President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday personally oversaw the progress on the Piggatan Bridge rehabilitation, underscoring the government’s commitment to restoring the vital transportation link along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Piggatan, Alcala, Cagayan.

President Marcos conducted the inspection together with Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay, Alcala Mayor Christina Ignacio-Antonio, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, and DPWH Region II Assistant Regional Director Ronalyn Ubiña.

The President was briefed on the status of the Piggatan Bridge project, including the successful completion and opening of the temporary detour steel bridge last month.

The Chief Executive was also presented with the plans for the permanent bridge, which will replace the old Piggatan Bridge and provide a long-term, climate-resilient solution to address increasing traffic demand along the national highway.

President Marcos directed the DPWH to ensure that the replacement bridge is properly designed and constructed.

The President also said the new bridge should be safe and durable and should comply with proper engineering standards.

Built in 1980 and designed to carry up to 18 tons, the 74.4-meter Piggatan Bridge collapsed on October 6, 2025 due to severe overloading when four heavy trucks with an estimated total load of over 130 tons crossed the bridge. Six individuals were injured in the collapse.

Upon the President’s orders to fast-track the construction, the temporary detour bridge was officially opened to traffic on December 19, 2025, ensuring uninterrupted mobility of people, goods, and services while preparations for the permanent bridge are underway.

“Kaya’t minadali natin na maglagay nitong tinatawag naming temporary (bridge). Pero, pagka nagawa natin, hindi na natin aalisin ‘yan para may extra lane,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the inspection.

The President said the temporary bridge was constructed within 60 days on land donated by Piggatan residents.

President Marcos highlighted the efficient use of previously stored construction materials, noting that resources which had been kept in storage by the DPWH for years due to project cancellations, were finally put to productive use.

“’Yung mga ginamit na mga materyales dito, naka-storage sa DPWH ng mga almost 15 years dahil nagkaroon ng projects na hindi natuloy, naiwan na lang doon at hindi na nagagamit for that amount of time. Pero mabuti na nagamit na natin,” added the President.

President Marcos’ visit emphasized the importance of fast-tracking the implementation of the permanent bridge to ensure public safety, strengthen regional connectivity, and support economic activity in Northern Luzon. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration Thursday of the PhP2.3 billion Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan, which he said could spur development in the area.

“I think this will serve as a model for many of the other bridge projects that we will be seeing around the country,” President Marcos said.

“At nakakatuwa dahil napakalaking bagay ang paglagay ng ganitong klaseng tulay dahil as all of you here are well aware, it cuts the travel time, imbes na umiikot ng napakalayo para tumawid ay nandito na ‘yung ating Camalaniugan Bridge,” the President added.

President Marcos said the government accelerated the construction of the bridge to benefit the public and nearby communities, particularly by boosting economic activity in the area.

“I am sure na itong tulay na ito ay magbabago ang ekonomiya sa magkabila ng tulay na ito. Maraming mabubuksan, and this will give many opportunities in the surrounding areas, mabibigyan ng mga opportunities for new jobs, for new businesses, and I’m sure that you will feel the economic effects in a very, very short time,” the President said.

The Chief Executive congratulated the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) “for their very good work here and to see that everything was completed on time and on budget.”

Aside from ensuring seamless traffic flow, the bridge was constructed in line with the current safety standards, the President also noted.

President Marcos also assured the public that the money spent on building vital infrastructures benefits Filipinos.

The 2.16-kilometer, two-lane Camalaniugan Bridge will serve as an alternative route to the Magapit Suspension Bridge, previously the only bridge at the northernmost part of Cagayan that spans the Cagayan River.

With the bridge’s completion, travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros in Cagayan is expected to be cut from one hour to just 20 minutes, benefiting an estimated 6,000 daily commuters and travelers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to grant a general amnesty, giving business owners, employers, and self-employed members a one-time opportunity to settle their unpaid contributions without incurring interest and penalty charges for late payments.

“Sa aming patuloy na pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na sa tinatawag nating healthcare, inutusan ko po ang PhilHealth na magpatupad ng general amnesty para sa mga negosyante, private employer, mga self-employed na ating mga kababayan na hindi nabayarang kontribusyon sa PhilHealth,” President Marcos said in a message aired on his official social media account on Thursday.

The President ordered a one-time waiver of the three percent compounded or accumulated monthly interest charged on unpaid premium contributions, citing the financial burden the penalty places on members who are struggling to settle their dues.

The President added that the general amnesty is expected to benefit around 300,000 PhilHealth members.

“Alam naman namin na ‘yung three percent na binabayad para sa PhilHealth eh medyo – na buwan-buwan ay ramdam na ramdam ng ating mga kababayan,” the Chief Executive said.

“Kaya’t inutusan ko po ang PhilHealth, gagawa tayo nitong taon na ito, 2026, ang tinatawag naming one-time waiver para sa interest ngayong taon,” the President noted.

President Marcos said the government will give those concerned one year to pay all their missed contributions from 2013 up to 2024.

President Marcos also urged employers to update their employees’ records and ensure their enrollment in the PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program).

PhilHealth YAKAP is an enhanced primary care program that provides free consultations, essential medicines, lab tests, and cancer screenings to promote early detection and reduce health-related expenses for Filipinos.

President Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to easing the burden of Filipinos on healthcare costs.

“Kaya po ito po ay patuloy naming ginagawa upang pagaanin ang dala ng ating mga kababayan tungkol nga sa mga healthcare costs at sa lahat ng iba’t ibang hamon na hinaharap ng ating mga kababayan araw-araw,” the President said. | PND

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa clarified that it is not government policy to use guarantee letters issued by political figures for patients in DOH-run hospitals, as he thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for ensuring the continued full implementation of the zero balance billing program.

During a Malacañang Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Herbosa stressed that patients seeking treatment in DOH-run hospitals no longer need to solicit assistance from lawmakers or politicians.

“We do not really use guarantee letters. The DOH does not use guarantee letters,” Herbosa said. “We only issue guarantee letters to private hospitals with which the DOH has a Memorandum of Agreement. Other than that, we do not use guarantee letters.”

Herbosa added that if a politician or any private individual issues a guarantee letter, that person—not the government—should be the one to pay the hospital bill.

The health secretary explained that the zero balance billing policy has been in full effect since July 2025, allowing patients admitted in basic or ward accommodation in DOH hospitals to receive services without paying out of pocket.

He assured the public that sufficient funding is available to sustain the program.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the PhP6.793 trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 on January 5, granting the DOH its largest budget allocation to date at PhP448 billion.

Herbosa further clarified that restrictions on political involvement in the distribution of financial assistance were enacted by lawmakers, not by the DOH.

Under the 2026 GAA, the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance must be carried out exclusively by authorized government personnel or accredited partner agencies. The law explicitly prohibits elective officials, candidates, politicians, political parties, and their representatives from influencing or participating in the actual distribution of assistance, except for officials with direct administrative authority over the implementing agency. | PND

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said the so-called “super flu” recently detected in the Philippines is not a cause for alarm, even as health authorities continue to monitor the emergence of a new flu variant.

“(It is) not alarming but there is a new variant out there,” DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said when asked about the “super flu” during a Palace press briefing.

Herbosa said all the 17 cases of “super flu” detected around July last year have recovered.

“As we very well know, flu is a self-limiting illness, unless mayroon kang medical condition, elderly ka, so we still recommend the use of the flu vaccine,” said the DOH chief.

Herbosa advised the public traveling to temperate countries or regions with relatively cold climates, particularly areas reporting the spread of the “super flu,” to get vaccinated.

“I think the warning I will give is for Filipinos who will travel to temperate countries, who will go to North America, to the UK. If you’re going there, be knowledgeable that there is a spread of the super flu in that area,” Herbosa said.

“Maybe get the northern hemisphere vaccine. That’s my best advice for them. Kung magta-travel kayo, bibisita kayo sa kamag-anak ninyo sa malamig, winter places, get the shot – the northern hemisphere shot not the southern hemisphere shot,” Herbosa stressed.

Reports indicate that the “super flu,” officially identified as subclade K, is a variant of the H3N2 virus.

H3N2, a subtype of Influenza A, is known for causing seasonal flu epidemics and significant illness.

The so-called “super flu” has reportedly been spreading in several countries over the past few months. | PND

The Department of Health (DOH) is set to pilot the zero balance billing program in provincial hospitals being run by local government units to eliminate out-of-pocket medical expenses for eligible patients.

With a PhP448 billion DOH budget for this year, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the department is set to expand President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s policy on zero balance billing for patients admitted in basic or ward accommodation in DOH hospitals.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Herbosa said PhP1 billion would be allocated this year to implement the zero balance billing program in select secondary and tertiary LGU hospitals.

“We have actually selected provinces that have actually fulfilled their commitments to universal health coverage and these are Sarangani, Laguna, Aklan – there are about five of them, ipa-prioritize ko sila,” Herbosa said.

Herbosa said the pilot phase would be implemented in Level 2 and Level 3 LGU hospitals that offer specialized medical services.

“For the Level 1 hospitals, ang feeling namin kaya na siyang i-support noong increased benefits of PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation). So, alam iyon ng mga local chief executives. But for LGUs that have Level 2 and Level 3 hospitals, ito iyong mas complex procedures and higher cost of care, sila iyong gagamitin nating pilot,” he explained.

Herbosa also said the DOH will prioritize LGU hospitals in provinces that have no DOH hospitals.

“For the rest of the LGUs, puwede pa rin namin silang tulungan per patient basis through the MAIFIP,” the DOH chief said, referring to the Medical Assistance for Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients to cover medical costs beyond what PhilHealth covers.

Herbosa said DOH hospitals would enter into formal agreements with LGU hospitals to accept patients who could not be accommodated in the basic accommodation of DOH hospitals.

“So, ang mangyayari dito I will ask my medical center chiefs to have a memorandum of agreement with an LGU hospital and kung puno iyong DOH hospital, papalipatin namin sila sa LGU hospital pero sasagutin naming, zero balance iyong pasyente doon,” he said.

“So, the fund continues to support our Filipinos na magpapa-basic accommodation.”

The DOH said around a million patients have benefitted from the zero balance billing program since President Marcos ordered its strict implementation during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28. | PND

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is eyeing to adopt an artificial intelligence (AI)–powered pre-validation system to prevent fraudulent health insurance claims and safeguard the integrity of its funds.

In a Palace briefing on Wednesday, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado said the AI-enabled pre-validation system will analyze electronically submitted claims to determine whether patients’ lab tests match their medical diagnoses.

“So, mayroon na po tayong isasagawa within this quarter na parang AI-enabled na pre-validation ng mga claims. Kapag pinasok po ‘yung e-claims, made-detect na po kung nagma-match ‘yung diagnosis doon sa mga lab test na ginawa,” Mercado said.

“So, basically, doon pa lang mapa-flag na namin kung ano ‘yung potentially hindi karapat-dapat,” he said.

Aside from technology-driven measures, PhilHealth is also strengthening proper communication and information dissemination about the benefit packages offered to members.

“Pero ang mas importante, preemptively ‘yun nga pong mga pasyente natin na mapaliwanagan kung ano po ‘yung mga serbisyo at saka ‘yung mga benepisyong kailangang nakukuha nila,” Mercado said.

Mercado said PhilHealth will post information materials in accredited hospitals about their rights and benefits, particularly on zero-balance billing and basic accommodation.

“So, ayon po, pinapalakas namin ‘yung aming communication program… at i-inform po namin ‘yung mga pasyente kung ano po ‘yung kanilang mga benepisyong dapat natatamasa,” Mercado said. | PND

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have assured the public of heightened security and extensive preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure a peaceful, safe, and meaningful Traslacion for millions of devotees.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said security preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

“Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na panatilihing payapa at makabuluhan ang idaraos na Traslacion, nakaalerto ang pwersa ng PNP, DILG at ibang ahensya ng gobyerno upang siguruhin ang kaligtasan ng mga dadalo sa nasabing kaganapan,” said Castro.

The Palace Press Officer said around 18,200 uniformed personnel will be deployed to secure key areas in Manila during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

“Makakaasa sa increased police presence and visibility ang mga debotong lalahok sa Traslacion lalo na sa tatlong major areas: sa Quirino Grandstand, sa buong ruta na daraanan na prusisyon, at sa Quiapo Church na huling destinasyon ng imahe ng Poong Nazareno,” Castro said.

For added security, the PNP will implement no-fly zones and set up cell phone signal jammers near the Traslacion areas, according to Castro.

“Nagpaalala naman ang DILG sa mga lalahok na maging alerto at iwasang magdala ng mga matatalim at nakakasugat na bagay, mga paputok at pyrotechnic devices, mga lalagyang babasagin at iba pang ipinagbabawal na kagamitan,” she added.

Castro said authorities also reminded the public that carrying firearms and other weapons is strictly prohibited under the gun ban currently in effect in Manila.

The Palace Press Officer also noted that PNP Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartates Jr. has directed police personnel to remain alert, calm, and humane while carrying out their duties during the celebration.

“Nawa’y maging matiwasay, ligtas at makabuluhan ang selebrasyon ng Pista ng Poong Nazareno para sa lahat ng deboto,” said Castro.

Malacañang has declared January 9, 2026, a special non-working day in Manila City to ensure the orderly observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The Manila city government has also suspended classes in all levels and work in local government offices on that day in observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded the newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to lead with integrity and act as responsible stewards of the nation’s resources.

President Marcos led the oath-taking ceremony in Malacañan Palace for the newly promoted 37 generals and flag officers of the AFP and the lone commissioned graduate of Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institutions (FPCTI).

In his speech, President Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold the welfare of the nation’s protectors with the recent signing of the PhP6.793 trillion National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

The President cited his order in December updating the base pay schedule and increasing the subsistence allowance for military and uniformed personnel.

President Marcos said in addition to their duty as the nation’s protectors, the military also has the responsibility of safeguarding public resources.

“More than your role as the protectors of our nation, you must also be among the faithful stewards who guard public resources,” the President directed.

“Be among those who ensure that every peso translates into capability, preparedness, and integrity,” added the President.

Congratulating the newly promoted officials, the Chief Executive said they bear greater responsibilities with their higher rank even as their mission remains unchanged.

“Your higher rank demands sharper judgment and steadier leadership, especially in an era of complex threats, rising geopolitical tensions, and heightened security concerns for our country,” said the President.

“Ang halaga ng isang tunay na pinuno ay nasusukat sa tamang asal at magandang halimbawa na kaniyang ipinapakita, hindi sa taas ng kaniyang ranggo,” the President reminded.

President Marcos also acknowledged the officers’ families who serve as their main source of strength.

Malacañang has declared this Friday, January 9, 2026, a special non-working day in Manila City to ensure the orderly observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Under Proclamation No. 1126 signed on January 6, the Palace said millions of devotees are expected to flock to the Quiapo Church and the City of Manila during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

The proclamation cited the request of the City of Manila to declare January 9 a special non-working day to ensure the orderly procession of devotees and to facilitate the flow of traffic.

“Now, therefore, I, Ralph G. Recto, Acting Executive Secretary, by authority of the President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. do hereby declare Friday, 09 January 2026, a special (non-working) day in the City of Manila,” the proclamation said. | PND