President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has decided to focus on domestic issues and will not attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) High Level Week at the UN headquarters in New York City next week.

President Marcos instead asked Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro to represent him at the UNGA 80 High Level Week beginning September 22.

“The President has delegated his engagements at the UNGA to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to allow him to focus on local issues,” Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said in a statement.

President Marcos had four activities on Monday, including the announcement of the complete composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to look into irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

After the announcement, the President proceeded to San Pablo City, Laguna, to lead the inauguration and awarding of more than 1,000 new housing units at St. Barts Southville Heights.

The house and lot units were awarded to informal settler-families affected by the ongoing construction of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project Segment 2-7.

From Laguna, the President went to Tuy, Batangas, where he led the energization of the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants in Barangay Lumbangan.

The event highlighted the administration’s commitment to expanding the country’s renewable energy portfolio and ensuring sustainable power supply for local communities and industries.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive graced the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program National Culminating Activity held at the University of Makati auditorium in Taguig City.

The program, which promotes reading and learning support for children, reflects the administration’s emphasis on strengthening foundational education and youth development. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday assured Filipinos that the government will continue to pursue its development agenda, even as the newly established Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) begins investigating questionable public infrastructure projects.

Speaking at Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos emphasized that the administration remains committed to delivering services and maintaining economic momentum.

“We are trying to move as quickly as possible. In the meantime, of course, our attention continues to be directed to the work of government, that the infrastructure development continues, that our education program continues, that our social programs also continue, na walang patid,” the President said.

“As a matter of fact, we are accelerating them and increasing them.”

The Chief Executive underscored that the ICI was formed precisely to strengthen governance while ensuring that essential programs are not disrupted.

The President said that his administration welcomes the Commission’s input on improving systems and processes in project bidding and contracting.

“We have to find out how this happened and what are the changes that we need to make so that we make this into an inflection point in terms of how the government does its business and to make sure that the funds that belong to the people are well spent,” President Marcos said.

The President explained that the ICI’s mandate is to uncover irregularities, recommend reforms, and recommend cases to the proper agencies, such as the Office of the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice.

“Marami na tayong napag-usapan at isa sa napakahalaga para sa akin ay malaman paano tayo napunta sa ganito? Bakit nagkaganito iyong gobyerno natin? Papaano nangyari ito na ganito iyong naging bidding? Papaano nangyari na ganito ang naging pagbigay ng kontrata? How did this evolve?,” President Marcos said.

The President assured Filipinos that transparency and accountability will go hand in hand with continuity in service delivery, underscoring his administration remains determined to strengthen social protection, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and health while addressing issues. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday provided a list of spending “menu” for projects where the cancelled budget for flood control projects in 2026 will be realigned.

“Now since we have cancelled all flood control projects for 2026, those savings, we already put a menu para nga unang-una, kahit na for the budget na sinusulat ngayon, kailangan na maliwanag na maliwanag na mapupunta sa tamang lugar,” said President Marcos during a press conference held in Malacañan Palace.

“So we have made a menu for our legislators to follow, then say that all insertions, all changes made can only be made to the benefit of these agencies… and they basically cover education, agriculture, health, housing, infra, ICT, labor, social, energy,” President Marcos also said.

The spending “menu” consists of:

State universities and colleges: for the construction of laboratory buildings; construction of students’ dormitories; and construction of academic buildings;

Department of Education (DepEd): for basic education facilities; school building program; textbook and other instructional materials; laptops (computerization program); and the Last Mile School program;

Department of Agriculture (DA): rice subsidy; farm-to-market roads; postharvest facilities (PHF); cold storage expansion projects; and fish ports;

National Irrigation Administration (NIA): irrigation dams;

Department of Health (DOH): health facilities enhancement program; provision of medicines; and medical assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients;

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and National Housing Authority (NHA): Pamabansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program;

Office of Civil Defense (OCD): evacuation centers;

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT): free WIFI program;

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program;

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS); and

Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC): electrification projects. ǀ PND

Hours after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday, its chairperson, Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr., and its members, Rogelio L. Singson, and Rossana A. Fajardo took their oath of office before Court of Appeals Justice Pedro Corales.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who will serve as Special Adviser to the Commission, was also present during the ceremony.

President Marcos appointed individuals of proven competence, integrity, and deep familiarity with infrastructure, finance, and institutional reform.

With the oath-taking, the Commission formally begins its mandate to investigate irregularities in infrastructure projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds. The ICI was tasked to investigate flood control corruption within the last 10 years.

In a press conference earlier in the day, President Marcos emphasized the independent nature of the commission.

“In our discussions with them, they also said, ‘May we make suggestions? May we make proposals as to the procedure for bidding for all these contracts para hindi na maulit ito?’ And, of course, I said we’re perfectly open to that. What we really want is to fix the system,” President Marcos said.

The President said he was also very encouraged by his meeting with ICI Chairperson, former Justice Reyes, who said the investigation should result in a “fundamental change in the way that we do business.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was appointed as a special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for his investigative expertise and well-regarded integrity.

In a Palace press briefing on Monday, President Marcos described Magalong as “a good investigator.”

“When I went to Baguio at tiningnan ko iyong mga malabo na flood control project ay sinalubong niya kaagad ako ng isang report. Imbestigador naman talaga si Mayor Benjie,” the President said.

“Being a good investigator, he had a very, very detailed, very good report already. So, he’s been working on this for a while, so marami siyang mako-contribute,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive recalled that Magalong, as the then head of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), led the inquiry and wrote the report on the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano clash that killed more than 60 people, including 44 members of the elite PNP Special Action Force.

CIDG is the primary investigation arm of the PNP.

“That’s when I came to know of him and saw that he has integrity,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos named former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. as chairperson of the ICI.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo were named as ICI members. ǀ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered contractors behind ghost and substandard infrastructure projects to complete them properly at their own expense, even as investigations into project irregularities continue.

President Marcos said that contractors must honor the warranties provided under their government contracts to complete the projects according to standards, pending the investigation and filing of charges against those involved in the misuse of public funds.

“One of the things that we are looking at, dahil iniisip ko kakasuhan natin sila. The cases will go on, may mga mananagot, mayroon diyang makukulong, mayroon diyan mapa-fire. Para sa akin, kailangan buuin nila iyong project dahil kung titingnan ninyo, may warranty lahat iyang project na iyan,” the President said in a press conference in Malacañan Palace.

The Chief Executive emphasized that if flood control and related projects are not completed or are executed below standards, then the contractors have to complete them at no extra cost to the government.

“Kahit sinabi nilang completed, kapag nadiskubre na hindi tama ang pagkagawa, they still have to honor the warranty that they have given us to complete the project properly,” President Marcos said.

“So we can still go back to them at sasabihin natin sa kanila, ‘Balikan ninyo iyong walang kuwentang project na ginawa ninyo at ayusin ninyo na maganda, out of your own pocket,” the President stressed.

President Marcos named retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as chairperson of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) tasked to investigate flood control corruption within the last 10 years.

Malacañang earlier announced the two members, namely former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo, as well as the Commission’s Special Adviser, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

During the news conference, the President reiterated that the ICI will work as quickly as possible to find the persons responsible for stealing public funds meant for flood control and other infrastructure projects.

“It’s simple numbers dito, simple lang ito. Magkano ang ninakaw na pera ng mga balasubas na ito? That is what we need to know, that is what we need to fix,” President Marcos said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted the significance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, describing it as a program that not only assists learners in improving their reading skills but also provides financial support to college students and parents.

“Isang programang tumutugon sa problema ng edukasyon at nagbigay kita sa mga college students at magulang. Pinag-isipan at ipinatupad nang may malasakit at pagmamahal sa kapwa lalung-lalo na sa ating kabataan,” President Marcos said during the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program National Culminating Activity at the University of Makati in the Taguig City.

“Ito po ang diwa ng Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program. Ito ang tunay na diwa ng serbisyo publiko. Ang tagumpay ng Tara, Basa! ay bunga ng pagkakaisa,” the Chief Executive said.

The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program honed the skills of college students to become tutors and youth development workers (YDW) to teach students who are struggling or non-readers.

The program also assisted parents and guardians through the Nanay-Tatay sessions, which were supported by youth development workers.

According to the President, the program has reached 348,000 Filipinos in need of learning support in two years.

At the same time, the President expressed gratitude to tutors and youth development workers for their work, and urged parents to continue supporting their children in their quest for knowledge.

“Sa ating mga mag-aaral, mga anak, nawa’y maging daan ang programang ito sa tuloy-tuloy ninyong pag-unlad,” the President told students.

The Tara, Basa! National Culminating Activity highlights the stories of success, challenges, and inspiration of the program implementation in various regions, including Metro Manila.

The event highlights key program accomplishments and serves as a platform to reflect on lessons learned, share best practices, and reaffirm the program’s alignment with national education and development priorities.

The DSWD launched the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program in July 2023 in the National Capital Region and later expanded it to 11 other regions. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said local government units (LGUs) will once again be required to formally accept completed national government projects in their areas, reviving a safeguard removed by the previous administration.

In a Palace press conference, President Marcos noted that LGU acceptance is crucial to ensure infrastructure projects, such as roads and flood control systems, meet proper standards.

“I was a little surprised to find out… tinanggal na iyong rule na dati na kapag may project ang national government sa isang LGU kapag tapos na iyong project kailangan i-accept noong mayor, kailangan i-accept noong governor, pati barangay captain kailangan tatanggapin iyan, titingnan nila,” the President said.

“And this is an important safeguard dahil kapag nasa LGU ka hindi mo naman pinagkikitaan iyong project. Kaya’t ang maliwanag ito’y titingnan ninyo talaga na tama na iyong kalsada ay eight inches talaga iyong konkreto, kapag may asphalt overlay ay makapal talaga iyong asphalt overlay, iyong flood control – lahat iyan,” the President pointed out.

President Marcos recalled his experience as Ilocos Norte governor, noting that local governments then had the authority to accept national projects before they could be formally declared completed.

“Maalala ko noong governor ako, walang puwedeng sabihing completed kung hindi accepted ng local government. Ibabalik natin iyon,” said the President.

“Tiinanggal nila in the last administration. We are putting it back because that is one of the best safeguards that we have,” the President emphasized.

The Chief Executive instructed all departments, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to restore the requirement for LGU acceptance of national projects.

President Marcos has designated the chairperson and the two members of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), along with a special adviser, to investigate flood control project irregularities in the last 10 years and recommend appropriate legal action against government officials and personnel and private individuals who misused public funds.

“We are trying to move as quickly as possible. In the meantime, of course, our attention continues to be directed to the work of government, so that the infrastructure development continues,” President Marcos said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the beneficiaries of the newly inaugurated St. Barts Southville Heights resettlement site in San Pablo City, Laguna to take good care of their new homes and work closely to create a clean, orderly, and peaceful community.

“Panatilihing malinis, ligtas at maayos ang St. Barts,” the President stressed.

During the turnover ceremony to displaced families, President Marcos emphasized the significance of responsible homeownership and the need for unity among residents.

“Kaya ang pakiusap ko lang sa inyo: alagaan naman ninyo ang mga tahanang ito at mahalin ninyo ang inyong komunidad. Magtulungan at pairalin ang malasakit sa bawat isa,” President Marcos said.

“Patunayan ninyo na kayo ay ang mga Bagong Pilipino—Pilipinong disiplinado, mahusay, at may pagmamahal sa bayan,” the President added.

The Chief Executive underscored the need for inter-agency coordination in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of government housing programs, not only in St. Barts but in other resettlement projects across the country.

“Kaya naman, inaasahan ko ang lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan na magtulungan sa proyektong ito na bantayan at panatilihin ang kahusayan ng ating nagawa at maayos dito sa St. Barts at sa iba pang mga housing projects na sinisimulan natin,” the President said.

The St. Barts Southville Heights housing development is part of the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, which aims to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to millions of Filipinos.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to housing development, President Marcos cited the recently signed Republic Act No. 12216 or the National Housing Authority Act, which extends the NHA’s mandate to build more housing projects for another 25 years.

“Dahil dito, mas maraming tahanan ang maitatayo, mas marami pang pamilya ang matutulungan, at mas maraming buhay ang magbabago,” the President said.

During the event, a total of 1,099 housing units were formally turned over to informal settler families displaced by the ongoing construction of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project – Segment 2-7.

President Marcos personally inspected some of the newly built homes and warmly engaged with the residents, expressing his support as they began a new chapter in their lives.

“Sa ating mga minamahal na beneficiary, ngayon ay simula na ng bagong yugto ng inyong buhay—yugto ng pag-asa, pagbangon, at pagbabago. May tahanan na po kayong matatawag ninyong sarili ninyo, pag-aari ninyo,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said funds from the cancelled flood control projects in 2026 will be realigned to priority sectors such as education, health, agriculture, housing, infrastructure, ICT, labor, social services, and energy, with a clear spending “menu” provided to guide lawmakers.

In a Palace briefing, President Marcos said a clear “menu” has been drawn up to ensure that the realigned funds will be appropriately used in next year’s national budget.

“Now since we have cancelled all flood control projects for 2026, those savings, we already put a menu para nga unang-una, kahit na for the budget na sinusulat ngayon, kailangan na maliwanag na maliwanag na mapupunta sa tamang lugar,” the President said.

The Chief Executive explained that the “menu” will guide lawmakers in making budget adjustments.

“So we have made a menu for our legislators to follow, then say that all insertions, all changes made can only be made to the benefit of these agencies,” President Marcos stressed.

The President added that the move is a first step in ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation of government resources following recent revelations of irregularities in infrastructure spending.

While no new funds will be allotted for flood control projects in the 2026 national budget, President Marcos earlier clarified that the PhP350 billion budget already earmarked for 2025 must first be fully utilized.

The cancellation of flood control projects and the preparation of a priority spending plan follow the President’s establishment of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate anomalies in flood control projects within the last 10 years. | PND