President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing renewable energy in the Philippines, assuring continued efforts to attract more investments in the said sector and streamline project implementation in the country.

In his speech during the Energization of the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants in Tuy, Batangas, the President highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to create a more inclusive environment for clean energy development.

“Habang ang Citicore at iba pang investors ay patuloy na nagtatayo ng mga pasilidad gaya nito, gumagawa naman ang pamahalaan ng mga hakbang upang isulong at palawakin ang renewable energy sa bansa,” the President said.

Among these initiatives are the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop and green lanes, which expedite the approvals of projects of national significance, such as renewable energy.

“Sa katunayan, ang ilang proyekto ng Citicore, tulad nito (Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants) ay dumaan sa green lanes, na makakapagpabilis sa pagtupad ng mga ganitong proyekto,” the President recalled.

The Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plant is a hybrid solar and battery facility that will produce up to 197 megawatts of renewable energy, and is expected to power approximately 158,000 households.

The project spans two barangays in Tuy, Batangas, including Lumbangan and Luntal.

The President also assured that the Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to implement measures that will drive renewable energy investments and expedite its approval.

“Kasabay nito, ang Department of Energy at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan, ang NGCP ay patuloy na nagkakaisa upang masiguro na may sapat na transmission line at imprastraktura upang maihatid ang kuryente sa ating tahanan, paaralan, at mga negosyo,” the President further said.

“Makakatiyak kayo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay patuloy na maghahanap ng mga paraan upang makabuo ng mas malinis na enerhiya na magbibigay liwanag sa ating Bagong Pilipinas,” the President added.

President Marcos likewise urged local government leaders to strengthen partnerships with clean energy investors, particularly in agro-solar projects that support both food and energy security. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led the ceremonial switch-on of the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants, the country’s first hybrid agro-solar and battery storage system, which aims to promote a cleaner and safer future while boosting local food security.

In his speech during the event in Tuy, Batangas, President Marcos underscored the crucial role of renewable energy in providing a cleaner and sustainable power supply.

“Dito sa Batangas, pinapakita natin sa buong mundo na ang solar power ang daan tungo sa isang pangmatagalan at malinis na paraan ng pagbibigay liwanag sa ating mga tahanan at industriya,” President Marcos said.

The Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants include the Lumbangan and Luntal Power Projects, which will generate up to 197 megawatts of renewable energy, supported by a 320 megawatt-hour battery storage system that will ensure reliable power delivery.

The projects are expected to supply clean energy to around 158,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 265,000 tons annually. This is equivalent to removing thousands of vehicles from the road.

“Mas malinis ang hangin, mas ligtas ang ating kapaligiran,” the President said.

Beyond energy production, the President said Citicore is also innovatively combining solar power generation with agriculture by using agrivoltaics—a method of planting crops beneath and around solar panels.

The President said this approach lessens land-use competition between agriculture and energy by maximizing land productivity, increasing farmers’ income, and further enhancing food security.

President Marcos expressed gratitude to Citicore for supporting the government in bringing clean and reliable energy to every Filipino home and vowed support for future projects relating to renewable energy.

The project is part of Citicore Renewable’s commitment to provide five gigawatts of clean energy in the next five years to support the country’s goal of achieving a 50 percent renewable energy share in the energy mix by 2040.

“We also look forward to the realization of Citicore’s goal to add five gigawatts of clean energy in the next five years,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led the inauguration and turnover ceremony of new housing units to displaced families at St. Barts Southville Heights in Barangay San Bartolome, San Pablo City, Laguna.

In his speech, President Marcos said that more than 1,000 house and lot units have been allocated specifically for informal settler families affected by the ongoing construction of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project-Segment 2-7.

“Ang mga benepisyaryo ng proyektong ito ay mga informal settlers na dating nakatira sa kahabaan ng riles ng tren. At ngayon, masaya nating ipinagdiriwang na may mas ligtas, mas maayos na tahanan na mayroon kayong mauuwian na,” the President said.

President Marcos stressed that the government’s goal is not just to improve public infrastructure but also to provide safe and decent homes for displaced communities.

“Ito po ang layunin natin: kasabay ng pagpapaunlad natin sa imprastraktura, ay ang pagginhawa ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” the President said. “Walang iniiwan. Walang isinasantabi. At walang pinapabayaan.”

The housing project was implemented through the collaboration of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), National Housing Authority (NHA), and the local government of San Pablo City. It is part of the administration’s flagship housing program, Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program (4PH).

To address the basic needs of resettled families, President Marcos announced that the project will also include the construction of vital public facilities, such as an elementary school, a multipurpose covered court, a health center, a daycare center, a tricycle terminal, and a local market.

“Kaya’t dito sa St. Barts ay hindi lang basta pabahay. Hangad nating bumuo ng komunidad na may maayos na tirahan at kumpletong pasilidad,” President Marcos said.

“Sa ganitong sistema, mabibigay natin ang mas maginhawa, mas maunlad, mas komportableng pamumuhay para sa bawat pamilya,” the President added.

In an interview, NHA General Manager Joeben Tai said that a total of 1,099 housing units were turned over. Each unit has a 40-square-meter lot area and a 27-square-meter floor area, with two bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, and a dirty kitchen.

Tai explained that beneficiaries will enjoy a six-month grace period with no payment. After which, they will pay PhP800 per month for the first five years. The whole amortization period will span 25 to 30 years, depending on the beneficiary’s financial capacity.

The DOTr and PNR will determine the eligibility of the beneficiaries, said Tai.

Tai also shared that six more housing projects are in the pipeline for informal settlers in Quezon Province.

The construction of the PNR South Long Haul Project will not only affect San Pablo but also displace communities in Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, and Pagbilao in Quezon Province.

The railway project is a major government transportation initiative spanning 577 kilometers, forming a 33-station rail line that connects Metro Manila to Batangas and Bicol.

It is expected to significantly reduce travel time from Manila to Legazpi and open more economic opportunities in southern Luzon. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the newly created Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) will meet daily to fast-track its probe into anomalous flood control projects, stressing that public complaints must be acted on swiftly before the information goes stale.

In a Malacañang briefing, President Marcos announced the formal organization of the ICI, headed by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes, with former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV & Co. managing partner Rossana Fajardo as members.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was also tapped as special adviser who will act as investigator into questionable flood control projects.

The President said the Commission agreed to move very quickly.

“I’m very encouraged because noong nakausap ko sila, all of them are in agreement that we have to move very quickly and we have to get something done as quickly as possible,” the Chief Executive said.

“Hindi puwedeng mapanis lahat itong information na binigay ng taumbayan doon sa ‘Isumbong Mo sa Pangulo.’ Kaya’t sabi namin, eh bilisan na lang talaga ninyo,” President Marcos added.

The ICI has been granted subpoena powers to call witnesses and gather documents but will not exercise contempt powers, as it is designed to be an investigative, not a prosecutorial, body. The findings will be forwarded to the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, or Civil Service Commission for appropriate action.

The President underscored that the Palace will not interfere with the Commission’s work, highlighting its independence.

President Marcos created the ICI to look into irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects within the last 10 years in order to hold accountable all liable parties for misuse of public funds.

During the press conference, the President explained why he ordered the scope of the ICI investigation to cover flood control and related projects over the last 10 years.

“(The) answer is two-fold. The practical answer is this: COA (Commission on Audit) is only required to keep records for ten years. So, those are the records that we know we have na nakakasiguro tayo na matutulungan iyon,” said the President.

The second reason, the President added, is to determine how the systemic corruption started.

“Pangalawa doon, kaya we’ll do it for as long as possible dahil 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?” said President Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday named retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as chairperson of the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body that will investigate anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects.

“Justice Andy Reyes will be the chairperson of the ICI. He was a presiding judge of the Court of Appeals before. He has been, for a very, very long time, with a very good record of honesty and fairness, and a good record of being able to find justice for those who have been victimized,” President Marcos said during a press conference held in Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos said former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo were the two ICI members.

“As the former DPWH secretary, he has a good idea of, shall we say, where the bodies are buried. So, that will give us immediately an advantage when the commission is doing its investigation,” said the President.

President Marcos said the other ICI member, SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo would bring her decades of auditing experience. “They are hoping to take advantage also with some of the experts that they have in SGV in terms of accounting, forensic accounting, all of these things that will be necessary,” the President said.

The Chief Executive said Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong will serve as Special Adviser, acting as the investigator for the ICI, bringing with him his track record as former head of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

“He was the one who wrote, as CIDG head, he was the one who wrote the seminal report on the Mamasapano incident. That’s when I came to know of him and saw that he has integrity. And then, again, when I went to Baguio, 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 said.

The ICI is set to immediately start its investigation, with Malacañang expressing the hope that it will complete its work in a few months.

Under Executive Order No. 94 issued on September 11, President Marcos created the ICI to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against government officials, employees, or individuals involved in anomalies in flood control and related projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the last 10 years.

President Marcos, meanwhile, said the ICI will be an independent investigative body and will not be influenced by anyone, not even by heads or members of government agencies.

“What I want to stress here is that the independent nature of this commission. Hindi kami makikialam sa trabaho nila. We will, of course, be in discussion with them. We will ask them ano na nangyari, what have you found, what are we doing next,” President Marcos said

“But we were not about to direct them as to how they were going to conduct their investigations, and we are going to leave it up to them,” the President emphasized. ǀ PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said he fully understands the public’s outrage over corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects, even admitting that if he were not the head of state, he might be out in the streets rallying alongside the people.

In a Palace briefing, President Marcos said the irregularities that have recently come to light justify the anger being expressed by Filipinos.

“You have to remember, I brought this up. And it is my interest that we find a solution to what has become a very egregious problem. And since this has been all exposed… to the general public, do you blame them for going out into the streets?” the Chief Executive said.

“If I wasn’t President, I might be out in the streets with them,” the President added.

“Of course, they are enraged. Of course, they are angry. I’m angry. We should all be angry. Because what’s happening is not right,” the President continued.

President Marcos encouraged citizens to hold accountable all government officials and personnel as well as private individuals involved in anomalies, and to make those responsible answerable for their illegal actions.

“So, yes, express it. Make your feelings known to these people and make them answerable for the wrongdoings that they have done,” the President added.

“Ipaalam ninyo. Ipaalam ninyo ang sentiment. Ipaalam ninyo kung paano nila kayo sinaktan. Kung paano kayo ninakawan nitong mga ito. Ipaalam ninyo sa kanila. Sigawan ninyo. Lahat gawin ninyo, mag-demonstrate,” President Marcos continued.

The President, however, reminded that protests must remain peaceful, warning that law enforcement authorities would be duty-bound to act if demonstrations turn violent.

“Just keep it peaceful. Kasi pagka hindi na peaceful, may hirap na yan. We will have to, the police will have to do their duty to maintain peace and order,” President Marcos cautioned.

“But to show that you are enraged, to show that you are angry, to show that you are disappointed, to show that you want justice, to show that you want fairness, what’s wrong with that?” the Chief Executive emphasized.

President Marcos underscored that the government, through the newly created Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), is determined to pursue accountability.

The President created the Commission to investigate irregularities in flood control and related projects within the last 10 years and recommend appropriate charges to the relevant agencies.

To cap his birthday activities, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought joy to many as he visited Valenzuela Medical Center (VMC) on Saturday to check on the implementation of the government’s zero balance billing policy, or the Bayad na Bill Mo program.

The zero balance billing policy implemented in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals, ensures that patients admitted to ward or basic accommodation services do not incur out-of-pocket expenses for their treatment.

Upon his arrival at VMC, the President was warmly welcomed by hospital staff members holding banners with birthday greetings.

Accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and presidential son, Joseph Simon, the President toured several key facilities of the hospital, including the pediatric ward, the Kangaroo Mother Care ward, and the surgery section.

During the visit, the President witnessed how the Bayad na Bill Mo program cleared out three patients’ medical bills totaling over PhP3.5 million.

The three beneficiaries were Delia Paaño, 75, who is battling with acute respiratory failure and incurred a hospital bill of over PhP1.8 million; Johnny Mercado, diagnosed with sepsis, whose hospital bill reached over PhP1.1 million; and a newborn named Prince Ibrahim Arbolado with a medical bill amounting to more than PhP610,000.

Launched in August, the zero balance billing policy has already benefited thousands of Filipinos nationwide.

In his latest podcast, President Marcos reaffirmed the sustainability of the program, stressing that public funds are meant to provide vital health services. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday encouraged the commuting public to take advantage of the newly revived “Love Bus,” the iconic 1970s transport service now modernized with a fleet of electric buses offering safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation.

“Kaya ngayon ay binubuhay ulit natin… Pero ngayon ay mas bago na hindi na kagaya ‘yung dati, ‘yung normal na bus. Ito mga electric na ito. At malaking tulong ito para pagbawas sa polusyon, para sa gastos ng krudo,” President Marcos said during the launching of the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” program at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex.

The President stressed that the Love Bus project is designed to ease the daily burdens of commuters in Metro Manila, from long waiting times to heavy traffic and air pollution.

“Kaya tangkilikin po ninyo ang ating bagong ‘Love Bus’ para makabawas sa pasahe at makapag-savings nang kaunti,” the President said.

“Mabawasan ang traffic, mabawasan ang pollution dahil nga electric at malaking tulong po ito para sa ating sitwasyon dito sa Metro Manila na kung minsan napakatagal maghintay bago dumating ang bus, napakabigat ng trapik, ang bagal-bagal ng takbo na binubugahan tayo ng exhaust ng mga bus. ‘Yan mababawasan na po lahat ‘yan,” the President added.

The new 20 electric bus fleet, plying various routes in the metro, offer free rides for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

President Marcos said students will soon enjoy a 50-percent fare discount under the program.

As part of the launch, all rides will be free for everyone during the entire month of September.

The President recalled that the original Love Bus was launched during the term of his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, then governor of Metro Manila, as one of the first projects to make public transport more accessible and affordable.

The President, meanwhile, thanked the local government of Valenzuela for hosting the launch, citing the leadership of the Gatchalian family.

“Kaya naman napili namin dito sa Valenzuela dahil alam ko kung sino man ang lungsod na kayang pagandahin ito — na gawin itong programang ito, ito po ang ating mga magigiting na lider dito sa Valenzuela, mga Gatchalian,” the President said.

Present during the event were Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Valenzuela 1st District Representative Kenneth Ting Gatchalian, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian. | PND

The newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure will immediately begin investigating anomalous flood control and related projects from the past 10 years, with Malacañang expressing hopes of completing the probe within a few months.

The Palace on Saturday announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo as the two members of the ICI, as well as Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as the Commission’s Special Adviser.

“The Commission will begin its work immediately,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Castro said the ICI would work in the fastest time possible, although the extent of the investigation into corruption, irregularities, and misuse of public funds in DPWH flood control and related projects over the past decade is considerable.

“Wala pong masasabi agad na timeline. Ang pinaka-timeline dito ay mas agaran o mas mabilisang pagtatrabaho. At mas mainam po matapos po ito sa loob lamang ng ilang buwan,” Castro said.

“Pero sabi nga po natin, sa dami po ng records na dapat aralin ay bigyan po natin ng pagkakataon ang ICI na aralin lahat ang mga dokumento para po kapag po may sinampahang kaso ay kumpleto naman po ang mga dokumento,” Castro added.

President Marcos will announce the chairperson of the ICI in the coming days, according to Castro.

Under Executive Order No. 94, President Marcos tasked the ICI to investigate and gather evidence and information on irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects.

The ICI shall also recommend the filing of appropriate cases before the Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice, Civil Service Commission (CSC), and other competent bodies, and propose corrective measures to ensure transparency and accountability in infrastructure programs.

Malacañang reiterated that the ICI members would conduct their investigation impartially and thoroughly.

“Kagaya nang paulit-ulit na sinabi ni Pangulo, walang sasantuhin dito kahit kamag-anak, kaibigan, kaalyado. There will be no sacred cows,” Castro said. | PND

The iconic 1970s “Love Bus” is making its comeback to the streets of Metro Manila offering free rides for commuters.

Coinciding with his 68th birthday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday led the launching of the Love Bus “Libreng Sakay” program at the Valenzuela Gateway Complex, highlighting the government’s commitment to provide safe, affordable, and inclusive public transport, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

President Marcos personally experienced the service as he arrived at the venue aboard one of the units, together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and their son, Joseph Simon.

The new fleet of 20 electric Love Buses will provide free rides for all PWDs and senior citizens at all times, while ordinary commuters may avail of free rides during peak hours from 6AM to 9AM and 5PM to 8PM.

For the entire month of September, rides will be free for everyone as part of the initiative’s launch.

Each bus has a 20 seating capacity, 10 standing capacity, and space for four wheelchairs, with ramps and other accessibility features that make it PWD-friendly. The bus will operate from 5AM to 10PM.

To ride the buses, commuters must download and register through the Love Bus mobile app, which is currently available on Android and will be released on the Apple App Store next week.

In partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Global Electric Transport, the Love Bus will ply different routes in Metro Manila routes.

Pilot runs for the program were earlier held in Cebu and Davao last July.

President Marcos first announced the revival of Love Bus during his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28.

First launched in the 1970s as a project of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, the Love Bus was the country’s first air-conditioned bus service, offering a modern alternative to jeepneys and regular buses and becoming a symbol of urban progress. | PND