Malacañang asserted that the government will meet the target date for the passage of the 2026 national budget despite the changes in the administration’s economic managers.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the designation of new heads for the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would not disrupt the budget process.

The Palace announced the other day that Finance Secretary Ralph Recto would replace Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, while Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go would assume Recto’s post.

At the same time, the Palace said DBM Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo would replace Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in an officer-in-charge capacity.

“We were able to talk to Secretary Go and according to him, (on the) reassignments of the Cabinet members to DOF and DBM, they are all the same people who worked on the budget, who worked on the finances. So there will be no problem with that,” Castro said.

“Yes, there will be (the timely passage of the national budget). They are working on that,” Castro added.

The House of Representatives approved the P6.793 trillion spending plan last October 13, while the Senate is conducting last-stage plenary debates for the proposed 2026 national budget.

The Senate and the House of Representatives would reconcile their respective budget versions through the bicameral conference committee and submit the final version to Malacañang for approval.

Malacañang on Monday announced that President Marcos has accepted the resignations of Bersamin and Pangandaman, who left voluntarily to give way to the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

The Palace also said President Marcos has accepted the resignation of Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) head, Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin.

In accepting their resignation, President Marcos extended his gratitude to Bersamin and Pangandaman for their exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to their respective offices. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. strengthened his administration’s commitment to the agriculture sector with the launch of the “Buwan ng Butil” Serbisyo Caravan, an initiative designed to bring essential agricultural services directly to the public.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the caravan – launched in various cities across Metro Manila – aims to deepen public awareness and appreciation of the agriculture sector.

“Sa ilalim ng programa, inilalapit mismo ng DA sa mga mamamayan ang mga serbisyo nito upang ipamalas ang suporta ng pamahalaan sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at mamimili,” Castro said.

The caravan features key initiatives, including the Kadiwa Program, which offers affordable rice at PhP20 per kilo, the distribution of free seedlings, fingerlings, and coconut seedlings, as well as training on organic agriculture.

The program also promotes food security and sustainable farming practices, according to Castro.

The caravan is located in several areas in the metro, such as the BPI Compound in Malate, the FTI Administration Building in Taguig, and the NFA Building in Visayas Avenue in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Castro announced that the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na” program has already been rolled out in Catanduanes, one of the provinces heavily affected by Super Typhoon Uwan.

“Ito’y bahagi ng adbokasiya ng administrasyong Marcos Jr. upang gawing abot-kamay ang pagkain para sa mga kabilang sa vulnerable sectors,” Castro said.

The program prioritizes vulnerable sectors, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and senior citizens.

Castro urged all eligible beneficiaries to visit the Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlet located in the Capitol Grounds in Virac, Catanduanes, to avail of the service. | PND

Para sa Pangulo, patuloy ang serbisyo sa taumbayan.

Bumisita si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa Cararayan-Naga Elementary School (CNES) sa Tiwi, Albay nitong Martes upang personal na tiyakin ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga naapektuhang residente matapos ang hagupit ng Super Typhoon Uwan.
Ininspeksyon ng Pangulo ang ilang nasirang silid-aralan at pasilidad ng paaralan at nakipag-usap din sa mga mag-aaral na nasa kanilang morning classes.
Kasalukuyang nagpapatupad ang CNES ng class-shifting scheme upang ma-accommodate ang 157 apektadong mag-aaral mula sa kabuuang 917.

Namahagi ang Department of Education (DepEd) ng mga learning materials sa pagbisita ng Pangulo.

Nagbigay din ang Office of the President ng isang Starlink unit sa CNES at isa pa para sa Tiwi Central School.

Nagpaabot din ang Office of the President ng 343 school bags at mga snacks para sa mga mag-aaral at mga benepisyaryo ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Ayon kay DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Bernie Despabiladero, pitong silid-aralan ang matinding napinsala na tinatayang aabot sa PhP 3.5 milyon, habang walong classrooms naman ang may minor damage na PhP 392,000 ang tantiya.

Nasira rin ang tatlong WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities, at 200 learning materials at 50 desks.

Dagdag pa ni Despabiladero, nakatanggap na ang paaralan ng iba’t ibang tulong mula sa pamahalaan tulad ng learners’ kits mula sa DepEd Albay, psychological first aid, at Starlink installation mula sa DICT.

Tumulong din ang mga volunteer mula sa DPWH at mga LGU sa clean-up at clearing operations.
Nagpaabot siya ng pasasalamat kay Pangulong Marcos sa pagbisita sa CNES, na aniya ay nagpapakita ng pagpapahalaga ng Pangulo sa edukasyon.

“On behalf of the entire Schools Division Office of Albay, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your visit to Cararayan-Naga Elementary School in Tiwi. Higit sa pasasalamat ay ang aming karangalan na mapuntahan ng pinakamataas na pinuno ng bansa,” ani Despabiladero.

Dagdag pa niya, nagsilbing inspirasyon ang pagbisita ng Pangulo at nakapagpataas ng morale ng mga guro at mag-aaral, pati na rin naghatid ng pambansang atensyon sa pangangailangan ng lokal na edukasyon.

“The visit likewise encourages active participation and shared responsibility among the community- and other stakeholders in supporting the school,” wika pa niya.

Nagpasalamat din ang guro ng CNES na si Marisa Ustares sa Pangulo sa paglalaan ng panahon para bisitahin at tingnan ang kanilang sitwasyon.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kasi kahit papaano, kahit napakalayo ng school namin, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na mabisita kami,” ayon kay Ustares.

Matapos ang inspeksyon, nagsagawa si Pangulong Marcos ng situation briefing kasama ang mga miyembro ng Gabinete, national at local officials ng gobyerno para suriin ang epekto nng Super Typhoon Uwan sa Albay at matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na relief at rehabilitasyon.

Kasama sa mga assistance ang emergency cash transfer mula sa DSWD na nagkakahalagang PhP10,263 at mga family, hygiene and kitchen kits sa bawat isa sa mga 141 pamilyang nasiraan ng bahay. | PND

For President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., service to the country must go on.

The President on Tuesday visited the typhoon-hit province of Albay, ensuring that assistance is given to affected residents following the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan.

The Chief Executive inspected the Cararayan-Naga Elementary School (CNES) in the town of Tiwi and interacted with students who were attending their morning classes.

The CNES is currently implementing a class-shift scheme to accommodate the 157 affected learners out of the total 917 enrolled students.

During the President’s visit, the Department of Education (DepEd) distributed learning materials.

The Office of the President also donated a Starlink unit to CNES, and another unit to Tiwi Central School.

The Office of the President also distributed 343 school bags and snacks for the pupils and beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

According to DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Bernie Despabiladero, seven classrooms of CNES sustained major damage estimated at PhP3.5 million, while eight classrooms had minor damage estimated at PhP392,000.

The school’s three water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities were also destroyed, while 200 learning resources and 50 desks were damaged.

According to Despabiladero, the school has already received government assistance, including learners’ kits from DepEd Albay, psychological first aid, and Starlink installed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), while volunteers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units (LGUs) conducted clean-up and clearing operations.

Despabiladero expressed gratitude to President Marcos for visiting CNES, saying the visit underscored the President’s commitment to prioritizing education.

“On behalf of the entire Schools Division Office of Albay, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your visit to Cararayan-Naga Elementary School in Tiwi. Higit sa pasasalamat ay ang aming karangalan na mapuntahan ng pinakamataas na pinuno ng bansa,” said Despabiladero.

Despabiladero considers the President’s visit an inspiration, boosting the morale of learners and teachers, and drawing national attention to local educational needs.

“The visit likewise encourages active participation and shared responsibility among the community- and other stakeholders in supporting the school,” Despabiladero said.

CNES teacher Marisa Ustares likewise thanked the President for taking the time to visit and check on their situation.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kasi kahit papaano naman na napakalayo namin, ng school namin, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na mabisita kami,” Ustares said.

After the inspection, President Marcos convened a situation briefing with Cabinet members, national and local government officials, to assess the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan in Albay province and to ensure sustained relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The assistance included the emergency cash transfer provided by the DSWD worth PhP10,263, and family, hygiene and kitchen kits to each of the 141 families whose houses were totally damaged. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally accepted the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the announcement during a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday.

“Both officials respectfully offered and tendered their resignations out of delicadeza, after their departments were mentioned in allegations related to the flood control anomaly currently under investigation, and in recognition of the responsibility to allow the administration to address the matter appropriately,” Castro said.

Castro announced that Bersamin will be replaced by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto while Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go will assume Recto’s post.

“Secretary Recto’s long record in economic policymaking, fiscal legislation, and national planning positions him well to oversee the day-to-day operations of government and coordinate the implementation of high-impact programs,” said Castro.

On Secretary Go’s appointment, Castro noted that he “has played a central role in advancing investments, strengthening investor confidence, and aligning economic initiatives across agencies.”

“He will now oversee the country’s fiscal direction and the implementation of the administration’s economic agenda,” she said.

The DBM will now be led by Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo, who has been designated as officer in charge, according to Castro.

“As head of the Budget Preparation and Execution Group, OIC Toledo brings extensive technical expertise in national budgeting, fiscal transparency, and budget execution. His designation ensures uninterrupted operations as the government prepares for the rollout of next year’s budget, ongoing recovery efforts in disaster-affected regions, and the continued funding of social and economic programs,” said Castro.

Meanwhile, Castro said President Marcos has conveyed his deep appreciation to both Bersamin and Pangandaman for their exemplary leadership at the Office of the Executive Secretary and DBM, respectively.

“A former Chief Justice, ES Bersamin brought to Malacañang decades of legal wisdom, calm stewardship, and a deep respect for institution-building. His contributions will remain part of the foundation on which continuing reforms stand,” said Castro.

“The President likewise extends his sincere gratitude to Secretary Pangandaman, whose work at DBM strengthened the government’s fiscal management, guided the timely passage of national budgets, and ensured that social programs and frontline services were funded and delivered,” she added.

Castro stressed that the changes in the Cabinet “reinforce the President’s commitment to strengthening institutions, improving coordination across government, and keeping the administration focused on delivering stability, opportunity, and security to Filipino families.”

“The Office of the President assures the public that all agencies will continue to operate without interruption and with the same commitment to effective governance and public service,” she said. | PND

Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Lunes ang panunumpa sa tungkulin ni Fredderick A. Vida bilang bagong Kalihim ng Department of Justice (DOJ).

Pormal nang umupo si Vida bilang pinuno ng DOJ, kapalit ni dating Kalihim Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla na itinalaga bilang Ombudsman noong Oktubre.

Si Vida ay unang hinirang bilang assistant secretary ng DOJ noong Enero 2023 at kalaunan ay na-promote bilang undersecretary noong Oktubre ng parehong taon.

Bago maitalaga sa DOJ, nagsilbi si Vida bilang assistant secretary sa Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

Bago naman pumasok sa gobyerno, matagal siyang naglingkod sa lokal na pamahalaan. Siya ay nahalal bilang Mayor ng bayan ng Mendez-Nuñez, Cavite mula 2013 hanggang 2022, at nagsilbi rin bilang Pangulo ng Mayor’s League of Cavite mula 2019 hanggang 2022.

Nagsimula ang kanyang serbisyo-publiko noong 2007 nang mahalal siya bilang bise alkalde ng Mendez-Nuñez.

Natapos ni Vida ang kanyang Bachelor of Arts in Political Science sa University of the Philippines at kumuha ng pag-aaral sa batas, kung saan nagtapos siya ng Juris Doctor mula sa Ateneo School of Law bilang Silver Medalist.

Ipinasa niya ang 1996 Philippine Bar Exam at sinimulan ang kanyang propesyunal na karera bilang associate sa isang pribadong law firm bago siya nakapagpatayo ng sarili niyang law practice. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued eight proclamations declaring special non-working days to mark founding anniversaries and local celebrations in six municipalities and two cities across the country.

Proclamation Nos. 1088 to 1095 were all signed on November 12, 2025 by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, by authority of the President.

Proclamation No. 1088 declared November 20 a special non-working day in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, to mark the municipality’s founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1089 declared November 29 a special non-working day in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, in celebration of the Badak Festival or the Adlaw sa Aurora.

Proclamation No. 1090 declared December 1 a special non-working day in Cainta, Rizal to celebrate the municipality’s founding anniversary and the Sumbingtik Festival.

Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 1091 declared December 9 a special non-working day in Burgos, Ilocos Norte to commemorate the municipality’s founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1092 declared December 18 a special non-working day in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan to observe the city’s Charter anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1093 declared December 23 a special non-working day in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental to mark the city’s 25th Charter anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1094 declared December 23 a special non-working day in Sto. Niño, South Cotabato to celebrate the municipality’s 45th founding anniversary and the 26th Hinublag Festival.

Lastly, Proclamation No. 1095 declared December 23 a special non-working day in Mayantoc, Tarlac in commemoration of the municipality’s founding anniversary. ǀ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday administered the oath of office to Fredderick A. Vida as the new Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Vida formally assumed office as DOJ head, replacing former Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla who was appointed Ombudsman in October.

Vida is a lawyer and public servant.

He was first appointed as an assistant secretary of the DOJ in January 2023 and was eventually promoted as undersecretary in October of the same year.

Prior to his appointment to the DOJ, Vida served as assistant secretary in the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

Before joining the national government, Vida built a career in local governance where he was elected as Mayor of the Municipality of Mendez-Nuñez, Cavite, serving from 2013 to 2022. He also held the position of President of the Mayor’s League of Cavite from 2019 to 2022. His public service career began in 2007 when he was first elected as the vice mayor of Mendez-Nuñez.

Vida earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines and pursued law studies and earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo School of Law, graduating with Silver Medalist distinction.

He passed the 1996 Philippine Bar Exam and began his legal career as an associate in a private law firm before establishing his own law practice.| PND

“I don’t want to even dignify what he is saying.”

Ibinasura ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang mga akusasyon ng isang nagbitiw na mambabatas na isinangkot sa korapsyon hinggil sa maanumalyang bilyon-bilyon pisong mga flood confrol project.

Nanindigan ang Malacañang na ang pinakahuling pahayag ni ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co habang nagtatago sa ibang bansa ay pawang walang basehan at sabi-sabi.

Inihayag ito ni PBBM sa mga mamahayag sa kanyang pagbisita sa Negros Occidental noong Sabado upang pangasiwaan ang patuloy na relief at rehabilitation efforts pagkatapos ng Bagyong Tino.

“If you want to talk about the storm, we’ll talk about that. I don’t want even dignified what he is saying,” sabi ng Pangulo matapos manguna sa isang situational briefing kasama ang mga miyembro ng Gabinete at iba’t ibang national at local officials.

Inulit naman ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez ang hamon ng Palasyo kay Co na harapin ang imbestigasyon at gawing pormal ang kanyang mga akusasyon sa pamamagitan ng legal na sinumpaang salaysay o affidavit.

“What he is saying is a bunch of hearsay. Sabi nito, sabi ni ano. Hindi nag rewrite ng script sa second video kahit na kanal na ‘yung una,” ani Gomez sa isang statement noong Sabado.

” We continue to issue the same challenge. Come home, sign these (statements) under oath and face the music.”

Ipinunto ng Malacañang na si Pangulong Marcos mismo ang nagpasimula ng imbestigasyon sa katiwalian sa pagkontrol ng baha at iba pang proyektong pang-imprastraktura at lumikha ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) upang matiyak na lahat ng sangkot sa mga ghost at substandard na proyekto ay kakasuhan at mabawi ang mga ninakaw na pondo ng publiko.

Nauna nang sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos na marami sa mga kinasuhan ng graft at malversation para sa maanomalyang flood control projects ay makukulong bago ang Pasko. | PND

“I don’t want to even dignify what he is saying.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday dismissed the accusations made against him by a resigned lawmaker who has been implicated in the billions of pesos worth of anomalous flood control projects.

Malacañang said the latest claims made by ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co while in hiding abroad were all baseless and hearsay.

President Marcos was asked for comment by reporters during his visit to Negros Occidental on Saturday to oversee the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts after Typhoon Tino.

“If you want to talk about the storm, we’ll talk about that. I don’t want to even dignify what he is saying,” said the President after leading a situational briefing with Cabinet members and various national and local officials.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez reiterated the Palace’s challenge to Co to face investigation and to formalize his claims through a legally sworn affidavit.

“What he is saying is a bunch of hearsay. Sabi nito, sabi ni ano. Hindi nag rewrite ng script sa second video kahit na kanal na ‘yung una,” Gomez said in a statement on Saturday.

“We continue to issue the same challenge. Come home, sign these (statements) under oath and face the music.”

Malacañang has pointed out that President Marcos himself initiated the investigation into the corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects and created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to ensure that all those involved in ghost and substandard projects are charged and embezzled public funds are recovered.

President Marcos earlier said many of those who have been charged with graft and malversation for the anomalous flood control projects will see jail before Christmas. | PND