President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the reform measures carried out by the administration has started to bear fruit as evidenced by the entry of huge investments in the country over the past few years.

“Foreign investments continue to pour in because of our beneficial policies, especially those promoting ease of doing business and accelerating digital transformation that curb red tape and corruption,” President Marcos said in his Fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“Over the past three years, more than six trillion pesos in investments have been facilitated through our Green Lanes. These are estimated to create over 400,000 jobs for our fellow Filipinos.”

Productive ecozones laid down the groundwork that brings these investments into actual fruition, posting consistent growth rates over the past three years, the President noted.

And aside from Metro Manila — from Luzon to Mindanao — promising new areas are also emerging, such as in Dumaguete and Misamis Oriental, the President said, emphasizing the government’s plan to also showcase Palawan and the Halal industry.

The Philippines, the chief executive said, continues to strive for bigger and greater things, and has set its focus on strategic and emerging industries that position the country in the global value chain, such as in pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, luxury goods, technology, and logistics.

Additionally, the country is also venturing into artificial intelligence (AI), which is expected to bring quality jobs to Filipinos, accelerate industrial competitiveness, and revitalize the economy, the President pointed out.

The plan to advance manufacturing and logistics centers in the global AI and technology value chain is part of a strategic component of the Luzon Economic Corridor being pushed with the country’s partners, the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated his directive to stop power disconnections for households and small businesses struggling with unpaid bills.

“Ipinag-utos din natin na payagan ang ilang piling konsumer na makapagbayad ng kanilang bill nang hulugan sa buwan ng Mayo, Hunyo, at Hulyo. Kaugnay dito, pansamantala nating pinagbawal ang mga pagputol ng linya habang hinuhulugan pa nila ang kanilang bill sa mga buwang ito,” the President emphasized in his 5th State of the Nation Address on Monday.

President Marcos ordered power companies to refund customers for any overcharges and allowed selected consumers to pay their bills in installments for May, June, and July.

“Mataas ang presyo ng ating kuryente, dala pa rin ng mataas na presyo ng krudo at paglakas ng dolyar. Gayunpaman, tiniyak natin na nabigyan ang mamamayan ng kaunting proteksyon sa kanilang electric bill,” the President emphasized in his 5th State of the Nation Address on Monday.

For micro-entrepreneurs, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has also implemented a “one-time tax abatement” program to provide relief for those whose businesses suffered losses or reduced income.

The one-time tax abatement is a program of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) designed to help micro taxpayers settle their tax liabilities.

The program provides a single abatement fee for delinquent accounts, tax assessments, and open stop-filer cases involving micro taxpayers with basic tax liabilities and penalties not exceeding PhP80,000.

This program is available until December 31, 2026, and taxpayers may apply through the Revenue District Office (RDO) that has jurisdiction over their area.

These measures, announced during the SONA, highlight the administration’s commitment to protecting Filipino families and ensuring that essential services remain accessible despite economic challenges. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called on Congress to pass a package of tax relief measures aimed at easing the financial burden on workers, particularly the middle class, and supporting small businesses amid the lingering effects of recent economic crises.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, President Marcos said the proposed measures are intended to sustain the progress of the middle class while promoting economic growth, generating government revenues, and advancing social equity.

“So, to ensure the continued progress of the middle class amidst the lingering effects of the crisis, we will pursue tax relief measures that promote growth, that generate revenue, and advance equity toward socio-economic sustainability,” the President said.

President Marcos noted that the government recognizes the challenges faced not only by low-income Filipinos but also by workers in the middle-income bracket and owners of small businesses.

“Kaya bilang natatanging proteksyon sa kanila at para mas mapakinabangan nila ang pinaghirapan nilang kita, nananawagan ako sa Kongreso upang maipasa ang batas na magbibigay ng bahagyang ginhawa para sa ating bayaring buwis,” the President said.

Under the proposed tax package, the government will expand the income tax exemption by increasing the threshold for tax-free annual income from the current PhP250,000 to PhP350,000, allowing more Filipino workers to keep a larger portion of their earnings.

“Dagdagan natin ang mga manggagawang malilibre sa buwis sa kanilang kita. Isasama na natin ang mga kumikita ng hindi lalagpas sa PhP350,000 kada taon,” President Marcos said, drawing applause from the crowd.

The President also proposed reducing the income tax rates for other workers who will remain subject to taxation, saying the measure would provide additional financial relief and help increase disposable income.

To support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), President Marcos said smaller businesses would no longer be required to pay the minimum corporate income tax, a move aimed at helping them recover, expand operations, and generate more jobs.

The proposed package also includes a tax amnesty covering unpaid income taxes, estate taxes, donor’s taxes, and value-added taxes (VAT), including the corresponding penalties and surcharges.

According to the President, the amnesty program is intended to provide taxpayers with an opportunity to settle their obligations while giving them peace of mind and encouraging greater tax compliance.

The proposed measures form part of the administration’s broader economic agenda to strengthen the country’s recovery, improve the business environment, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equitably across sectors. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. told the public on Monday of the government’s continued efforts to secure the country’s energy needs by constructing new power generation plants and tapping domestic geothermal and hydro sources, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen.

President Marcos reported during his Fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the country expects the completion of 200 power-generation projects at the end of his term with an overall capacity of 10,000 megawatts.

According to him, 45 of these projects are in the final stages of completion, with 31 to be completed this year. Some 124 projects are expected to be finished until 2028.

This is in addition to the 1,700 megawatts brought by energy storage system projects.
“Karagdagang seguridad ito sa 2028 para sa halos tatlumpung milyong kabahayan at mga industriya sa bansa,” the President said.

“Ang mga proyektong ito ay napabilis nang dahil sa mga bagong patakaran at proseso na nagpapadali ng pagnenegosyo dito sa ating bansa para sa mga Pilipino at dayuhang negosyante,” President Marcos noted.

The government is also focusing its attention on new technologies that do not rely on imported petroleum products, or those being powered by natural resources like renewables and indigenous sources.

In addition to few plants run by fuel, the government is adding more than 60 plants powered by geothermal, solar, hydro, wind, and biomass.

The President also noted that because of the extension of the Malampaya service contract until 2039, drilling operations once again resumed for the first time in eight years.

“What we have uncovered is truly a national treasure: an untapped reserve of 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas, which bodes well for the continuous production of our premier gas field until 2034,” the chief executive said.

“To put it in context, 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas is sufficient to power 1.6 million households for the next eight years until 2034.”

Inspired by this development, President Marcos said the government already awarded a total of 14 petroleum service contracts in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the highest number of such contracts ever to be awarded during a single term of any President in history.

Four of the contracts awarded are for the production of hydrogen, which will serve as back-up fuel for power plants, especially useful for off-grid areas.

Two of the newly awarded petroleum service contracts are co-managed with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government, the first time in the country’s political history, the chief executive noted.

“Sa kabila ng mga nailatag para sa ating seguridad sa enerhiya, panatag ang aking loob na kaya nating umangat pa,” the President said.

“We have begun to embark on the establishment of hydrogen power plants. Multiple projects are now in their pre-developmental stage in Marinduque, in Masbate, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, and other potential areas.” | PND

“Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo: ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino.”

Thus declared President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday and revealed that the Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to file multiple cases against the former House Speaker in connection with its ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, President Marcos acknowledged the personal difficulty of the move but pointed out that his foremost duty is to uphold the law and serve the Filipino people.

“At dumating na tayo sa punto na ayon sa Ombudsman ay malapit na ang paghain ng patong-patong na kaso laban sa dating Speaker. Masakit man sa akin ito ngunit kailangan nating gawin ang tama,” the President noted.

Recalling his promise in last year’s SONA to expose corruption in flood control projects, the President said the government carried out a thorough and impartial investigation that has already resulted in the filing of cases and the detention of contractors, senior government officials, and lawmakers allegedly involved in the anomalies.

“Mga kababayan ko, naririto akong muli upang tuparin ang aking katungkulan, at magbigay ng ulat sa inyo tungkol sa estado ng ating bansa, at sa mga ginagawa ng inyong pamahalaan. Isang taon na ang nakalipas mula noong huli akong tumayo rito, upang ilantad ang katiwalian na nadiskubre namin sa mga flood control projects,” President Marcos said, apparently referring to the pronouncement, “Mahiya naman kayo!

“Gaya ng aking ipinangako sa inyo, nagsagawa tayo ng malawakan at malalimang imbestigasyon, na walang pagkiling kahit kanino man. Masusi nating sinuri, at sinundan kung saan tayo itinuro ng ebidensya. Lahat ng kailangang gawin ay ginawa natin upang matunton ang puno’t dulo,” the President noted.

“Mayroon nang mga unang nakasuhan at nakulong: mga kontratista; matataas na opisyal; pati na mga mambabatas,” President Marcos added.

The President also said the government has recovered and frozen nearly P25 billion in public funds and assets linked to anomalies in flood control projects, while intensifying reforms to prevent corruption and ensure accountability in infrastructure spending.

“Halos P25 bilyong piso ang halaga ng nabawi, ‘frozen,’ at napreserbang mga pera at ari-arian ng mga akusado. Ang mahigit walong daang milyong piso dito ay agad nating naibalik sa Treasury,” President Marcos said.

The President said the filing of criminal cases against those allegedly involved in the irregularities is accompanied by efforts to recover public funds and return them to the National Treasury.

“Kaakibat ng mga naisampang mga kaso, tiniyak ng inyong pamahalaan na mababawi mula sa mga nagsabwatan ang nakuha nilang pera ng taumbayan,” the President said.

President Marcos said the administration also stopped the release of government funds intended for defective, fake, and ghost infrastructure projects, preventing additional losses to the state.

“Gayundin, pinigilan natin ang paglabas ng pera ng bayan na ipambabayad pa dapat sa mga depektibo, peke, o guni-guning mga proyekto, at mapupunta lamang sa mga bulsa ng mga tiwaling kontraktor at opisyal,” the President said.

The President assured the public that all additional funds recovered from those implicated in the anomalies would likewise be returned to the government. “Lahat ng mababawi mula sa mga sangkot na tiwali ay agad ibabalik sa kaban ng bayan.”

President Marcos added that the prosecution of the cases has been entrusted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the strengthened National Prosecution Service, expressing confidence that the courts will dispense justice.

“Ipinapaubaya na natin ang pag-uusig sa Ombudsman at sa ating mga pinalakas na National Prosecution Service. Nananalig din tayo sa makatarungang hatol ng hukuman. Makakaasa kayo na ang gulong ng hustisya ay tumatakbo,” the President said.

While stressing the importance of accountability, President Marcos said the government must also move forward with institutional reforms to prevent similar irregularities from recurring.

The President credited citizens who reported suspected anomalies through the Isumbong sa Pangulo platform, saying public vigilance has played a vital role in the government’s anti-corruption campaign.

“Nakatulong ang lahat ng mga ulat at hinaing ninyo sa Isumbong sa Pangulo. Ang inyong pagbabantay at pakikialam sa pamahalaan ay ang susi sa paglaban sa katiwalian,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive said reforms have already begun within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), including the hiring of a new generation of professionals, recent graduates, and competent job order and contract-of-service personnel to strengthen integrity and professionalism in the agency.

The President added that the government has expanded its review beyond flood control projects, ensuring that all infrastructure projects are necessary, properly planned, fairly priced, and correctly implemented.

“Bukod sa mga flood control projects, lahat ng mga proyekto ay sinuri at tiniyak na talagang kinakailangan at maayos — mula sa plano, presyo, hanggang pagpapatupad. Para walang overpricing, sinigurado natin na ang mga materyales ay ayon sa presyo sa merkado,” the President said.

To reinforce transparency and accountability, President Marcos said every infrastructure project and its corresponding budget are now being closely monitored through the Transparency Portal and Integrity Chain, with civil society organizations serving as partners in overseeing project implementation and the proper use of public funds.

“Bantay-sarado ang bawat proyekto at ang nakalaang pondo sa Transparency Portal, Integrity Chain, at katuwang na mga Civil Society Organization,” the President said. | PND

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/in-5th-sona-president-marcos-reveals-ombudsman-now-preparing-to-file-multiple-cases-against-former-speaker/

“We demand for the immediate amendment of the EPIRA”.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made the call to Congress during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, noting that the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 should be amended to prohibit the passing on of system loss charges to electricity consumers, including the corresponding value-added tax (VAT).

“At kung pagbawas ng presyo ang usapan, sa aking palagay panahon na para tanggalin na natin ang system loss na pinapasa sa consumer.”

“Pinapasa ito sa consumer at kinakarga sa bill na pinapatungan pa ng value-added tax. Hindi naman kasalanan ng consumer kung bakit nagkaroon ng system loss. Kaya hindi naman tama na kailangan sila pa ang pagbabayarin dito,” the President said, drawing loud applause and cheers from lawmakers and other guests who attended the SONA.

The President also called for the immediate passage of the proposed “Sariling Kuryente” Act, which seeks to simplify and reduce the cost of installing solar panels and battery storage systems in homes, allowing more families to generate their own electricity and help bring down electricity rates.

The Chief Executive assured the public that the government recognizes their clamor for lower electricity prices and is pursuing reforms to make energy more affordable for Filipino households.

“Mga kababayan, sa lahat ng mga ginagawa natin sa sektor ng enerhiya, malinaw din sa pamahalaan ang hinaing ng taumbayan na pababain ang presyo ng kuryente sa bansa,” the President emphasized. | PND

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/president-marcos-demands-immediate-epira-amendment-to-remove-system-loss-charges-in-electric-bills/

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted the administration’s assistance programs for the transport sector to cushion the impact of high global oil prices brought about by the Middle East crisis.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa, President Marcos said the transport sector was among the hardest hit by the fuel price surge, prompting the government to roll out various interventions to ease the burden on millions of Filipinos.

“Ang sektor ng transportasyon ang pinakamatinding tinamaan ng epekto ng krisis. Tsuper, operator, pasahero, manggagawa, o negosyo man — lahat ay umaray sa matarik na pagtaas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo,” President Marcos said. “Ngunit hindi natin kayang hayaang tumigil o maantala ito, dahil ito’y nagsisilbing piston ng ating ekonomiya.”

Among the measures implemented by the administration were cash assistance for public utility drivers through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and a P10-per-liter diesel subsidy for public utility jeepneys and UV Express vehicles to lessen the impact of rising fuel costs.

According to the President, more than 1.8 million public transport drivers received financial assistance under AICS.

To support commuters, the government launched free ride (Libreng Sakay) services, with several government agencies deploying their vehicles to augment public transportation.

President Marcos likewise cited the revival of the Service Contracting Program for public buses and jeepneys, which provides qualified operators and drivers with additional income based on the distance they travel while serving passengers.

On the part of riding public, regular commuters receive a 20 percent fare discount, while students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities enjoy a total fare discount of 40 percent.

The President also highlighted the implementation of the TUPAD Tuloy-Pasada program, which provided additional livelihood opportunities and income support for public utility drivers.

“Sa mga programang ito pa lang, milyong-milyong Pilipino — drayber man o pasahero — ang nakaramdam ng kaunting ginhawa sa kanilang mga biyahe araw-araw mula nang ito’y nailunsad. Hindi lamang dito sa Metro Manila, kundi sa buong bansa,” President Marcos said.

In Metro Manila, the government continues to implement a 50 percent fare discount for passengers of the MRT-3 and LRT-2, in addition to special fare discounts offered on Sundays and during holidays.

The administration also temporarily reduced or waived various fees in airports and seaports, including terminal, landing, takeoff, harbor, anchorage, berthing, and storage fees, to lower transport and logistics costs.

Among the measures cited by the President were the temporary waiver of terminal fees at the Port of Cebu, reduced passenger service charges at airports, and the three-month suspension of terminal fees for public utility vehicles at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

The government also provided toll discounts on expressways and significantly reduced terminal fees for agricultural products transported via roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels—from PhP500 to just PhP1. Trucks accredited by the Department of Agriculture were likewise granted toll-free passage on expressways.

President Marcos said these interventions provided relief to millions of Filipinos, including drivers, commuters, students, workers, farmers, and other sectors affected by volatile fuel prices.

“Mga kababayan, sa ating pagbalik-tanaw, kaya ko kayong harapin, at sabihin na ginawa natin ang lahat ng nararapat upang malunasan ang mga epekto ng krisis,” President Marcos said. | PND

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/president-marcos-outlines-govt-response-to-rising-oil-prices-due-to-middle-east-crisis-in-fifth-sona/

The Marcos administration is ramping up efforts to modernize the country’s transportation network through major investments in railways, bus rapid transit systems, airports, seaports, and integrated transport terminals.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is expected to begin operations between Valenzuela and Malolos next year.

President Marcos said the Department of Transportation is working to complete the railway line extending to Clark before the end of his term in 2028.

Aside from that, 12 stations of the MRT-7 will open next year, marking the country’s first new MRT line in nearly three decades.

Initially running from North Avenue to Sacred Heart in Quezon City, the line is planned to eventually reach San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, benefiting nearly one million passengers daily.

“Sa susunod na taon, ang mga tren ng North-South Commuter Railway ay tatakbo na sa pagitan ng Valenzuela at Malolos. Sisikapin ng DOTr na sa pagtatapos ng Administrasyong ito, tapos na rin ang railway hanggang Clark. Sa susunod na taon, bubuksan na rin ang labindalawang istasyon ng MRT-7. Matapos ang halos tatlong dekada,” the President said.

The President credited the recently enacted Accelerated and Reformed Right of Way Act for helping resolve right-of-way issues more quickly, removing one of the biggest obstacles to the implementation of mass transit projects.

Aside from that, the Chief Executive noted that the first phase of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is already operational, while the Ilocos Norte BRT is scheduled to be inaugurated next year.

According to the President, with the increase in fuel prices, many of our fellow Filipinos turned to public transportation.

“Kaya pinagtutuunan ng mabuti ng Administrasyon ang ating mga tren, mga busways, transport hubs at integrated terminals, at ang pagpapaganda at pagpapalawak ng mga paliparan at pantalan sa buong bansa. Ito ay upang mas malawak at malayo ang naaabot, tumaas ang kapasidad, at maging moderno at mas maginhawa ang serbisyo,” the President added. | PND

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/new-mrt-7-stations-north-south-commuter-railway-operations-set-to-roll-out-next-year-pbbm/

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called for stronger protection of learners and a united effort to protect children from harmful influences following the recent school shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos extended his condolences to the families of the three students who lost their lives in the tragedy and paid tribute to their courage.

“To the parents of Chris Lorenz Fabian, Joyancee Separa, and Ayessa Nicole Dazo: we are all so very proud of the unflinching bravery and heroic virtue that you have instilled in your children. They are an inspiration to us all,” President Marcos said.

“Their courage and their selflessness—true Filipino qualities—are the virtues that these trying times call for.”

Police earlier said the shooting was allegedly linked to prolonged bullying, as well as online radicalization and exposure to violent media.

In response, President Marcos stressed that protecting children requires the collective efforts of the government, families, schools, churches, industries, and communities.

“We must protect them from the harmful influences and forces that exploit their vulnerability: the corrosive influence of fake news; the unfettered exposure to pornography, even to minors; the constant depiction of casual violence; and the toxicity and hate culture pervasive in social media,” the President said.

“We must all assume a community responsibility for our young people’s protection,” President Marcos stressed.

President Marcos said the Department of Education (DepEd), local government units (LGUs), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will work together to enhance security in public schools.

The Chief Executive said DepEd has also ensured that schools have clear and effective mechanisms for reporting and responding to incidents of bullying and other emergencies.

The President added that school principals and teachers are being equipped with the skills to mediate student conflicts before they escalate into violence.

To further support learners’ well-being, the administration will deploy the first batch of 10,000 School Counsellor Associates to public schools to provide counseling and mental health services.

President Marcos also announced the continued implementation of the School-Based Feeding Program this school year, which will benefit more than 4.5 million Kindergarten, Grade 1, and nutritionally at-risk learners in Grade 2 and higher levels. | PND

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/president-marcos-calls-for-stronger-protection-of-learners-honors-tacloban-school-shooting-victims/

“ASEAN is our safe harbor, within which we share not only mutual proximity, but affinity.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the Philippines advanced greater solidarity and cooperation among the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during its chairmanship this year.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos said the Philippines championed closer regional cooperation to enable ASEAN to respond collectively to regional and global developments, including the conflict in the Middle East.

“During our chairship of the ASEAN Summit this year, we advocated for greater solidarity and cooperation among ASEAN Member States,” the President said.

“Together, we found ways to alleviate the dire consequences of the war in the Middle East. Through a united ASEAN and its strong extended network, we have achieved greater security and resilience—as a region and as individual nations— more capable of withstanding disruptive events,” President Marcos added.

Among the key highlights of the Philippine chairship, President Marcos cited the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve System, which will help ensure emergency rice supplies in case of a shortage in domestic production.

The President also mentioned the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, which is being led by the Philippines and aims to harmonize digital rules across the region, facilitate cross-border digital transactions, promote innovation, and expand financial inclusion, particularly for small enterprises.

The President likewise noted the ratification of the Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, paving the way for the joint stockpiling of petroleum resources to strengthen regional energy security.

President Marcos added that the full interconnection of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao power grids places the Philippines in a stronger position to support the realization of the ASEAN Power Grid.

“Moved by our stark realizations, ASEAN must further strengthen the bonds of our regional cooperation, building on our sense of filiation and a heightened instinct for mutual assistance,” President Marcos said.

“This is international ‘bayanihan’ for this part of the world,” the President said while appealing “to all parties for a heightened sense of community, to return to the table armed with a genuine desire for peace and normalcy,” stressing that “true diplomacy builds, violent conflict only destroys.”

“Peace and order are the foundations of security for our country, for our region, and for the world,” President Marcos said.

The Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026 under the leadership of President Marcos with the theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.” | PND

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/president-marcos-cites-stronger-asean-solidarity-cooperation-under-ph-chairship/