President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday night reaffirmed that the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte complied with the Philippines’ commitment to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

In a Palace briefing, President Marcos said that the Interpol Manila had received an official copy of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Duterte.

The Prosecutor General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) served the warrant as Duterte alighted from the plane from Hong Kong.

“Interpol asked for help, and we obliged because we have commitments to the Interpol which we have to fulfill. If we don’t do that, they will not – they will no longer help us with other cases involving Filipino fugitives abroad,” President Marcos said.

“This is what the international community expects of us as the leader of a democratic country that is part of the community of nations,” he added.

Duterte was placed in government custody at Villamor Air Base after he, his common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, and members of his entourage arrived at 9:20 am from Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific flight No. CX 907.

The plane carrying Duterte later departed Manila en route to The Hague, Netherlands, where he is set to face charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his war on drugs. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement the updated Bicol River Basin Master Plan to address the perennial flooding in the Bicol Region.

“I already instructed the Public Works to come up with a master plan which is appropriate for now. There is no other way to address the flooding problem except to manage the water flowing into the Bicol Region River Basin,” President Marcos said during the Regional Development Council meeting in Pili, Camarines Sur, on Friday.

“At least we have a plan now. We have to implement it properly because the old master plan was not rigorously implemented so we have the same problem,” he said.

The President stressed that the country needs to adjust because the weather will become more severe with climate change, and the old master plan is no longer suitable for addressing emerging crises.

He said the plan should be made available to all stakeholders to enable them to understand how it is supposed to work, particularly agencies that are supposed to implement it, and the role of local and national government.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the agency updated the master plan for the Bicol Region River Basin under the Philippine-Korea Project Facilitation Program.

“We have completed the updating of the master plan to include also the basic parameters taking into account the climate change,” Bonoan told the President.

During President Marcos’ visit to Camarines Sur in November last year, he directed various agencies and local government units to work together on the integrated and future-proof implementation of plans for the Bicol River Basin.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund “L-Ray” Villafuerte Jr. requested the DPWH to dredge the low-lying areas of the Bicol River, particularly the Libmanan-Cabusao and the Nabua-Bato-Baao Lake.

Villafuerte cited areas prone to flooding because the river is too shallow. He said dredging could be an immediate solution before fully implementing the master plan. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Saturday that the Philippines could still boost its people-to-people exchanges with the United Kingdom (UK) due to their strong relations.

President Marcos made the statement in a meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Lammy in Malacañang.

The President cited the significant increase in the number of Filipinos living and working in the UK. He informed Lammy that the UK-based Filipinos are grateful for how the UK has welcomed them.

“That’s a very clear indication of how strong our relations have become in many, many areas. So, I’m sure your visit will be a symbol of that strengthening relationship,” he said.

An estimated 200,000 Filipinos are in the UK, working in various sectors, including IT, aviation, hospitality and service, and healthcare. Since 2001, there has been an increase in the number of Filipino engineers and IT experts working with British telecommunication, software, and e-commerce solutions companies.

Lammy is in the Philippines to promote the enhanced partnership between the Philippines and the UK further.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed issues related to trade and investments, maritime, climate change, and the environment.

Formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UK were established on July 4, 1946. |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promote and protect women’s rights.

“The Bagong Pilipinas we are building will always advocate for women’s rights and vigorously oppose anything threatening their progress,” President Marcos said in his message for International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month.

The President hailed the contributions of women throughout history, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the country’s progress.

“Many of the developments we witness today can be attributed to the innumerable contributions of women across generations who fought, struggled, and advocated for various noble causes,” he said.

President Marcos stated that the government will continue to share stories of remarkable women to inspire younger generations to make their mark.

During last year’s celebration, the President called for ongoing efforts to eliminate gender biases and discrimination, especially in marginalized communities.

He urged all Filipinos to provide equal opportunities for women and to protect the progress made towards inclusivity and empowerment.

“Always remember that, by amplifying the voices of women, championing their rights, and reinforcing their fundamental freedom, we, in turn, elevate entire communities and nations, propelling ourselves towards a stronger, more equitable, and more progressive world for all,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. provided thousands of employment opportunities to Bicolanos on Friday as he led the Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas event in Camarines Sur.

Speaking at an event at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex in Pili town, President Marcos said the initiative is part of government efforts to address the current challenges.

“Kaya naman po ay ang una naming tinitingnan kung ano ang pinakamagandang serbisyo na maibigay namin sa tao. At sa aming palagay, ito na po ang pinakamahalaga sa bawat isa sa atin — ‘yung ating kalusugan na tayo’y malalakas, wala tayong sakit,” the President said.

“Mayroon tayong trabaho para mayroon tayong magandang hanapbuhay. Mayroon tayong mabilihan ng mga pangangailangan na medyo nakakamura nang kaunti, hindi kasing mahal doon sa ibang lugar,” he added.

The President said the job fair is spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units (LGUs).

The job fair will offer employment opportunities to approximately 3,000 Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) beneficiaries exiting the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

He said the 4Ps beneficiaries will also receive training on starting a livelihood, a significant step in improving the lives of Filipino families.

The job fair offers over 2,500 jobs, including administrative and support services, construction, wholesale, and retail.

The Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas initiative aims to empower 4Ps beneficiaries by providing employment opportunities, livelihood assistance, and access to essential support services.

Meanwhile, the President praised the Bicolanos for their courage and resiliency and thanked employers and partner agencies for trusting Filipino workers.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of doctors and healthcare workers who provided free medical services to more than 600 people during the event. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on local government units (LGUs) to enhance nutritional support for pregnant mothers and their children’s first 1,000 days of life.

During the 2024 National Nutritional Awarding Ceremony in Quezon City on Friday, President Marcos stressed the importance of incorporating adequate health and nutrition interventions into each LGU’s Annual Investment Plan.

“I, once again, urge all local chief executives: commit to providing your counterpart investments in nutrition, especially for nutritionally at-risk pregnant mothers, for the First 1,000 Days of Life of children and beyond,” the President said.

“Investing in human capital is the key to securing our nation’s future,” he said.

The President praised the awardees for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable sectors in society through intensified initiatives aimed at breaking “intergenerational malnutrition.”

“To our awardees, once again, we commend your dedication, your initiatives, and commitment to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our society,” the President said.

During the event, the President urged cooperation and discipline to attain a peaceful and healthy community under the Bagong Pilipinas.

“Patuloy tayong magtulungan at pairalin ang disiplina sa lahat ng oras upang makamit natin ang isang tunay na mapayapa, malusog, at masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” he said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended local government units for their efforts in implementing the country’s nutrition programs.

President Marcos hoped that the best practices developed in these communities would inspire others and lead to a broader impact, promoting a healthier population.

Speaking at the 2024 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony, the President said the timely occasion highlights the country’s focus on further improving its healthcare and nutrition strategies.

“This is a moment for reflection, recognition, and renewed determination in our pursuit of a stronger and healthier Bagong Pilipinas,’” the President said.

“To our awardees, once again, we commend your dedication, your initiatives, and commitment to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our society,” he added.

The National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony is an annual event led by the National Nutrition Council. It recognizes outstanding LGUs and local nutrition focal points in effectively and efficiently implementing nutrition programs under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).

The PPAN serves as the country’s blueprint for eliminating all forms of malnutrition.

This year, the NNC identified 23 LGUs and five local nutrition focal points (LNFPs) with outstanding nutrition program management practices. |PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on local government units in the country to integrate adequate health and nutrition interventions into their annual investment plan.

The call is in line with the government’s efforts to break the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition by ensuring the welfare of Filipinos, especially pregnant women, mothers, and their children.

“I urge all local chief executives: commit to providing your counterpart investments in nutrition, especially for nutritionally at-risk pregnant mothers, for the First 1,000 Days of Life of children and beyond,” President Marcos said during the 2024 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony in Quezon City.

The “strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its people,” he added.

He recognized the crucial role of health and nutrition, particularly in the development of Filipino children.

The President lauded local champions who significantly contributed to improving the nutrition situation in their respective localities. These include the outstanding achievements of 23 LGUs and five Local Nutrition Focal Points from various regions in the country.

“Let the best practices that you have introduced in your respective communities inspire others to create a ripple effect towards the countryside, towards a healthier future,” the President said.

“Lalo niyo pang paigtingin ang inyong mga magagandang gawain para masugpo ang problema natin sa malnutrisyon.” he added.

The President directed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to include healthcare and nutrition as priority indicators in the Seal of Good Local Governance. This move will reinforce a whole-of-nation approach to advancing the health and well-being of future generations.

In 2023, the President issued Executive Order No. 44, establishing the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program as the national government’s flagship program to support low-income families by providing PhP 3,000 in monthly household food credits.

These credits can be used to buy food from Kadiwa stalls and authorized stores.

The President also cited the Expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which will provide a PhP350 monthly allowance for over 68,000 4Ps households with pregnant mothers or children aged 0-2 to help combat early childhood malnutrition.

These initiatives are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) goal of achieving zero hunger by 2028. |PND

No stone would be left unturned in identifying those responsible for the collapse of the Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge in Isabela, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured on Thursday.

“Who is responsible is basically who made the design cause their design was poor. Look what happened,” President Marcos said.

He said the original cost of the suspension bridge was supposed to be PhP1.8 billion, but the budget was reduced by PhP1 billion.

“Ang puno’t dulo nito design flaw. It is a design flaw, mali ‘yung design. Ang history kasi nito dapat ang funding nito was supposed to be P1.8 billion. Binawasan to under P1 billion para makamura,” he told reporters at the site.

The President said that overloaded trucks were involved in the incident. “Those trucks should never have been on the bridge,” he said.

“We have to be more careful about monitoring ‘yung mga load. Kung 44 tons ang sinasabi, [tapos] sasakyan mo 200 plus tons, hindi nakapagtataka na ganito ang mangyayari,” he added.

The President inspected the bridge a week after the tragedy. He was accompanied by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan and other local officials.

He assured that the issue of identifying those who designed the bridge would be addressed. “I always have a saying: fix the problem, not the blame. Ayusin muna natin ‘yung problema. Believe me, we will find out who is responsible,” he said.

Spanning 990 meters and consisting of 12 arches and nine spans of pre-stressed concrete girders, the bridge was designed for light vehicles. It serves as a vital route linking Cabagan and Sta. Maria to Enrile, Cagayan and Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Construction of the bridge started in November 2014 and was completed on Feb. 1, 2025, at a total cost of PhP1.22 billion. | PND