The “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website has received over 16,000 complaints on anomalous flood control and other public infrastructure projects, which will all be forwarded to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“Ang mga natanggap na sumbong as of now ay 16,275 na report at lahat ito, dahil mayroon na pong ICI, ay ipapasa na po sa ICI,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website last August 11, urging citizens to fulfill their civic duty by directly reporting to him any non-existent, non-operational or substandard flood control projects in their areas.

The website, sumbongsapangulo.ph, was created in line with the President’s order during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28 to investigate corruption in flood control projects in light of repeated widespread flooding during heavy rains.

On September 11, President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 94 creating the ICI to investigate flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the last 10 years, and to recommend appropriate charges against government officials, employees, or individuals involved in the misuse of public funds.

On Monday, September 15, the President named retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as chairperson of the ICI, and former DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo as the two ICI members. | PND

Over 2.5 million food packs are ready for distribution to areas anticipated to be affected by Tropical Depression Mirasol, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for swift disaster response, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) prepared the food packs to ensure that food is available for evacuees.

“Sinigurado ng Department of Social Welfare and Development na nakahanda na ang higit sa 2.5 million food packs at iba pang relief items para sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.

“Alinsunod ito sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na pag-ibayuhin ang disaster preparedness ng bansa,” Castro added.

Aside from food packs, Castro said over 100,000 boxes of ready-to-eat food are also ready for dispatch for individuals who may be stranded due to bad weather.

Meanwhile, more than 300,000 relief items, including blankets, hygiene kits, and modular tents, are on standby for families who will be evacuated to temporary shelters.

Castro said the DSWD is closely monitoring the areas affected by Tropical Depression Mirasol to guarantee the immediate delivery of aid.

“Patuloy ang coordination ng DSWD sa mga LGUs para siguruhin na mapabilis ang pagtulong sa mga maaapektuhan ng bagyo,” Castro said.

Castro also reminded the public to prioritize their safety and to follow directives from their local government units (LGUs) to ensure their welfare.

As of Wednesday afternoon, September 17, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed 17 areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 due to the effects of Tropical Depression Mirasol.

These are Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the northern and central portions of Aurora, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the northeastern portion of Pangasinan, and the northern portion of Nueva Ecija. | PND

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revised its 2026 proposed budget, leading to a substantial reduction in flood control projects.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the DPWH has reduced its initial budget proposal of PhP881.3 billion by nearly 30 percent.

Castro said the proposed budget for 2026 has been adjusted to PhP625.8 billion following the removal of PhP252 billion in locally funded flood control projects that were flagged for irregularities.

“Sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na repasuhin ang budget ng Department of Public Works and Highways, tinapyasan na ng ahensya ang kanilang proposed budget ng halos 30 percent mula sa original proposal nito na 881.3 billion pesos. Aabot na lang sa 625.8 billion pesos ang kanilang budget proposal matapos na tanggalin ang lahat ng locally funded flood control projects na nagkakahalaga ng 252 billion pesos,” Castro said.

Castro said that the DPWH has asked Congress to reallocate the PhP252 billion to programs and projects that will directly benefit the people, particularly in the areas of agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, labor, social welfare, and information technology.

The Palace Press Officer reiterated that the administration is pursuing accountability against those involved in anomalous flood control projects.

Under Executive Order No. 94 issued on September 11, President Marcos created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against government officials, employees, or individuals involved in anomalies in flood control and related projects of the DPWH within the last 10 years. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed relevant government agencies to broaden the reach of the administration’s Benteng Bigas, Meron Na program, which is now accessible to 57,000 public transport workers nationwide, and will soon be available to public school teachers and non-teaching staff.

“Pwede nang bumili ng mura at dekalidad na bigas ang mga tsuper sa ilalim ng Benteng Bigas Meron Na program,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

“Sunod namang magiging parte ng programa ang public school teachers at non-teaching personnel. Ito’y ayon sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na gawing mas accessible ang abot-kayang bigas para sa mga Pilipino,” Castro added.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) rolled out the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na program —the flagship affordable rice initiative of President Marcos —to initially reach more than 57,000 bus, jeepney, and tricycle drivers and operators across five major cities.

The public transport sector now joins the ranks of those benefiting from the PhP20 per kilo rice, part of the sweeping effort of President Marcos to bring down the cost of living for Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sectors.

Under the program, eligible drivers and operators will be allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos of the PhP20 per kilo rice per month.

The DA said the initial rollouts took place in Quezon City, Navotas City, Angeles City, Pampanga, Cebu City, and Tagum City.

“Ayon sa Department of Agriculture, patuloy ang pagpapalawak sa programa upang maabot nito ang target na 15 million households o 60 million na mga Pilipino,” Castro said.

Originally aimed at senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, 4Ps beneficiaries, and indigent households, the Benteng Bigas Meron program has rapidly expanded to cover minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, and beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Walang Gutom Program. ǀ PND

Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., three new laws have taken effect creating two additional barangays in Bulacan and Pampanga, and renaming an existing barangay in Muntinlupa City.

Republic Act (RA) No. 12279 established Barangay Friendship Village Resources—to be known as Barangay FVR—in the municipality of Norzagaray, Bulacan. The measure grants the community full status as a barangay with its own local government unit.

RA No. 12280 created Barangay Pulung Bulu in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, giving residents more direct representation and improved access to government services.

Meanwhile, RA No. 12281 renamed Barangay New Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City as Barangay Ayala Alabang. The change shall take effect upon ratification by a majority of qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted by the Commission on Elections within 120 days, with expenses to be shouldered by the City of Muntinlupa.

For the two newly created barangays, the laws provide that the previously conducted plebiscites shall serve as compliance with the Local Government Code requirement. Incumbent officials will remain in office until their successors are elected and qualified.

All existing public infrastructures and facilities are transferred to and shall be managed by the new barangays without cost. They will likewise be entitled to National Tax Allotment (NTA) shares under the Local Government Code. Finally, all inconsistent laws and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly. | PND

Five new regional trial courts (RTCs) have been created in Zamboanga del Norte and Palawan provinces under Republic Acts (RA) 12266 and 12267, aimed at expanding judicial access.

RA No. 12266 created an additional RTC branch in the municipality of Labason in Zamboanga del Norte.

Meanwhile, RA No. 12267 created four additional RTC branches in Palawan.

Two of them are located in Coron, while the other two RTC branches are located in Brooke’s Point and in Roxas.

The Supreme Court Chief Justice, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary, shall immediately include in the Court’s program the operationalization of the additional branches of RTCs in Zamboanga del Norte and Palawan.

The Supreme Court shall also issue necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the new laws, and if warranted, the realignment of seats of existing branches and their territorial jurisdictions.

The funds necessary for the operations of these courts shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual organization of the courts and the appointment of personnel.

These Republic Acts shall take effect 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette or in newspapers of general circulation. | PND

Two electric cooperatives were granted 25-year franchises to construct and distribute electric power to 20 towns in Laguna and Camarines Sur.

Republic Act (RA) No. 12278 granted a 25-year franchise to First Laguna Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FLECO) to construct, operate, and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to the end-users in the municipalities of Cavinti, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan, Famy, Mabitac, and Sta. Maria, all in the province of Laguna.

Meanwhile, RA No. 12277 granted the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO IV) a similar 25-year franchise to operate in the municipalities of Ocampo, Tigaon, Sagñay, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Garchitorena, and Caramoan, all in the province of Camarines Sur.

The two electric cooperatives are allowed to make excavations in any public places for the purpose of erecting and maintaining electric poles or other supports, with the approval of the Department of Public Works and Highways

(DPWH).

“If the grantees fail to repair any highway, road, street, lane, alley, avenue, sidewalk, or bridge they have altered within 10 days, the DPWH or the concerned local government unit shall undertake the repair and replacement, and charge the grantees double the cost and expenses incurred,” the two laws stated.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) shall regulate the retail rates and charges for the distribution of electric power by FLECO and CASURECO IV.

The two electric cooperatives are required to report on their operations to the Senate and House of Representatives every April 30. If they fail to do so, they will be penalized PhP500 per working day of non-compliance. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen its presence across various domains as geopolitical challenges evolve.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I call on you to continue to strengthen our presence in the air, on land, and at sea,” President Marcos said during the oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP.

“We must guard the peace we have gained and deepen our ties with partners who also envision a freer, more stable region,” President Marcos added.

The Commander-in-Chief acknowledged the AFP’s multiple achievements this year.

The President mentioned strengthening the country’s international defense posture through joint and multinational exercises, such as Balikatan 40, Exercise ALON with Australia, Talisman Sabre, and engagements with partners across the Indo-Pacific.

President Marcos said the AFP has also continued to maintain readiness through training, simulations, and command exercises, thus improving its tactical responsiveness to ensure that it is prepared to defend the country.

At the same time, the AFP has demonstrated its reliability in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, from typhoons and volcanic eruptions to earthquakes here in the country and even in Myanmar, the President said.

“You have shown our people and the world that the Filipino soldier is always ready to save lives, deliver relief, and rebuild communities,” President Marcos said.

The President said the accomplishments underscore the professionalism, dedication, and readiness of the AFP, as well as strengthen the people’s confidence in the country’s ability to protect its sovereignty and uphold its values.

Recognizing the AFP’s sacrifices in serving the nation, President Marcos assured that his administration “will do the best we can to provide you with the resources and benefits so that you can focus on your duty.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday he expects the military to remain loyal to both the Constitution and the Filipino people, as the Commander-in-Chief led the swearing-in ceremony for newly promoted high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Huwag kalimutan: Ang panunumpa ninyo ngayon ay sa Republika at sa bawat Pilipinong nagtitiwala na dahil sa inyo, sila ay mabubuhay nang ligtas at may dangal,” President Marcos said during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly promoted generals and flag officers in Malacañan Palace.

“Today is not only a milestone but a renewed pledge that your loyalty remains with the Constitution and the Filipino people,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

The President said he expects the newly promoted military top brass to always act with integrity, uphold the rule of law, and defend democracy.

As the new AFP officials took their oath, President Marcos reminded them to set an example for the young men and women in the uniformed services “who will look to you for your leadership.”

“These new stars you’ll carry will demand your utmost discipline, honor, and service,” the President said.

The Commander-in-Chief acknowledged that their promotion is well-deserved, as he recognized the AFP’s various achievements this year.

“These accomplishments underscore the professionalism, the dedication, and the readiness of the Armed Forces,” the President said.

“They also strengthen the confidence of our people in your ability to protect our sovereignty and to uphold the values that we hold as a nation.”

The military has also continued to sustain readiness through training, simulations, and command exercises, the President said.

These initiatives have improved the tactical responsiveness of the AFP, ensuring that it remains prepared to defend the country. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday said that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) tasked with investigating anomalous flood control projects, will collaborate with, rather than overlap or contradict, other government agencies conducting separate investigations into these projects.

“Ang ICI po ay binigyan ng kapangyarihan upang makipag-collaborate, upang tawagin ang anumang ahensiya ng gobyerno na maaaring makatulong sa pag-iimbestiga,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Castro cited investigations to be conducted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“Kasama na rin diyan ang NBI at ang iba pong mga law enforcement agencies. At ang gagawin ng DOJ ay hindi naman po sila gagawa ng maaaring kumontra o mag-overlap sa adhikain at misyon ng ICI,” said Castro.

The DOJ has created a special task force to investigate alleged corruption and bid-rigging in flood control projects.

According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon will chair the Public Works Corruption and Bid-Rigging Task Force, with the NBI’s Public Corruption Division acting as lead investigator.

“Malamang at maaari nating masabi, ang gagawin pong task force na ito ay para mapabilis ang mga nauna nilang naimbestigahan. Kung mayroon na silang naimbestigahan noon, maaari na agad magsampa ng kaso, at hindi naman ito tututulan ng ICI,” said Castro, when asked to comment on the DOJ’s plan. | PND