President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday night called for calm following a reported shooting incident inside the Senate building, saying authorities are investigating the situation.

President Marcos also assured the public that no government forces were ordered to enter the Senate premises or carry out any operation in the Upper Chamber.

In a video message, the President said he had been closely monitoring the situation for over two hours and immediately called Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla to check on the situation in the Senate.

Media reports indicated that shots were fired at the Senate premises on Wednesday night.

“Mga dalawang oras at kalahati ko nang mino-monitor ang sitwasyon. At noong una kong nabalitaan na nagputukan, ang una kong tinawagan ay si Sec. Jonvic Remulla ng DILG. At tinanong ko, magpa-report ka sa mga pulis na nandoon na kung may nangyari, kung mayroon silang ginawa,” President Marcos said.

The President added that he also reached out to the National Bureau of Investigation to confirm whether its agents were involved.

“At tapos ang sunod na tawag ko naman ay sa NBI. At tinanong ko sa mga NBI at kay Director Matibag, eh kayo ba ay pumasok sa Senado? Sabi niya, “Wala. Wala kang instruction. Ang sabi sa akin, wala kang instruction, sir. Kaya ba’t namin gagawin ‘yun?” President Marcos said.

The President clarified that uniformed personnel seen inside the Senate were part of regular security forces assigned to the premises.

“Yung nakikita po ninyo na nakauniporme sa loob – sa mga news, ang mga nakauniporme doon, dalawang klase. Iyong PNP police na naka-duty sa Senado. Nandoon sila para bantayan ang Senado, para mag-crowd control, para maging secure ang Senado. Iyong isa pang nakauniporme ay ‘yung Marines, may Marine detachment na nandoon talaga sa Senado, taga-doon sila,” President Marcos explained.

The President added that other armed individuals seen were part of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, an internal security group.

“Iyong isa pang nakita ninyong grupo nakasibilyan at may hawak na mga mahahaba, mga OSAA ‘yun, ‘yun naman sa Sergeant-at-Arms ng Senado. So lahat ng nakikita ninyong nakauniporme o armado ay taga-doon. Nandoon sila talaga. Doon sila nag-du-duty,” President Marcos added.

The President also said no directive was made to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

“Wala pong instruction kahit na kanino na hulihin si Senator Bato. At ang nangyari ang NBI ay sinabihan ko noong lumabas ‘yung resolution ng Supreme Court, mga alas kwatro ‘yun kaninang hapon, ay sinabi ko, “umalis na kayo diyan.” Nag-comply naman sila,” the President said, noting that NBI personnel had already left the area.

President Marcos said he had spoken with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and agreed to call for calm while authorities investigate the incident.

“Nakausap ko na si Senate President Alan Cayetano at nag-agree kami. We agree that the thing to do now is to tell our people all to calm down and we will get to the bottom of this,” the President noted.

President Marcos added that a joint investigation by the Senate and the Philippine National Police would determine whether the incident was an isolated encounter or a deliberate attempt to cause disruption.

“At masasabi ko lang at para hindi po mag-aalala ang taong-bayan, hindi po gobyerno ang gumawa nito. Walang pumasok na taga-labas na sundalo, na militar, na NBI sa Senado. Hindi po natin alam kung sino ‘yun na sumubok na pumasok at dahil doon ay nagkaputukan. Aalamin po natin the President said.

Authorities are now gathering evidence related to the incident, the President said, reiterating his appeal for sobriety. “Kalma lang po. Asahan ninyo, ‘yung gobyerno po ninyo hindi gagawin ito,” the President added. PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned agencies to ensure that every Filipino will have free medical benefits and will not have to worry about hospital expenses.

“Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., patuloy na isinusulong ang kalusugan ng mamamayan sa tulong ng mas pinalawak na PhilHealth benefits,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Office Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday.

“Malinaw ang nais ng Pangulo, ang tiyakin na bawat Pilipino ay may pagkakataong magpagaling nang hindi nag-aalala sa gastusin. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang pagpapagamot ay karapatan ng lahat at hindi pribilehiyo lamang ng iilan,” Castro also said.

On May 11, President Marcos visited The Medical City in Pasig City to personally visit the beneficiaries of the expanded services of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The President was accompanied by PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado.

Castro said the Chief Executive visited the hospital’s various facilities to determine whether beneficiaries are able to use the benefits offered by PhilHealth.

While President Marcos is aware that many Filipinos prefer to prioritize other expenses over seeking medical treatment, Castro said the President has ordered PhilHealth to further expand out-of-patient benefits to lessen public expenses.

Among the expanded benefits are the Zero Balance Billing, Medical Assistance to Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, and the Expanded Maternity Care Package, Castro said.

President Marcos also visited the newly renovated RA Bengzon Patient Access Ward located on the 10th floor of The Medical City.

The facility features a new emergency department where more Filipinos will have access to quality but affordable health services.

Aside from the state-of-the-art emergency department, the RA Bengzon Access Ward also has a 51-bed ward, specialized isolation rooms, and mother-and-baby-friendly spaces. | PND

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of law enforcement agencies consistently adhering to due process and established legal procedures in the implementation of warrants of arrest against individuals accused of crimes, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

“At ang lagi namang utos ng Pangulo sa lahat ng enforcement agencies sa lahat ng pagkakataon, hindi lamang dito patungkol kay Senator Ronald ” Bato” dela Rosa, dapat lamang ay sumunod kung ano ang sinasabi ng batas,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing at Malacañang.

Asked about the Senate’s declaration of protective custody over Senator dela Rosa following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant of arrest against him, Castro said that while senators are granted a legislative privilege that prevents their arrest during sessions within the vicinity of the Senate, such protection has clear limitations.

“Mayroon tinatawag na privilege para hindi hulihin ang sinumang senador habang nasa session kapag siya ay nasa vicinity ng Senado. But alam natin na ito ay may limitasyon. Kapag ang isang krimen na nagawa ay may penalty na more than six years, hindi mag-a-apply itong pribilehiyo na ito,” she added.

When asked about Senator dela Rosa’s call for the President to protect him as a Filipino citizen, Castro said, “Maski naman po iyong mga EJK (extrajudicial killing) victims ay humihingi rin po ng proteksyon sa gobyerno. So, ang akusadong katulad ni Senator Bato ay humihingi ng proteksiyon, lahat naman po ay bibigyan ng proteksiyon na naaayon sa batas.”

“Kung naaresto man siya, kung maaaresto man siya, lahat ng karapatan bilang isang akusado ay ibibigay sa kaniya,” she noted. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday underscored President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to protecting the welfare and mental well-being of Filipino learners following the launch of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the initiative reflects President Marcos’s directive to make students’ welfare a national priority.

“Inilunsad kahapon ng Department of Education – sa pangunguna ni Secretary Sonny Angara – ang Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline para sa mga mag-aaral na may hinaharap na mental health crisis at kabataang kailangan ng immediate professional intervention,” Castro said at a press briefing in Malacañang.

Students may call the TeleSafe Helpline through #33733 to access immediate support and guidance.

The helpline is connected to the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline to ensure that learners receive quality assistance from trained mental health professionals.

“Makakaasa ang sambayanan na may dalubhasang handang tumulong sakaling magkakaroon ng mental health emergency sa kanilang pamilya,” the Palace official said.

“Hindi biro o kahinaan ang mental health issues. May mga taong handang makinig at gumabay sa inyo,” she added.

Parents, relatives, and students who may need mental health assistance may also contact 0945-175-9777 or send an email to [email protected]. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday visited The Medical City in Ortigas, Pasig City, to personally assess hospital services and the implementation of expanded benefits of the Philippines Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

The visit underscored the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare access for Filipinos through expanded PhilHealth coverage.

The Palace said the visit highlighted the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen healthcare accessibility through enhanced PhilHealth coverage, including the expanded maternity care package and outpatient emergency care benefits.

The expanded PhilHealth benefits include improved maternity care packages and outpatient emergency care coverage.

The President was accompanied by PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado during the visit.

Upon arriving at the hospital, President Marcos inspected both the urgent and non-urgent care areas, where he interacted with patients and their families waiting.

The President later proceeded to the 10th floor to visit the male surgery ward, the mother-and-baby-friendly room, and the female surgery ward.

The inspection allowed the Chief Executive to personally observe how PhilHealth-supported services are being delivered to patients.

The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Stuart Bennett, who led the walkthrough of the hospital’s Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward and its state-of-the-art Emergency Department.

During the tour, President Marcos and Dr. Mercado met with several patients who shared how their PhilHealth membership helped ease the financial burden of hospitalization and medical care.

The President’s visit also focused on how expanded PhilHealth benefits are improving access to essential services, particularly in emergency care and maternal health.

The Alfredo R.A. Bengzon Patient Access Ward was established to provide accessible and quality healthcare services and promote a more inclusive healthcare experience.

Meanwhile, The Medical City’s Emergency Department continues to deliver advanced, comprehensive emergency care through modern facilities and specialized medical teams accredited by Joint Commission International.

Dr. Bennett said The Medical City remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve access to quality healthcare for Filipinos. He added that stronger partnerships with PhilHealth and the government are helping extend meaningful healthcare support to more patients and families.

The visit underscored the shared commitment of the government, PhilHealth, and healthcare institutions to make quality healthcare more accessible, responsive, and affordable for all Filipinos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios expressed their intention to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between Asia and Latin America during the latter’s historic Official Visit to the Philippines.

Speaking during a joint press conference at Malacañang, President Marcos expressed optimism over the growing partnership between the Philippines and Paraguay, citing the shared strategic role of both nations in their respective regions.

Paraguay currently holds the pro-temporary presidency of MERCOSUR (South Common Market), while the Philippines chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“I am actually very optimistic in that in our discussion earlier, what came out was a remarkable parallel in the way that our countries are developing ourselves and how we view our countries, the Philippines views itself as a gateway to Asia and Paraguay a gateway to Latin America,” President Marcos said.

“And that connection, should we make it and should we strengthen it, will be a remarkable boon not only to your country and mine, but also to the regions where we come from,” he added.

President Marcos described his bilateral talks with President Peña as “exciting” and focusing on long-term cooperation.

“So, we have a great deal of work ahead of us to make sure that we keep that momentum going in our bilateral relations,” the President said.

For his part, President Peña reaffirmed Paraguay’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral relations as a strategic partnership.

According to President Peña, they both agreed to deepen ties between MERCOSUR and the Philippines with a view to laying the foundation for broader engagement between MERCOSUR and ASEAN, particularly in trade, investment, and value chains.

President Peña welcomed the Philippines’ opening of its market to Paraguayan beef, pork, and poultry imports in August 2025, noting that this has already led to a first shipment to the country.

He said the milestone highlights Paraguay’s capacity to supply one of Asia’s largest and most dynamic markets and expressed optimism for expanded exports of animal protein, grains, maize, oil seeds, and other agro-industrial products to support the Philippines’ food security needs.

During the event, both leaders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Mutual Cooperation in the Field of Diplomatic Training between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of ordinary passports of the Philippines and Paraguay to facilitate easier travel for Filipinos and Paraguayans.

President Peña also expressed confidence that the first presidential visit between the Philippines and Paraguay since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962 would pave the way for stronger cooperation for the benefit of both nations.

“President Marcos, I deeply want to share my sense of gratitude. I have the confidence that we both came to this first meeting with high expectations, but I’m leaving this great nation with even greater expectations about the future of our two nations and our people,” President Peña said.

“As the only country in Asia with Latino roots, I have no doubt that the role that you can play as a leader of the region will be fundamental for bringing together two regions that share a lot in terms of expectations about the future,” he further emphasized.

President Peña concluded by expressing hope for a reciprocal visit by President Marcos and his delegation in the near future as both nations work toward a stronger partnership. | PND

President Santiago Peña Palacios on Monday announced Paraguay’s intention to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia, reaffirming its commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and multilateralism.

The Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia promotes peaceful relations, mutual respect, and friendly cooperation among States in Southeast Asia.

“This decision reflects our firm determination to integrate into the regional dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in line with the principles of peace, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes that have historically guided Paraguay’s foreign policy,” President Peña said during a joint press conference with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his Official Visit to Malacañang.

President Peña said he formally conveyed to the Philippine government in its capacity as Chair of Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) 2026, Paraguay’s intention to accede to the TAC.

The Paraguayan leader added that its proposed accession to the TAC is not a symbolic act, saying it is “a strategic declaration that positions Paraguay as an actor committed to stability and multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific.”

The TAC, established in 1976, has been amended three times, in 1987, 1998, and 2010 to allow for accession by states outside Southeast Asia, as well as regional organizations composed of sovereign states, among others. As of October 2025, the TAC has 58 High Contracting Parties. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial arrival honors for Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios at Malacañan Palace on Monday.

President Peña is in the Philippines for a two-day official visit to strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and Paraguay.

The Philippines also accorded the Paraguay leader a 21-gun salute, which is the highest military honor bestowed upon a visiting head of state.

The two countries will be celebrating 64 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, as diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Paraguay were established on December 12, 1962.

In 2025, total trade with Paraguay amounted to US$2.2 million, with exports at US$1.9 million and imports at US$322,400 in favor of the Philippines.

The Philippines’ top exports include personal deodorants and antiperspirants; input or output units, whether or not containing storage units in the same housing; parts and accessories, for machines, and other office machines; transmission apparatus, incorporating reception apparatus: and new pneumatic tires, rubber for motor cars, including station wagons and racing cars.

The Philippines’ top imports include oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, and lighting arresters, voltage limiters, and surge suppressors.

In 2025, the Philippines recorded 220 tourist arrivals from Paraguay, an increase from 191 tourist arrivals in 2024.

There are 63 Filipinos in Paraguay, the majority of whom live in the capital city, Asuncion. The small Filipino community is composed of teachers, professionals, and permanent residents married to locals.

President Peña assumed office as Paraguay’s president in August 2023, becoming one of the country’s youngest leaders in recent history. He is an economist by profession.

The Paraguay leader previously served as Paraguay’s Minister of Finance and has advocated economic modernization, foreign investment, and stronger international partnerships for the South American nation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday welcomed the signing of several key agreements—including Memoranda of Understanding on trade and diplomatic training, as well as a visa waiver arrangement—during the Official Visit of Paraguay President Santiago Peña Palacios at Malacañan Palace.

During the joint press conference with the visiting head of state, President Marcos highlighted the productive and forward-looking discussions held with President Peña, underscoring shared interests in enhancing cooperation in agriculture, trade, and renewable energy.

“President Peña and I discussed the potential of increasing trade and investments between our two nations, starting with generating awareness and interest among businesses of both sides, with the longer-term objective of identifying and enabling economic and commercial opportunities,” President Marcos said.

The President also underscored the potential for Philippine exports of tuna, sardines, and milkfish products to Paraguay, noting that such prospects could further strengthen local industries and expand market opportunities for Filipino producers.

In line with this objective, both leaders welcomed the establishment of institutional and commercial linkages through the signing of an MOU between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Paraguay’s Investment and Export Network (REDIEX).

Complementing these economic initiatives, both leaders witnessed the signing of a Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of ordinary passports of the Philippines and Paraguay, which is expected to facilitate business, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

To foster closer engagement between Filipino and Paraguayan diplomats, both leaders also noted with appreciation the signing of an MOU on Mutual Cooperation in the Field of Diplomatic Training between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During their discussion, President Marcos and President Peña also exchanged views on political and economic developments in their respective countries, as well as regional matters, including the Philippines’ Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 Chairship and Paraguay’s Presidency of MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market).

President Marcos expressed hope that President Peña’s visit is “only the beginning of the deepening friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Paraguay.”

“We have a lot of work ahead of us to make sure that we keep the momentum going in our bilateral relations,” the President emphasized.

“I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to President Peña and the Paraguayan delegation for this historic and productive visit,” the President added.

President Peña’s visit marks the first presidential visit between the two countries since the establishment of their diplomatic relations on December 12, 1962 or 63 years ago.

President Peña arrived in the Philippines on Sunday for a two-day Official Visit and was received by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and other Philippine officials. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday paid tribute to Filipino mothers on Mother’s Day, honoring their unwavering love, sacrifice, and vital role as the foundation of families and communities, and expressing gratitude for their daily contributions to the nation.

“Sa bawat ina, may pagmamahal at sakripisyong hindi kayang tumbasan ng anumang salita. Kayo ang ilaw ng tahanan at haligi ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Sa inyong pag-aaruga, pagtitiis, at walang kapantay na pagmamahal, mas tumatatag ang ating tahanan, komunidad, at bayan,” President Marcos wrote on a Facebook post.

“Ngayong Mother’s Day, taos-puso akong nagpupugay at nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng ina. Maraming salamat sa pagmamahal na araw-araw ninyong iniaalay para sa inyong pamilya at para sa ating bansa,” the President added.

In a separate Mother’s Day post, the President also expressed his appreciation for First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.

“To my dear Liza, Happy Mother’s Day,” President Marcos posted.

“I have watched you love this family for years, not out of a Mother’s duty but out of a Mother’s love. Our boys could not have asked for a more loving mother, and I could not have asked for a better partner to walk through life with,” the President noted.

“Thank you for holding our family together with so much love and patience through every season of our lives. We love you, always. ️” President Marcos noted.

The message was accompanied by a 41-second video compilation featuring moments of the First Family. PND