In a bold gesture of peace, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on all newly elected officials to unify and “move forward together” for the nation’s good.

“Governance is a shared responsibility, a mission that requires unity and burden sharing for the common good,” President Marcos said in a statement.

“To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand. Let us move forward together—with open minds and a common purpose,” the President added.

A day after the May 12 midterm elections, the Chief Executive said newly elected officials were put into office by the electorate to face the task head-on and listen to and act on the people’s daily burdens, including inflation, jobs, and corruption.

“Public service goes beyond elections. The work of nation-building needs all who are ready to serve,” the President noted.

Quoting the rallying cry for unity by his late father and namesake, President Marcos said, “If we are to prevail, we must prevail as Filipinos—for it is the only way to endure. If we are to attain our goals, we must march forward, not to the past but to the future.”

“And we must do this as one family, a nation united,” the President echoed his father’s words. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thanked all Filipino people who braved long lines, high temperatures, and intense heat to cast their votes in last Monday’s midterm elections, which he described as a renewal of democracy.

In a statement on Tuesday, President Marcos described the voters’ sacrifices as their powerful reaffirmation of the democratic spirit and commitment to nation-building.

“Maraming salamat sa bawat Pilipinong bumoto. Once again, our democracy has renewed itself—peacefully, orderly and with dignity,” President Marcos said.

The May 12 elections were “both a celebration of continuity and a call to act on the real challenges our people face,” the President said.

President Marcos also thanked those who supported the administration’s “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” candidates.

“We may not have won every seat, but our work and mission continue,” the President said.

“The work of nation-building needs all who are ready to serve,” President Marcos added.

On the eve of the May 12 elections, the President has urged Filipinos to exercise their right to vote responsibly and protect the integrity of the country’s democratic process. | PND

Hours before the May 12 midterm elections’ voting process concluded, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to elect capable, competent, and compassionate leaders committed to advancing the country’s continued progress.

“Sabi rin po ng Pangulo na dapat ang ating mga kababayan ay bumoto ng tama, ‘yung marunong, magaling, at higit sa lahat ‘yung may puso para sa masang Pilipino. Yun po ang naging standard ng Pangulo,” PCO Secretary Jay C. Ruiz said in an interview.

Secretary Ruiz said President Marcos’s message was not just a reminder but a guide for Filipinos who are seeking meaningful changes in governance, especially now that the country confronts many challenges.

“Kung gusto niyo ng pagbabago, gusto niyo ng bagong sistema o gusto niyo ng mas magandang sistema ay bumoto po kayo ng mga lider na may puso o interes para sa mamayang Pilipino. ‘Yun po ang kinakailangan natin ngayon,” the PCO chief said.

Secretary Ruiz highlighted the importance of electing truly committed leaders to public service. Millions of voters trooped to polling precincts nationwide.

The Presidential Communications chief advised the public to rely on trusted news sources for election updates, as he assured that state media agencies are broadcasting accurate and fair election coverage.

A total of 18,280 seats across 14 different positions—from senators to municipal councilors—are up for grabs in the May 12 midterm elections, with polling precincts scheduled to close at 7 p.m. Monday. | PND

The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday rallied citizens to be vigilant against disinformation and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of relying on trusted and credible sources for accurate election news.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay C. Ruiz stressed the importance of access to accurate, fair, and ethical reporting, describing the May 12 elections as critical for Philippine democracy.

“Dapat po walang magpakalat ng fake news lalong-lalong na napaka-critical ng boto. Napaka-critical ng halalan. Dahil sa demokrasya, yan po ang ating foundation ng demokrasya tulad ng Pilipinas,” Secretary Ruiz said in a live interview.

Secretary Ruiz encouraged voters to seek information from reputable news outlets led by the Integrated State Media, which is committed to public service and responsible journalism.

“Kung gusto nyo ng isang accurate, patas na coverage, nandito po yan. Dahil sabi nga ng Pangulo, dapat ipakita natin sa buong pwersa, buong bansa, na tayo’y nandito, ang gobyerno ay nandito para sa kanila,” Secretary Ruiz said.

The PCO chief emphasized that voters play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the elections, rejecting disinformation, and reporting any irregularities they encounter.

At the same time, Secretary Ruiz reminded voters of practical steps they can take to make voting more comfortable: bring water, check precinct locations early, and be patient despite the searing summer heat.

“Ito ay alang-alang sa ating henerasyon at sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Pumili po tayo ng mga tamang lider ng ating bansa. Every three years lang po na kung saan ang mamamayan naman ang may say sa gobyerno. Ito lang po yung araw na yun,” the Secretary said.

Aligned with President Marcos’ vision for the nation, Secretary Ruiz urged voters to elect leaders who will genuinely collaborate with the government in advancing the welfare and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.

“Maraming problema yung bansa eh. Pero sa pagkakaisa, sa tamang pagpili ng mga lider na talagang may puso para sa public service, e posibleng mabago po ang Pilipinas,” the Secretary said.

“At yan na nga po ang sinasabi ni Pangulong Marcos na tayo po’y habang may buhay may pag-asa sa bagong Pilipinas,” Secretary Ruiz said. | PND

In an unprecedented move toward unified public service, all state-run media agencies joined forces under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to broadcast on Monday “the Hatol ng Bayan 2025,” the most expansive and integrated election coverage in Philippine history.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay C. Ruiz said in a live interview on Monday that key state media entities, namely the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine News Agency (PNA), People’s Television Network (PTV), Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC), Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), and Radyo Pilipinas, have consolidated their efforts to provide real-time, reliable, and nationwide election reporting.

“Sabi ng Pangulong Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., na dapat ang state media ang maging tunay na mata, boses, at tenga ng sambayanan,” Secretary Ruiz said.

The “Hatol ng Bayan 2025” coverage began at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, May 12, and will continue until 2:00 a.m. on May 13.

The PCO secretary said that with over 200 correspondents strategically deployed across the archipelago—from Batanes to Jolo—state media teams are equipped with satellite links and mobile internet capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted live reporting from even the most remote precincts.

Secretary Ruiz also said that PCO’s Integrated Media Command Center partners with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to monitor online spaces and combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

“Dapat po walang magpakalat ng fake news lalong-lalong na napaka-critical ng boto,” the Secretary said.

Secretary Ruiz confirmed that early attempts at online disinformation have already been identified and neutralized.

The Secretary also urged the public to rely on trusted news sources, especially during the elections. The Secretary assured that state media agencies are here to serve, inform, and protect our democracy.

“Kung gusto nyo ng isang accurate, patas na coverage, nandito po yan. Dahil sabi nga ng Pangulo, dapat ipakita natin sa buong pwersa, buong bansa, na tayo’y nandito, ang gobyerno ay nandito para sa kanila,” Secretary Ruiz said.

The Secretary voted early Monday morning in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, where he observed smooth processing and minimal waiting time during the voting process.

Acknowledging varying conditions across precincts, Secretary Ruiz reminded voters to be patient, bring water, and check their precinct assignments in advance.

The Secretary also reiterated the President’s call for voters to elect competent, wise, and compassionate leaders.

“Bumoto po kayo ng mga leader na may puso or interest para sa mamamayan Pilipino,” Secretary Ruiz said. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the government on Monday urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any form of election-related fake news, misinformation, and disinformation through dedicated hotlines, email, and social media channels.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay C. Ruiz said the state media’s monitoring of fake news is strengthened by the support of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

“Nandito rin, pinagsama rin natin ng Department of Information and Communication Technology, yung DICT sa likod natin, na siya naman nagmo-monitor ng ating mga social media information,” Secretary Ruiz said on Monday.

“Alam niyo po, kaya inilagay na rin natin yung DICT na yan dito sa Integrated State Media ay upang makita natin yung mga nagpapakalat ng fake news,” the PCO chief said.

President Marcos ordered the government to combat fake news and disinformation, especially during the May 12, 2025, elections.

Secretary Ruiz said authorities have already acted swiftly against early attempts to spread false information as part of the government’s intensified efforts to ensure clean and credible elections.

“At ngayon, iilan pa lang naman, at natunugan na natin kaagad, take down kaagad itong mga nagpapakalat ng fake news. Dapat po walang magpakalat ng fake news lalong-lalong na napaka-critical ng boto,” the PCO chief said.

“Lalong-lalo na napaka-critical ng halalan. Dahil sa demokrasya, yan po ang ating foundation ng demokrasya tulad ng Pilipinas,” Secretary Ruiz stressed.

Citizens were encouraged to report misleading or false content that could undermine the integrity of the 2025 midterm elections.

Reports may be sent through the following contact lines:
• DITO: 0991-481-4225
• Globe: 0966-976-5971
• Smart: 0947-714-7105
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook Messenger: Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center
• Website: www.cicc. gov.ph

| PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday joined the estimated 70 million registered voters in casting his ballot for the 2025 midterm elections.

President Marcos arrived at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, at 7:08 a.m. to cast his ballot in Precinct Number 36-A, along with his mother, former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos and sister Irene Marcos-Araneta.

Just like an ordinary registered voter, President Marcos lined up and received his ballot from a teacher serving as an election officer.

Seated and preparing to shade his ballot, the President glanced out the window and smiled at other voters outside his assigned polling precinct. He completed shading the names of the candidates of his choice in about three minutes.

As he prepared to insert his ballot into the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machine to complete the voting process, President Marcos once again waved to the crowd outside the classroom serving as a polling precinct.

President Marcos even reviewed the receipt from the PCOS machine to ensure his votes were accurately reflected.

An election officer then put indelible ink on his right index finger, which he showed to those outside the polling precinct, including cameramen, signifying that he had officially cast his vote.
The President chatted with some voters outside the polling precincts and the school compound.

Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos also joined the President in Batac.

In a video message posted on his official social media account on Sunday, President Marcos urged Filipinos to exercise their right to vote responsibly and protect the integrity of the country’s democratic process.

The President said the midterm elections are both a right and a duty of every Filipino citizen and an opportunity for every voice to be heard and for aspirations for a better nation.

There a total of 18,280 seats covering 14 different posts from senators to municipal councilors are at stake.

“Mga kababayan, ngayon halalan gamitin natin ang ating karapatan at gampanan ang ating pananamayang Pilipino,” the President said. “Isang pagkakataon ito para marinig ang boses ng bawat isa at maipahayag ang mga pangarap na mahalaga sa inyo at sa bayan.” | PND

On the eve of the May 12 national and local elections, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to exercise their right to vote responsibly and protect the integrity of the country’s democratic process.

In a one-minute video message posted on his official social media account, President Marcos emphasized that elections are both a right and a duty of every Filipino citizen and an opportunity for every voice to be heard and for aspirations for a better nation.

“Mga kababayan, ngayong halalan, gamitin natin ang ating karapatan at gampanan ang ating pananagutan bilang mamamayang Pilipino,” the President added.

“Isang pagkakataon ito para marinig ang boses ng bawat isa at maipahayag ang mga pangarap na mahalaga sa inyo at sa bayan.”

Acknowledging the diversity of political beliefs, President Marcos noted that differing opinions are at the heart of democracy, but these must not lead to division, violence, or fear.

“Iba’t iba man ang ating paniniwala, ‘yan ang diwa ng demokrasya. Pero ang pagkakaiba ng opinyon ay hindi dapat mauwi sa gulo o pananakot. Ipinaglalaban natin ang kinabukasan sa balota. Hindi sa lansangan. Hindi sa karahasan.”

The Chief Executive urged voters to choose candidates with integrity, compassion, and genuine capacity to serve, while calling on all candidates to respect the electoral process and uphold dignity throughout the campaign and beyond.

“Kaya bumoto po tayo. Piliin ang tapat, may malasakit, at may kakayahang magsilbi. At sa mga kandidato, igalang natin ang proseso. Tapusin natin ang halalan ng may dangal at katahimikan,” the President said.

President Marcos appealed for unity in ensuring an orderly and just election, where close to 70 million registered voters are expected to cast their votes.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that a total of 18,280 seats covering 14 different posts from senators to municipal councilors are up for grabs.

“Magtulungan po tayo upang mapanatili ang isang maayos, mapayapa, at makatarungang halalan. Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino. Mabuhay ang ating demokrasya,” President Marcos said.

The President’s statement comes amid nationwide preparations for the May 12 vote, in which millions of Filipinos are expected to choose their next leaders.

In compliance with President Marcos’ directive, government media will collaborate closely to provide the public with accurate and complete election updates on May 12, 2025, dubbed “Hatol ng Bayan 2025.”

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz said the PCO will lead this effort, ensuring government-run TV, radio, and online platforms report timely and trustworthy news throughout election day.

The “Hatol ng Bayan 2025” coverage will begin on Monday, May 12, at 5:00 a.m. and continue until May 13, at 2:00 a.m. The coverage will be available on the television, radio, and digital platforms of PTV, IBC, Radyo Pilipinas-Radyo Publiko, PIA, and PNA. | PND

In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, state media will collaborate to provide the public with accurate and complete election updates on May 12, 2025, dubbed “Hatol ng Bayan 2025.”

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz said the PCO will lead this effort, ensuring government-run TV, radio, and online platforms report timely and trustworthy news throughout election day.

The “Hatol ng Bayan 2025” coverage will begin on Monday, May 12, at 5:00 a.m. and continue until May 13, at 2:00 a.m. The coverage will be available on the television, radio, and digital platforms of PTV, IBC, Radyo Pilipinas-Radyo Publiko, PIA, and PNA.

Secretary Ruiz on Saturday oversaw the final preparations for the “Hatol ng Bayan 2025” election coverage as he met with the heads and staff of the People’s Television Network (PTV), Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and Philippine News Agency (PNA), at the PTV central office in Quezon City.

“Nandito po ang Integrated State Media para alamin ang katotohanan, dito—ito po ang sandigan ng katotohanan. We will be the vanguards of truth sa panahon ng eleksiyon, ’yan po ang alay natin sa sambayanan,” Secretary Ruiz pointed out.

The PCO Secretary also cited the state media’s collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to combat disinformation and “fake news” during the campaign period.

President Marcos directed government agencies to ensure peaceful, orderly, and credible elections that truly reflected the people’s will.

The PCO chief said that as directed by the President state media outlets will provide timely news updates live from various parts of the country and through their social media platforms. | PND

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Office of the President received a 61.8% satisfaction rating in a recent survey, the highest among government offices, as the administration delivered the promised PhP20-per-kilo rice and other social programs.

The latest Tangere nationwide survey, conducted from May 8 to 9, showed a significant 10 percent increase in the President’s rating.

The survey said the President’s high satisfaction rating is primarily driven by support from the lower income classes and from those residing in rural areas.

The nationwide survey had a 1,500 sample size with a 2.48 percent margin of error.

“The increase is driven by respondents belonging to socio-economic class D and E (lower income class) and those living in rural areas. The increase can be attributed primarily to the initial rollout of the PHP20 rice promised during the campaign period,” the survey firm noted.

The Tangere survey findings supported the OCTA Research report that President Marcos remains the country’s most trusted government official.

The Tangere survey also credited the launch of irrigation projects that resulted in double harvests for farmers, the improvement in health infrastructure especially related to pediatric care, and the delivery of completed units under the National Housing Authority (NHA), for President Marcos’ higher satisfaction rating.

The President’s Cabinet also saw a modest improvement in public perception, as its satisfaction rating increased from 49.4% to 51.9%.

The survey underscores the continued public support for the Marcos administration’s development and social welfare agenda about halfway through its six-year term.

Earlier, OCTA Research reported that President Marcos remains the country’s most trusted government official based on the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted by OCTA Research.

The President received a trust rating of 60% and a performance rating of 59% in the April 2025 TNM nationwide survey of OCTA. | PND