The President and other high-ranking officials enjoy executive privilege and are not required to appear before congressional hearings, according to a Palace official.

This was in response to Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa‘s statement complaining about the non-appearance of executive officials during the second Senate hearing on the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

“Dapat malaman din po ni Senator Bato na patungkol po sa executive privilege ay matagal na po na inayunan ng Supreme Court,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Malacañang briefing.

Castro pointed to Supreme Court rulings supporting Malacañang’s stand in invoking executive privilege, answering questions from lawmakers, and attending congressional investigations.

“Kung saan po ang executive privilege ay patunay lamang po, according to the Supreme Court decisions, na ito po ay maaaring pong i-invoke ng ating Pangulo at kanyang mga high-ranking officials, especially kung ito ay patungkol sa deliberative process privilege, Presidential communications privilege, or state secrets privilege,” Castro said.

“So, sana po mabasa niya ang mga kasong ito para siya ay maliwanagan,” she said.

Dela Rosa urged the Senate to subpoena the Cabinet officials who refrained from attending the second hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Dela Rosa claimed their absence from the hearing by invoking executive privilege could trigger a constitutional crisis.

However, Castro reminded the senator that he was absent during the first Senate hearing.

“Hindi po ba niya natatandaan na nagkaroon na ng first hearing? Siya po yata ang wala. That was an opportunity para sa kanya para magtanong,” Castro said.

“So, huwag niya pong sisihin kung ngayon po ay hindi umatend ang mga Cabinet officials natin sa pangalawang hearing po,” she said.

Castro said the Cabinet officials attended the first Senate hearing for six hours. She added that the senator could have questioned them if he had participated in the hearing.

Castro said it was up to Dela Rosa to have the Cabinet officials subpoenaed, telling the lawmakers that he should be certain that he, too, would attend. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. created the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (SEI) Advisory Council to strengthen the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry and ensure global competitiveness.

The President issued Administrative Order No. 31 on March 28, 2025, to further accelerate the sector’s growth.

The newly created council will serve as the President’s primary advisory body on the semiconductor and electronics industry’s development, promotion, and competitiveness.

The Philippines is vital in the global semiconductors and electronics packaging value chain, with a five percent market share worldwide.

The AO stated that the SEl Advisory Council should provide strategic guidance and industry insights to ensure the implementation of the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Industry (PSEl) Roadmap and its alignment with the national economic development goals.

In coordination with the SEI Advisory Council, the AO also directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to develop the PSEl Roadmap, which will serve as a strategic framework to accelerate the growth and global competitiveness of the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry.

The SEl Advisory Council will be chaired by the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, with the trade secretary as vice chair and the secretaries of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), finance, energy, science and Technology; labor and employment; and education as members.

Other council members are the chairpersons of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), and one private sector representative from the semiconductor and electronics industry to be appointed by the President.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go said the AO’s issuance stresses the administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s top export sector – semiconductor and electronics.

“This development provides us a platform to supercharge industry growth, drive innovation, and enhance our global competitiveness,” Go said.

“It is part of our broader strategy to advance domestic manufacturing capabilities and move towards higher value-added activities,” he added.

Go said that through the advisory council, the government can operationalize a whole-of-government approach to facilitate investments that generate thousands of meaningful jobs. | PND

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday announced the provisional release of the 17 Filipinos arrested in Qatar for illegal assembly.

“We are very, very thankful to the Qatari authorities, to the Qatari government for allowing the provisional release of the 17 as the investigations proceed,” Cacdac said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“As directed by the President, legal assistance and welfare assistance will continually be provided to the 17 (Filipinos),” he said.

Cacdac said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed him to secure the immediate release of the 17 Filipinos in Qatar.

He said the Qatari authorities provisionally released the Filipinos in two separate batches. The three minors were immediately released following their arrest with the group.

Cacdac said they will be allowed to go home in Doha by releasing them pending ongoing investigation.

Among those detained were 12 males, five females, and three minors. They were arrested last March 27 in participating in a rally in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who was arrested and detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face trial on crimes against humanity.

President Marcos immediately directed the DMW, in partnership with the One Country Team, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine Embassy in Doha, to provide legal and welfare assistance to the 17 Filipinos.

Cacdac took the opportunity to remind overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to follow the laws and regulations of their host countries.

“Ang mensahe ay mag-ingat lang po. Siguraduhing sundin ang batas, ang mga regulasyon ng host countries,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that at least 328 low-income barangays will receive funding to establish their respective Child Development Centers (CDCs) this year.

President Marcos said that 89 of these barangays are in Luzon, 106 are in the Visayas, and 133 are in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

On March 4, the President directed the Department of Budget and Development (DBM) to prioritize funding to build CDCs to serve as venues for implementing Early Childhood and Development (ECCD) programs and services.

“Sa mga centers na ito, maaring makapaglaro, makapagbasa, at makapag-aral ang ating mga kabataan,” the President said.

The Chief Executive made the remarks during the signing of a joint circular between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the DBM on establishing CDCs.

“It can also be used as a resource center for developmentally appropriate learning materials and a laboratory for conducting research, data gathering, and innovations about early childhood,” he said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng CDCs, magkakaroon ng maayos na pundasyon ang ating mga anak na siya namang magpapatibay sa pundasyon ng ating bansa,” the President added.

He stressed the need to establish CDCs following reports from the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council that at least 3,800 barangays have yet to set up their centers.

Republic Act No. 6972 requires each barangay to have at least one CDC.

The President said that in addition to the national government, the local government units (LGUs) will shoulder additional costs as part of their counterpart obligation to complete the project.

He called for the full commitment of LGUs in ensuring the project’s success.

“You must provide our childhood development teachers and workers with the support and resources that they need while encouraging our community members to take an active role in the CDCs,” the President said.

“To every official and worker who believes in the power of this endeavor, I am confident that your work here will positively impact our children, our families, and then our communities,” he added.

He also urged parents “to take time to read stories” to their children, saying “it is time well invested.” | PND

On a slow Thursday morning, Malacañang became filled with children’s laughter and excitement as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joyfully read them a short story titled “Ang Limang Tuta.”

The book, written by Eugene Y. Evasco and illustrated by Almar Denso, tells the story of two boys who found five puppies seeking refuge under a bridge. The story teaches children to treat animals like humans with love and kindness.

The story also teaches children that caring for others brings joy and fulfillment and highlights the value of empathy and kindness, whether toward animals or people.

The award-winning Evasco is known for his children’s stories, which include “Si Mabait at ang mga Daliri ng Liwanag” (2004), “Ang Sampung Bukitkit” (2010), “Tag-araw ng mga Ibong Hilaga” (2011), “Mga Saranggola sa Tag-ulan” (2012), “Ang Nag-iisa at Natatanging si Onyok” (2015), “Ang Aklatang Pusa” (2018), and “Ang Nanay ni Erwin/Ang Tatay ni Clara” (2018).

The storytelling session took place before the ceremonial signing of a joint circular between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the setting up of Child Development Centers (CDCs).

“I can stay here all day,” President Marcos said between laughs, enjoying the company of 30 children, aged three to five, from daycare centers in Barangays 833, 645, and 646 in Manila.

Smiling warmly, President Marcos greeted the children, who eagerly showed him their colorful toys while introducing them to his pets, “Tequi” and “Lucky,” two of his beloved dogs.

Republic Act No. 6972, enacted in 1990, requires each barangay to have at least one CDC. However, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council reported that 3,800 barangays had not established their centers.

In his speech, President Marcos said the government has identified at least 328 low-income barangays that will receive funding to establish daycare centers.

Of these barangays, 89 are in Luzon, 106 in the Visayas, and 133 in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The President said the CDCs will serve as venues for implementing Early Childhood Care and Development programs, specifically Early Learning Programs and the Family Support Program.

“The government continues to find ways to support our children so they can grow, they can thrive, and reach full potential. Through health and community programs, we remain committed to helping them become productive members of our society,” he said.

President Marcos stressed that the national and local governments will work together to promote children’s welfare through various child development initiatives, including establishing daycare centers.

As for the local government units (LGUs), the President said they would cover additional costs as part of their counterpart obligation to complete the project. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rallied local government units (LGUs) officials, educators, and parents on Thursday to work more closely to ensure the success of the government’s child development projects.

“The government continues to find ways to support our children so they can grow, they can thrive, and reach full potential,” President Marcos said.

“Through health and community programs, we remain committed to helping them become productive members of our society,” he said.

The President spoke during the ceremonial signing of a joint circular between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the creation of Child Development Centers (CDCs) by LGUs.

In his speech, he stressed the importance of early childhood education in the Philippines, which he said justified the need for setting up CDCs.

According to the President, some barangays nationwide still lack CDC facilities despite existing legislation.

Republic Act No. 6972, enacted in 1990, mandates the creation of a daycare center in every barangay to provide comprehensive care and protection for children under each barangay and for each barangay to have at least one CDC.

However, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) reported that 3,800 barangays in the country have no CDCs.

The Chief Executive said the government’s success in this initiative requires the full commitment of LGUs.

He stressed the need to support childhood development teachers and workers by providing them with the necessary resources while encouraging active community participation in CDCs.

“To every official and worker who believes in the power of this endeavor, I am confident that your work here will positively impact our children, our families, and then our communities,” the President said.

The President also urged parents to “take the time to read stories” to their children, saying it was “time well invested.”

On March 4, the President instructed the DBM to prioritize funding for establishing CDCs, particularly in low-income areas. LGUs are expected to shoulder additional costs as part of their counterpart’s obligation to complete the project.

“Today we gather with one goal: to create a better and brighter future for our children. Today, our agencies are working hard to make our education system right for our students,” the President said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga CDCs, magkakaroon ng maayos na pundasyon ang ating mga anak na siya namang magpapatibay sa pundasyon ng ating bansa,” he added.

The government has identified 328 low-income barangays, 89 in Luzon, 106 in Visayas, and 133 in Mindanao, including BARMM, that will receive funding to support early childhood development initiatives.

Other initiatives to support children’s health, nutrition, and development include the First 1,000 Days cash grant, feeding programs, and the Walang Gutom Program. | PND

The government is strengthening collaborations with the private sector to enhance disaster preparedness, especially during earthquakes. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Ariel F. Nepomuceno said on Wednesday.

“We are now leveling up public participation. We are already institutionalizing partnerships with the private sector,” said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

“Kailangan namin ang mas malawak at mas malalim na partisipasyon ng private sector. We assure you, based na rin ito sa utos ni Pangulong (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos na pagbutihin natin ang paghahanda sa tulong ng private sector,” he also said.

Nepomuceno said that the OCD has officially signed agreements with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and academic institutions, including the University of the Philippines (UP) and other educational organizations.

The OCD is enhancing its partnerships with local civil engineering groups to assist the government in disaster management, he added.

Nepomuceno said that the government is working with the private sector and civil society to respond to calamities, reflecting the current global norm in dealing with calamities.

At the core of the government’s disaster response are three primary services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), consisting of the Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Air Force as key responders.

The AFP will receive support from the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

“Sila iyong ating backbone – plus the volunteers from the local government units. Marami naman tayong sanay na subali’t padadamihin pa natin sila upang sigurado tayo,” Nepomuceno said.

“Once needed, they are ready bilang paghahanda, including the equipment and the communications capability,” he added. | PND

The maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice is now at PhP45 per kilo, Malacañang said on Wednesday, noting the drop in global prices of the staple.

“Nasa 45 pesos kada kilo ang maximum suggested retail price or MSRP ng imported rice kasunod ng patuloy na pagbaba ng global rice prices,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Malacañang briefing.

Castro quoted the Department of Agriculture (DA) as saying that since the MSRP was implemented, there was a reduction of PhP19 from the price of imported rice, which previously sold at PhP64 per kilo.

She said the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) sees the MSRP as a big factor in reducing rice prices and slowing inflation.

“Nakatulong din ang mas mababang presyo ng bigas sa pagbagal ng inflation rate nitong Pebrero sa 2.1 percent mula 2.9 percent noong Enero,” Castro said.

The MSRP was implemented after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the reduction of rice tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent in July 2024. | PND

The government assured continued assistance to 17 Filipinos arrested in Qatar for participating in political rallies supporting former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who is facing trial in The Hague, Netherlands, for charges of crimes against humanity.

“Obligasyon pa rin po ng ating pamahalaan, ng administrasyon, ang mga Pilipino anuman po ang kulay nila,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

Castro responded to a query from the media if the government would ensure the safety and well-being of the detained Filipinos in Qatar.

She said the government will continue to assist Filipinos detained in Qatar following their arrest for holding mass actions supporting the former president.

“Wala po tayong sinisino. Wala po tayong discrimination patungkol po diyan. Basta po kapwa Pilipino ay tutulungan po iyan ng administrasyon,” she added.

Castro stressed that the government had taken immediate action upon learning of the arrests.

She said the government had instructed the labor attaché, also a lawyer, to assess the situation of the detained Filipinos.

“Maliban po diyan at kung ano pa po ang maaari nating ibigay na tulong, let’s say, mga care packages na sa abot na makakaya ng ating pamahalaan, ibibigay po natin sa ating kababayan sa nasabing bansa,” Castro added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said that 17 Filipinos are in police custody, about one hour away from Doha, after they were arrested for participating in a rally supporting the former president. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed relevant government agencies to mobilize resources and provide immediate assistance to Myanmar and Thailand following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, which was also felt in Thailand.

“Iyan po ay ipinag-utos po ng Pangulo sa ating mga agency na agaran po na tumulong sa ating mga kapitbahay na bansa,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Malacañang press briefing on Monday.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. led an interagency meeting that has provisionally agreed to deploy a response team of 114 personnel from various government agencies on Tuesday.

Castro reported that some Filipinos were affected by the earthquake in Myanmar and parts of Thailand.

She said that the contingent will consist of teams from various organizations, including the Department of Health (DOH), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Urban Search and Rescue Unit, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and private sector partners such as Apex Mining Corporation and First Gen Energy Development.

“Nagkaroon po ng interagency meeting at sa pangunguna rin po ni Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. ay sinabi po na imo-mobilize na po ang mga resources para po agad tayong makatulong sa ating mga karatig-bansa,” Castro said.

She said that the government’s emergency response efforts will focus on medical aid, search and rescue operations, and logistical support for recovery initiatives in affected areas.

The Philippine embassies in Myanmar and Thailand are also closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos in both countries. | PND