasized that governance does not stop amid political controversies, noting that President Marcos’ priorities remain firmly rooted in public service even as he faces Cabinet changes and public allegations from his own sister.

“Patuloy ang trabaho ng Pangulo natin. As we speak, the President is in Bicol right now checking on the relief operations sa mga nasalanta natin kababayan sa nung huling bagyo. So, nagtatrabaho ang Pangulo natin as we speak,” Gomez said in an interview over ANC Tuesday.

“Governance does not stop. At napakalaki ‘yung hamon sa atin. Napakalaki ng responsibilidad ng ating Pangulo. And he will not stop. He will not dignify any and all of these wild allegations that are swirling around at the moment,” the PCO chief added.

Gomez said the allegations against the President were “very laughable. And if I may quote the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, sinabi na rin ng ating mga obispo na currently we have a pandemic of lies. Nakakalungkot man pero napakaraming kasinungalingan na ang lumilipad left and right.”

The PCO chief called on the public to be discerning. “Siguro sa ating mga mamamayan, maging mapanuri tayo sa mga impormasyon na natatanggap natin at sinishare natin. Dahil napakadali, parang napakadali na ngayong magsinungaling sa mga panahon na ito.”

Gomez said the allegation made by the President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, was neither new nor credible, emphasizing that similar accusations had already surfaced and been disproven during the 2022 presidential campaign period.

“Nagpa-drug test ang Pangulo sa isang reputable na ospital sa St. Luke’s at ang resulta ng drug test na yun, negative sa cocaine use. Ang resulta ng drug test na ‘yun ay mahigit 30 million Filipinos voted for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be the next president. So lumang tugtugin na. And if I may quote a cliche, this has seemed to be a tale as old as time,” the PCO chief noted.

“Nakakalungkot nga na nanggaling pa ito sa sarili mong kapatid. Napaka-pambihira ito sa kultura nating mga Pilipino. Kaya hindi na nga idi-dignify ng Pangulo ito. Hindi papatulan ng Pangulo natin ito,” Gomez added.

Gomez maintained that the baseless accusation would not have any impact at all. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday commended the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) for its 150 years of enduring commitment to the Philippines, citing the bank’s role in strengthening financial stability, supporting enterprises, and improving the lives of Filipinos.

“As we gather tonight, we celebrate yet another milestone in the long history of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) in the Philippines, as well as the enduring partnership among the public sector, private sector, and the Filipino people,” President Marcos said during HSBC’s 150th Anniversary Gala Night in Taguig City.

“For generations, this collaboration has helped shape our national story, reminding us that progress is built when all sectors move with a shared vision,” the President added.

President Marcos emphasized that since HSBC opened its first branch in Binondo in 1875, the bank has played a key role in supporting the country’s trade, infrastructure, and enterprise, reinforcing the economic foundations that enable Filipinos to build better lives.

As HSBC continues to evolve amid a rapidly changing global landscape, the President expressed confidence that the bank will remain committed to offering more inclusive, secure, and accessible financial services to Filipinos.

President Marcos highlighted HSBC’s strong support for government initiatives, including its participation in recent bond issuances such as the SEC-registered USD3.3-billion equivalent dual-currency global bond offering, which has enabled vital public programs to continue despite challenging times.

“These programs—whether on infrastructure, education, or social protection—directly benefit our people, especially those who rely on stable public services,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive further cited HSBC’s efforts to benchmark borrowing costs, promote secure investments for savers, and guide global investors toward Philippine enterprises.

The President also recognized the bank’s active role on global platforms, such as the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.

“In a country often at the mercy of storms, floods, and rising seas, engaging in climate discussions is necessary to protect lives and secure our future,” President Marcos said.

The President also lauded HSBC’s collaboration with government agencies, such as the Board of Investments and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, to create jobs, expand training programs, and provide opportunities for Filipino workers.

On the government’s part, President Marcos stressed that his administration continues to fortify the financial system that supports HSBC’s aspirations.

The President cited the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) ongoing efforts to refine capital, liquidity, and governance standards to ensure the resiliency of banks.

“A safe financial system protects depositors, secures savings, and preserves trust,” the President said.

President Marcos also highlighted reforms such as adopting the Basel III New Standardized Approach, implementing the National Risk Assessment, and clarifying guidelines for the disqualification of erring officers – all measures that reinforce accountability and safeguard consumers.

President Marcos also noted BSP initiatives in Application Programming Interface security, digital prudential standards, and supervisory technology tools that provide faster, more reliable services while protecting Filipinos from fraud.

In the face of increasingly complex cyber threats, the President cited efforts such as the Financial Cyber Resilience Governance Council to safeguard the hard-earned money of every Filipino.

“As HSBC carries forward a legacy over a century old, we believe that you will always keep the Filipino at the center of your mission. Whether you are supporting enterprises or guiding individuals through major financial decisions, I hope that you will continue nurturing the trust that the public places in you,” the President said.

“Together, let us all build a more progressive Philippine economy where people can access reliable financial services, obtain meaningful opportunities, and live more dignified, comfortable lives,” President Marcos added.

“Let us continue creating an environment where investors, stakeholders, and most importantly, our citizens see the Philippines as a nation of promise,” the President concluded. | PND

Tiniyak ng Malacañang na maaabot ng pamahalaan ang target na petsa para sa pagpasa ng pambansang badyet para sa 2026 sa kabila ng mga pagbabago sa mga economic manager ng administrasyon.

Sa isang press briefing nitong Martes, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na ang pagtatalaga ng mga bagong pinuno sa Department of Finance (DOF) at Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ay hindi makakaantala sa proseso ng badyet.

Ipinahayag ng Palasyo kamakailan na papalitan ni Finance Secretary Ralph Recto si Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, habang si Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go ang hahalili kay Recto bilang kalihim ng DOF.

Samantala, si DBM Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo naman ang itinalagang officer-in-charge kapalit ni Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“We were able to talk to Secretary Go and according to him, (on the) reassignments of the Cabinet members to DOF and DBM, they are all the same people who worked on the budget, who worked on the finances. So there will be no problem with that,” Ayon kay Castro

Dagdag pa niya, “Yes, there will be (the timely passage of the national budget). They are working on that.”

Noong Oktubre 13, inaprubahan na ng House of Representatives ang P6.793 trilyong panukalang badyet, habang isinasagawa na ng Senado ang huling bahagi ng plenary debates para rito.

Pagkatapos nito, pagsasamahin ng bicameral conference committee ang mga bersyon ng Senado at Kamara bago isumite sa Malacañang para sa pinal na pag-apruba.

Samantala, inanunsyo rin ng Palasyo na tinanggap ni Pangulong Marcos ang pagbibitiw nina Bersamin at Pangandaman upang bigyang-daan ang imbestigasyon sa umano’y iregularidad sa mga proyektong flood control.

Tinanggap din ng Pangulo ang pagbibitiw ni Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin ng Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO). | PND

Malacañang assured Tuesday that the Philippine economy remains stable and open to investors while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. undertakes reforms to rid public infrastructure projects of corruption.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the country’s economic standing remains secure as the Marcos administration takes steps to end widespread corruption, promote honest governance, and address the people’s grievances.

“Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., nanatiling matatag ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas na may matibay na pundasyon at bukas na pagkakataon para sa mga mamumuhunan,” Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Citing a message from the Department of Finance (DOF) under then Finance Secretary now incoming Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Castro said President Marcos will not be swayed from exacting accountability from all those involved in corrupt practices.

“Hindi matitinag si Pangulong Marcos sa pag-usig sa sinumang nasa likod ng mga tiwaling gawain – kamag-anak man, kaalyado, o kahit na ang sariling kadugo,” Castro stressed.

“Naninindigan ang pamahalaan na ang lahat ng ito ay tinutugunan sa pamamagitan ng konkreto at mabilis na aksyon- alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong Marcos,” the Palace Press Officer added.

Castro said the administration has a comprehensive catch-up plan based on national priorities, to accelerate economic growth.

“Unti-unti ring ibababa ng pamahalaan ang deficit at utang habang lumilikha ng mas maraming trabaho, tumataas ang kita ng mga Pilipino, at mas marami pang aangat ang buhay,” Castro added.

Under the leadership of President Marcos, the government continues to listen to the public, acts swiftly to address problems, and prioritizes the interests of the country and the public.

“Ito rin ay isang gobyernong tumutupad sa pangako — walang takot, walang pinapaboran, at walang pag-aatubiling pinapanagot ang sinuman,” Castro emphasized. ǀ PND

Malacañang asserted that the government will meet the target date for the passage of the 2026 national budget despite the changes in the administration’s economic managers.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the designation of new heads for the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would not disrupt the budget process.

The Palace announced the other day that Finance Secretary Ralph Recto would replace Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, while Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go would assume Recto’s post.

At the same time, the Palace said DBM Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo would replace Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in an officer-in-charge capacity.

“We were able to talk to Secretary Go and according to him, (on the) reassignments of the Cabinet members to DOF and DBM, they are all the same people who worked on the budget, who worked on the finances. So there will be no problem with that,” Castro said.

“Yes, there will be (the timely passage of the national budget). They are working on that,” Castro added.

The House of Representatives approved the P6.793 trillion spending plan last October 13, while the Senate is conducting last-stage plenary debates for the proposed 2026 national budget.

The Senate and the House of Representatives would reconcile their respective budget versions through the bicameral conference committee and submit the final version to Malacañang for approval.

Malacañang on Monday announced that President Marcos has accepted the resignations of Bersamin and Pangandaman, who left voluntarily to give way to the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

The Palace also said President Marcos has accepted the resignation of Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) head, Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin.

In accepting their resignation, President Marcos extended his gratitude to Bersamin and Pangandaman for their exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to their respective offices. | PND