President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and asked the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to turn over to the Ombudsman any information gathered so far in connection with former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co on the flood control irregularities.

In a video message issued Friday, President Marcos said the Ombudsman would continue the investigation on Romualdez and Co.

The order is in line with the President’s commitment to report to the public the status of the investigation he initiated, the cases filed, and the reforms instituted to prevent further misuse of public funds through anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects.

“Kaya ngayon, ay nais kong ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan na ang ICI at saka ang DPWH, lahat ng nakuha nila na impormasyon, ay ire-refer, ibibigay na sa Ombudsman para imbestigahan ng Ombudsman,” the Chief Executive said in a message released through his official social media account.

“Ito ay tungkol sa mga impormasyon ng dating Speaker Martin Romualdez at saka ni Zaldy Co,” the President added.

President Marcos said the Ombudsman’s investigation will be based on evidence.

“Pag nakita lahat ng ebidensya, baka magfile ng kaso ng plunder o anti-graft o indirect bribery. Malakas naman ang loob natin na ‘yung Ombudsman, ang ginagawa lamang ay sumusunod sa ebidensya, at kung saan tayo dinadala ng ebidensya, doon pupunta ang ating imbestigasyon,” the President said.

The investigation into flood control projects corruption has made significant headway 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 government infrastructure projects, especially flood control, over the last 10 years.

President Marcos himself initiated the investigation into anomalous flood control projects when he denounced the systemic corruption during his July 28 Fourth State of the Nation Address. | PND

Tiniyak ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Huwebes na ilalagay sa pambansang kabang bayan ang kita mula sa isusubastang pitong luxury vehicles nagkakahalaga ng mahigit sa Php103 milyon na pag-aari ng mag-asawang Pacifico at Cezarah Discaya—bilang bahagi ng kampanya ng pamahalaan laban sa korapsyon.

“Bilang tugon sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na maibalik ang pera ng taumbayan mula sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects, sinimulan na kaninang umaga ang pag-auction sa pitong mamahaling sasakyan ng mga Discaya na nakumpiska sa Bureau of Customs (BOC),” ayon kay Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro sa isang press briefing sa Malacañang.

“Ayon sa BOC, sa pangunguna ni Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, makakaasa ang taumbayan na lahat ng proceeds mula sa auction ay agad na iri-remit sa national treasury. Ibig sabihin, buong-buo na maibabalik ang pondo sa kaban ng bayan,” diin ni Castro.

Isinusubasta ang nasabing mga luxury vehicles ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) sa South Harbor, Port Area, Maynila, bilang patunay ng seryosong paninindigan ng Pangulo na hindi palalampasin ang mga ilegal na gawain sa pamahalaan at pananagutin ang mga tiwaling opisyal.

Sinabi ni Castro batay na rin sa pahayag ng BOC, ang pagsubasta ang unang hakbang sa pagbawi ng mga ninakaw na pondo ng gobyerno.

Dagdag pa rito ang ginagawang imbestigasyon sa 14 pang construction companies.

“Mahigit tatlong buwan pa lang simula nang paimbestigahan ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang isyu ng korapsyon, may nakikita nang resulta ang taumbayan,” punto pa ni Castro.

“Isa itong patunay sa seryosong paghahabol ng Pangulo sa mga iligal na gawain ng mga korap sa pamahalaan.”

Una nang kinumpiska ng BOC ang mga sasakyan ng mga Discaya dahil sa mga iregularidad sa importasyon at dokumentasyon.

Kabilang ang mag-asawang Discaya sa mga pangunahing kontratista na nasangkot sa kontrobersiya sa flood control projects.

Kasama sa mga sasakyang isinailalim sa auction ang sumusunod: Toyota Tundra (2022), Toyota Sequoia (2023), Bentley Bentayga (2022), Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2023), Mercedes-Benz G500, Brabus (2019), Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG (2022), at Lincoln Navigator L (2021). | PND

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public on Thursday that proceeds from the auction of seven luxury vehicles owned by the Discayas, estimated to be worth more than PhP103 million, will be remitted to the national treasury under its anti-corruption drive.

“Bilang tugon sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na maibalik ang pera ng taumbayan mula sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects, sinimulan na kaninang umaga ang pag-auction sa pitong mamahaling sasakyan ng mga Discaya na nakumpiska sa Bureau of Customs (BOC),” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“Ayon sa BOC, sa pangunguna ni Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, makakaasa ang taumbayan na lahat ng proceeds mula sa auction ay agad na iri-remit sa national treasury. Ibig sabihin, buong-buo na maibabalik ang pondo sa kaban ng bayan,” Castro stressed.

The BOC auction held at the South Harbor in Port Area in Manila showed the President’s commitment and seriousness in ensuring that illegal activities will not be tolerated in government, and that unscrupulous officials will be held accountable.

Citing the BOC statement, Castro said Thursday’s auction is an initial step in recovering stolen government funds, adding the agency is also looking at 14 construction companies.

“Mahigit tatlong buwan pa lang simula nang paimbestigahan ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang isyu ng korapsyon, may nakikita nang resulta ang taumbayan,” she pointed out.

“Isa itong patunay sa seryosong paghahabol ng Pangulo sa mga iligal na gawain ng mga korap sa pamahalaan.”

Citing irregularities in their importation and documentation, the BOC has seized luxury vehicles owned by couple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya, one of the top contractors implicated in the flood control projects corruption.

Among the vehicles auctioned on Thursday are a Toyota Tundra (2022), Toyota Sequoia (2023), Bentley Bentayga (2022), Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2023), Mercedes-Benz G500 Brabus (2019), Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG (2022) and Lincoln Navigator L (2021). | PND

Nakatakdang mag-courtesy call ang mga opisyal ng League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ngayong araw ng Huwebes, bilang pagpapakita ng nagkakaisang suporta mula sa mga gobernador ng bansa para sa administrasyon.

Sa isang press briefing, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na layunin ng delegasyon ng LPP na ipahayag ang kanilang suporta sa mga pangunahing panukalang batas sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Marcos, at pagtibayin ang kanilang tiwala sa kanyang pananaw para sa pambansang kaunlaran.

“Layunin ng courtesy call ng LPP na maipa-abot ang kanilang suporta sa liderato ni Pangulong Marcos at ang kanilang suporta para sa pagpasa ng mga mahahalagang legislative proposals,” ayon kay Castro.

Binigyang-diin ni Castro na ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng LPP sa pambansang pamahalaan ay nakaugat sa pagtutulungan para sa pag-unlad.

“Nagpapatuloy din ang kumpyansa ng LPP sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos at sa kanyang magandang hangarin sa pag-unlad ng bansa,” dagdag pa ng Palasyo.

“Nagpapasalamat naman si Pangulong Marcos sa walang humpay na tiwala at kumpyansa ng LPP para sa kasalukuyang administrasyon,” ani Castro.

“Patuloy din ang pamahalaan upang itaguyod ang transparency, accountability at responsableng paggamit ng pera ng bayan lalo sa national na pag proseso ng budget,” pahayag pa ni Castro.

Sa isang resolusyon na inisyu noong November 18, inihayag ng LPP ang buong suporta kay Pangulong Marcos at hinimok ang mga miyembro nilang probinsya at mga gobernador na pangalagaan ang mga institusyon at igalang ang Saligang Batas, at panatilihin ang demokrasya at ang pamamayani ng batas.

Ang LPP ay binubuo ng 82 lalawigan at nakatuon sa pagtugon sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at metropolitan.

Layunin din ng liga na makamit, sa tama at legal na paraan, ang mga solusyon sa mga suliraning kinakaharap ng mga lokal na pamahalaan, at palakasin ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ng lahat ng lalawigan sa bansa. | PND

Officials of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) are set to pay a courtesy call on Thursday afternoon to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signaling unified support for the administration from the country’s provincial governors.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Officer Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the LPP delegation aims to express their backing for key legislative proposals under Marcos’ leadership, and reaffirm their confidence in his vision for national development.

“Layunin ng courtesy call ng LPP na maipa-abot ang kanilang suporta sa liderato ni Pangulong Marcos at ang kanilang suporta para sa pag-pasa ng mga mahahalagang legislative proposals,” Castro said.

Castro emphasized that the LPP’s engagement with the national government remains firmly rooted in collaboration for progress.

“Nagpapatuloy din ang kumpyansa ng LPP sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos at sa kanyang magandang hangarin sa pag-unlad ng bansa,” the Palace Press Officer added.

In return, the President thanked the LPP officials for their “unwavering trust,” promising continued efforts toward transparency, accountability, and responsible use of the national budget.

“Nagpapasalamat naman si Pangulong Marcos sa walang humpay na tiwala at kumpyansa ng LPP para sa kasalukuyang administrasyon,” Castro said.

“Patuloy din ang pamahalaan upang itaguyod ang transparency, accountability at responsableng paggamit ng pera ng bayan lalo sa national na pag proseso ng budget,” Castro noted.

In a resolution issued on November 18, the LPP expressed full support to President Marcos and urged member-provinces and governors to safeguard institutions and uphold the Constitution, democracy and the rule of law.

The LPP comprises 82 provincial governments and aims to address issues affecting provincial and metropolitan government administrations.

The league also seeks to secure, through proper and legal means, solutions to problems confronting the local governments and to foster unity and cooperation among all provinces of the country. | PND

Kinilala ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Huwebes ang mahalagang ambag ng mga overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sa kaunlaran ng bansa, at tiniyak na patuloy ang suporta ng kanyang administrasyon upang mapagaan ang kanilang buhay at palakasin ang mga programang nagtataguyod sa kanilang kapakanan.

Sa ginanap na seremonya ng 2025 Bagong Bayani Awards sa Malacañan Palace, ipinaabot ni Pangulong Marcos ang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa mga migranteng manggagawa sa pagpapamalas ng diwa ng malasakit at kasipagan ng mga Pilipino sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo, na siyang hinahangaan ng international community.

“Ngayong araw, magbibigay pugay tayo sa ating mga bagong bayani. Kinikilala ng Bagong Bayani Awards ang kakayahan, karangalan, at kabutihang loob ng mga Pilipino na sa kabila ng pang-iibang bansa, ay nagagawang ipakita ang tunay na pagka-Pilipino,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.

“Tuwing may kausap akong taga-ibang bansa, parating sinasabi sa akin ang husay ng mga Pilipino na nandoon sa amin. Kaya, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat pagbibigay karangalan sa ating bayan,” dagdag pa ng Pangulo.

Tiniyak ng Pangulong Marcos na magpapatuloy ang buong suporta ng pamahalaan sa mga OFW.

“Through the Department of Migrant Workers, we shall continue to elevate protection, streamline services, and ensure that every OFW is treated as the hero that they are,” diin ng Chief Executive.

Ang Bagong Bayani Awards ay itinatag noong 1983 sa pamamagitan ng Letter of Instruction No. 1320 na inilabas ng dating Pangulong Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., bilang pagkilala sa mga OFW na nagpapakita ng propesyonalismo, kahusayan, at dedikasyon sa kanilang trabaho.

Kinilala rin ni Pangulong Marcos ang mga sakripisyo ng mga OFW para sa kanilang pamilya at nangakong magpapatuloy ang suporta ng pamahalaan upang mapabuti ang kanilang pamumuhay.

“Hindi biro ang manirahan sa ibang bansa, makisama sa ibang lahi, at mawalay sa pamilya, ngunit patuloy pa rin ang inyong mga sakripisyo para sa inyong mga minamahal sa buhay. Kaya bilang suporta, asahan ninyo na nandito lang ang inyong pamahalaan,” ayon sa Pangulo.

Kabilang naman sa mga kasalukuyang inisyatibo ng gobyerno para sa OFWs ang:

• Digitalization ng proseso ng overseas employment gaya ng OFW Travel Pass sa eGovPH App at Online Employment Contract Verification System

• Pag-isyu ng humigit-kumulang 300,000 electronic cards mula sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) para sa mas madaling access sa mga serbisyo at benepisyo ng gobyerno, at

• Pagpapabuti ng serbisyong pangkalusugan sa pamamagitan ng OFW Hospital at OWWA Botika

Samantala, sa ilalim ng AKSYON Fund, nagbibigay ang mga tanggapan ng DMW ng legal, medikal, at pinansyal na tulong sa mga OFW.

Itinatag rin ng pamahalaan ang OFW Lounge sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) upang tiyakin ang kaginhawahan ng mga bumibiyaheng OFW.

Para sa kanilang proteksyon, pinaigting ng gobyerno ang mga hakbang laban sa human trafficking.

Sinusuportahan din ng DMW ang mga programa para sa reintegration ng mga nagbabalik na OFW sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng panimulang puhunan, pagsasanay sa financial literacy, at suporta sa kabuhayan.

“Lahat ng ito ay upang masiguro na hindi masasayang ang inyong pinaghirapan at maging matagumpay ang inyong pag-uwi. Kaya naman po sa inyong pag-alis at pagbalik, tandaan po ninyo na hindi kailanman kayo nag-iisa,” hayag ng Pangulo.

“Gagawin namin ang aming makakaya upang maprotektahan at masuportahan ang bawat Bagong Bayani.”

Ang mga awardee ng Bagong Bayani Award ngayong taon ay sina Engr. Romaline Dizon Isla bilang Outstanding Employee; Eva Rasgo Mapa para sa Community and Social Service; Michael Palic Conjusta para sa Culture and the Arts; Capt. Rolly Tenorio Lapinig and the 18 Filipino Crew of MV MSC Aube F para sa Heroic Act; at Camille Figueras Jesalva-Junio para sa the Susan “Toots” V. Ople Award.

Para sa Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration, ang mga awardee ay sina Elaine Vianca G. Figueroa, Ruellyn S. Ribon, at Alexander Inday Sebastian.

Bilang panghuli, si Capt. Gaudencio C. Morales ay awardee ng Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration at Capt. Gregorio S Oca Achievement Award. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday recognized the significant contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to national development, assuring them that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ease their lives and strengthen programs that protect their welfare.

During the awarding ceremony of the 2025 Bagong Bayani held at the Malacañan Palace, President Marcos expressed profound gratitude to migrant workers for exemplifying the Filipino spirit of compassion and hard work across the globe, earning admiration from the international community.

“Ngayong araw, magbibigay pugay tayo sa ating mga bagong bayani. Kinikilala ng Bagong Bayani Awards ang kakayahan, karangalan, at kabutihang loob ng mga Pilipino na sa kabila ng pang-iibang bansa, ay nagagawang ipakita ang tunay na pagka-Pilipino,” President Marcos said.

“Tuwing may kausap akong taga-ibang bansa, parating sinasabi sa akin ang husay ng mga Pilipino na nandoon sa amin. Kaya, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa pagbibigay karangalan sa ating bayan,” the President added.

President Marcos assured OFWs of continued full support from the government.

“Through the Department of Migrant Workers, we shall continue to elevate protection, streamline services, and ensure that every OFW is treated as the hero that they are,” the Chief Executive emphasized.

The Bagong Bayani Awards was established in 1983 through the Letter of Instruction No. 1320 issued by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. in recognition of OFWs who showcased professionalism, excellence, and dedication in their work.

President Marcos also acknowledged the sacrifices of migrant workers for their families and vowed continuous support to uplift their lives.

“Hindi biro ang manirahan sa ibang bansa, makisama sa ibang lahi, at mawalay sa pamilya, ngunit patuloy pa rin ang inyong mga sakripisyo para sa inyong mga minamahal sa buhay. Kaya bilang suporta, asahan ninyo na nandito lang ang inyong pamahalaan,” the President said.

Ongoing government initiatives include the digitalization of overseas employment processes such as the OFW Travel Pass via the eGovPH App and the Online Employment Contract Verification System; issuance of around 300,000 electronic cards from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) that provide easier access to government services and benefits; and improved health services through the OFW Hospital and OWWA Botika.

Meanwhile, under the AKSYON Fund, the DMW migrant worker offices and regional offices offer OFWs legal, medical, and financial assistance.

The government also established an OFW Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), ensuring comfort for traveling OFWs.

For their protection, the government has intensified actions to combat human trafficking.

The DMW also supports reintegration programs for returning OFWs through the provision of start-up capital, financial literacy training, and livelihood support.

“Lahat ng ito ay upang masiguro na hindi masasayang ang inyong pinaghirapan at maging matagumpay ang inyong pag-uwi. Kaya naman po sa inyong pag-alis at sa inyong pagbalik, tandaan po ninyo na hindi kailanman kayo nag-iisa,” President Marcos said.

“Gagawin namin ang aming makakaya upang maprotektahan at masuportahan ang bawat Bagong Bayani.”

This year’s Bagong Bayani awardees are Engr. Romaline Dizon Isla for Outstanding Employee; Eva Rasgo Mapa for Community and Social Service; Michael Palic Conjusta for Culture and the Arts; Capt. Rolly Tenorio Lapinig and the 18 Filipino Crew of MV MSC Aube F for Heroic Act); and Camille Figueras Jesalva-Junio for the Susan “Toots” V. Ople Award.

For the Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration, the awardees are Elaine Vianca G. Figueroa, Ruellyn S. Ribon, and Alexander Inday Sebastian.

Lastly, Capt. Gaudencio C. Morales was awarded both the Bagong Bayani Award for Successful Reintegration and Capt. Gregorio S Oca Achievement Award. | PND

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