The Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) has thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing Republic Act No. 12232, which extended the term of incumbent village officials and reschedules the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) up to November 2026.

President Marcos met with LnB officials led by its National President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy, at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday, where the group personally handed over LnB Resolution No. 13-2025 expressing their gratitude for the enactment of the law.

“A resolution expressing the sincere appreciation and profound gratitude of the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas to the President of the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Ferdinand Bongbong Romualdez Marcos for his invaluable support in the enactment of Republic Act No. 12232 into law,” the resolution read.

During the meeting, President Marcos discussed with the group several ways to improve barangay governance.

These included proposals for mandatory leadership training for barangay officials, the institutionalization of a Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB), and the group’s legislative priorities.

The Chief Executive acknowledged the important role of barangays in local governance and encouraged the LnB to coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in implementing seminars and other leadership training programs for barangay officials.

The President likewise mentioned the postponement of the 2025 SGLGB, noting that it aims to align with the restructuring of the performance framework for local governments under the SGLG. He assured the LnB that local government leagues will be consulted to help ensure a more unified and results-based system.

President Marcos also reaffirmed support for key legislative measures, such as the Magna Carta for Barangay Officials, amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, and the reprogramming of the SGLG.

The LnB represents over 42,000 barangays nationwide and serves as a platform for local leaders to raise concerns and improve barangay governance.

Under Dy’s leadership, the group follows the principle of “Serbisyong May Puso” – serving communities with compassion, integrity, and dedication. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate corruption in government projects, Malacañang on Thursday called for the lifetime disqualification of contractors, suppliers, and consultants involved in anomalous public infrastructure projects.

“Pagpapataw ng lifetime blacklisting sa mga pasaway na contractors, suppliers at consultants, isinusulong alinsunod sa adhikain ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na tukuyin at puksain ang korapsyon sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer and Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

Castro said based on the President’s directive, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman pushed for the strict implementation of the blacklisting provision under Republic Act (RA) No. 12009.

RA No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act of 2024, provides for the perpetual disqualification from government bidding of contract implementors who repeatedly violated the procurement regulations.

The new law aims to keep the procurement process transparent and promote accountability in the use of public funds, Castro said.

The DBM also wanted to increase the severity of penalties against private individuals and companies found to have neglected or violated government contracts, Castro said.

Castro said contractors, suppliers and consultants who have committed at least three violations of the procurement regulations will be penalized with a lifetime disqualification and banned from transacting for any government project.

“Inaasahang mabisang deterrent ang bagong probisyon ng batas upang wakasan ang paglustay sa kaban ng bayan at proteksyunan ang kapakanan ng mamamayan,” Castro said. ǀ PND

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and the private sector on Thursday launched an initiative aimed at enhancing access to essential medicines in community pharmacies, particularly in underserved areas.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Regulatory Sandbox Pilot Program for Flexible Supervision of Pharmacies.

The initiative underscores the Administration’s commitment to ensuring Filipinos’ health and well-being.

The pilot program between government agencies and the private sector seeks to address the current shortage of about 27,500 registered pharmacists across the country, as cited by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

The program aims to address the gap in the availability of registered pharmacists through flexible supervision mechanisms, including telepharmacy and video supervision.

This will enable licensed pharmacists to remotely supervise multiple community pharmacies — expanding their reach without compromising safety and quality standards.

The Regulatory Sandbox Pilot Program for Flexible Supervision of Pharmacies, to be jointly implemented by the FDA, the Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy (PRB-PHA), and participating private sector pharmacies, introduces a closely monitored framework that allows for regulatory flexibility while ensuring professional oversight.

Under the MOU, the FDA will provide regulatory guidance, issue necessary clearances, and oversee the compliance of participating pharmacies with Republic Act No. 10918, or the Philippine Pharmacy Act of 2016.

RA 10918 requires one registered pharmacist for every pharmacy.

The initiative will run from 2025 to 2027, with potential pilot areas including Caloocan, Manila, Abra, Ilocos, La Union, Camarines Sur, Quezon, Iloilo, Negros, and Misamis.

Participating in the Regulatory Sandbox Pilot Program are the following pharmacy chains and community-based establishments: Carlos Drugs – Lucena, Inc.; Z.C. Ramthel Corporation (Cecile’s Pharmacy); Actimed, Inc. (Generika Drugstore); Medford RX Solutions, Inc. (MedExpress Drugstore); Mercury Drug Corporation; Rose Pharmacy, Inc.; Southstar Drugstore, Inc.; Joleco Resources, Inc. (St. Joseph Drug); TGP Pharma, Inc.; and Watsons Personal Care Stores (Philippines) Inc. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured the public that the government has taken measures to keep prices of food and essential goods stable amid recent calamities.

In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Officer Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government is carrying out a whole-of-government approach to ensure price stability in the wake of the recent calamities that affected the country.

“Sa gitna ng sunud-sunod na sakuna na naitala sa bansa, sinisiguro ngayon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa publiko ang pagkakaroon ng mga hakbang na makakatulong sa pagpapatibay sa presyo ng mga bilihin sa bansa,” Castro said.

As part of the whole-of-government effort, Castro said President Marcos ordered government agencies to provide support for calamity-affected farmers to ensure early recovery and secure the country’s food supply.

“Sa gitna ng sama ng panahon, nagsagawa ang administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ng mga iba’t ibang intervention para maprotektahan ang purchasing power at livelihood ng mga residenteng apektado ng mga sakuna,” said the Palace official.

According to Castro, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto assured continued relief and rehabilitation efforts for calamity victims, especially for affected farmers.

“Dagdag ng Kalihim na makakaasa ang taumbayan na nakaagapay ang pamahalaan sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. upang masiguro na abot-kaya ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin lalo na sa lubos na nangangailangan,” said Castro.

On the part of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Castro said the agency imposed a price freeze on basic commodities in disaster-affected communities to prevent sudden price hikes and supply shortage.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA), extended immediate assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, such as rice stock distribution from the National Food Authority (NFA), access to quick response fund (QRF) for rehabilitation and recovery, as well as indemnification for insured farmers.

Castro said around 1 million rice farmers are expected to receive PhP7,000 each in assistance under the 2026 national budget to make up for lost income due to low prices of palay.

In terms of ensuring energy supply, Castro said the Department of Energy (DOE) will auction at least 100 megawatts of renewable energy capacity under the open and competitive selection process for local and foreign developers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s resolve to root out corruption in the bureaucracy benefits the economy and builds investor confidence, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go said on Thursday.

“I’d just like to stress that the swiftness and decisiveness of the President show the resolve of the government to clean up corruption, which is good for the economy and builds confidence,” Go said in a Palace press briefing.

Go said the President’s proactive steps such as the formation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate anomalous infrastructure projects and recommend cases against corrupt officials and individuals, and the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman, show the government’s determination to put a stop to the misuse of public funds.

“From the formation of respectable members of the Independent Commission to the very swift appointment of an Ombudsman with gravitas, it shows how serious the President is about fixing this problem,” Go stressed.

The investigation will be good for the country in the long-term because it will address and correct illegal practices in government transactions, the Palace official said.

Go also emphasized that by enhancing fiscal spending, the government is turning a short-term challenge into an opportunity to reallocate funds to projects with a far greater growth and employment multiplier effect.

“This is the clearest signal that the Philippines is building a future-ready economy, anchored on trust and sustainable growth,” he said.

Go added that the administration’s fight against corruption and red tape is at the core part of its economic strategy, noting foreign business chambers have long lamented that these two major issues must be addressed.

To tackle red tape and corruption, Go said the government has come up with several programs such as the CREATE MORE Act of 2024 (Republic Act No. 12066), the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines of 2023 (RA No. 11966) and Constituting Green Lanes for Strategic Investments (Executive Order No. 18 series of 2023), to address these matters.

“Again, the President himself initiated the current investigation as a catalyst for governance reform and to address long-standing issues decisively,” Go pointed out.

The Palace official added that better budget deployment will result in projects with greater multiplier effect, bringing about economic benefits and job generation, “so while this may be a short-term issue, it definitely will have long-term benefits.” | PND

The Philippines continues to receive investment pledges from foreign investors even as investigations on flood control corruption are ongoing, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go said on Thursday.

“On investment pledges, I don’t think we have lost anything. The pledges continue to come in,” Go said in a Palace press briefing.

Go belied the supposed stock market wipeout because of the infrastructure irregularities and referred to it as “confirmed fake news.”

“As a matter of fact, we are now transmitting to the Office of the President the approval of the first beneficiary of the CREATE MORE Act, which is an investment from a Korean company of over one billion dollars,” the Palace official said, referring to Republic Act No. 12066 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy.

Go also said no foreign investor has left the country, amid the ongoing investigation into anomalous infrastructure projects.

“I don’t think anybody has pulled out. I think sometimes when there is unpredictability in the environment, people might temporarily think about their investment projects,” he explained.

“But we’re quite confident that when this is all resolved, they will all come back. So, they have not pulled out. They will continue with their projects,” Go explained. | PND

Malacañang on Thursday said it is deferring any official position on Senator Erwin Tulfo’s proposal to grant a one-month income tax holiday, citing the need for a comprehensive review by relevant government agencies.

In a Palace press briefing, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go said the measure should be carefully studied by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). “Kailangan pag-aralan ito nang mabuti ng Department of Finance at ng DBM. This is quite a big matter and I think it’s best to give the DOF and the DBM time to carefully study this proposal,” Go said. When asked whether the proposed tax holiday could help boost public confidence in government amid ongoing corruption controversies related to flood control projects, Go again deferred to the judgment of the concerned agencies. “I’d like to defer this matter to the Department of Finance and DBM because this really has to be studied carefully. I would hesitate to make a response that’s probably not very well thought about,” he added. Senator Tulfo recently filed Senate Bill No. 1446, also known as the “One-Month Tax Holiday of 2025,” which seeks to provide direct financial relief to Filipino workers. Under the bill, a one-time, one-month income tax exemption would be granted to individual taxpayers receiving compensation income. The tax holiday would take effect on the first payroll month immediately following the bill’s approval. For mixed income earners, only the compensation income portion would be exempted from income tax. The proposed exemption, however, would not apply to mandatory contributions to the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, PhilHealth, and the Pag-IBIG Fund, and loan amortizations and other deductions voluntarily authorized by the employee. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12310, or the “Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act,” further strengthening the governance and management of the country’s premier secondary science learning institution.

Signed on October 3, the new law provides for the establishment of additional PSHS campuses across the country to offer scholarship-based secondary education programs with special emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for students with exceptional aptitude in science and mathematics.

The law sought to increase the number of high school graduates pursuing undergraduate studies or careers in STEM, ensure consistent quality standards and efficient operations in PSHS campuses, and support the holistic development of PSHS scholars, faculty, and staff.

“A PSHS System shall be established under the administrative supervision of the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) composed of at least two PSHS campuses in each administrative region of the country,” RA 12310 said.

PSHS campuses within the same region, however, shall not be situated in the same province or city in the case of the National Capital Region. The establishment of additional campuses will be subject to a comprehensive review conducted by the PSHS Board of Trustees.

PSHS currently has 16 campuses located in Quezon City, Baguio City, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, Clark Freeport Zone, Batangas City, Romblon, Camarines Sur, Iloilo City, Cebu, Leyte, Dipolog City, Lanao del Norte, Davao City, Koronadal City, and Butuan City.

The new law likewise mandated the establishment of an additional PSHS campus in the Negros Island Region.

For future campuses, the PSHS System Board of Trustees may consider the following locations: First District of Aklan; Polangui, Albay; Uba, Bohol; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Labangan Zamboanga del Sur; Third Distrct of Cagayan; General Santos City, South Cotabato; and Bukidnon.

The PSHS Board of Trustees will serve as the highest policy- and decision-making body. It will be led by the DOST Secretary as ex officio chairperson and the Secretary of Education as ex officio vice chairperson.

Other board members include the President of the University of the Philippines, PSHS Executive Director, Director of the Science Education Institute, President of the PSHS National Alumni Association; Chairpersons of the Committees on Science and Technology of the Senate and the House of Representatives as ex officio members, and one representative each from the private sector representing higher education, child development professionals or practitioners, industry, agriculture, and new emerging technologies.

The private sector representatives will be appointed by the Board and will serve a term of four years.

The PSHS System will be headed by an Executive Director who will exercise academic and administrative supervision over all campuses and coordinate the implementation of policies and guidelines set by the Board of Trustees.

Supporting the Executive Director will be three Deputy Executive Directors who will be responsible for academic and student services, administration and finance, and research, innovation and linkages.

Meanwhile, each PSHS campus will be led by a Campus Director, tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations.

The Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors and Campus Directors shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees for a term of six years and may be reappointed for another term of six years.

An Executive Committee will also be created, composed of the Executive Director (as chair), the Deputy Executive Directors, Campus Directors, and other senior PSHS officials or faculty appointed by the Board.

“The Executive Committee shall develop and conduct a periodic review the PSHS System curriculum and other training programs, and exercise such other functions, powers and duties as the Board may prescribe,” the law said.

The Philippine Science High School System was originally established through RA 3661, signed on June 22, 1963, with the goal of providing free scholarship-based secondary education with a strong focus on science, aimed at preparing students for careers in scientific fields. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12311, renewing for another 25 years the legislative franchise of the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp. (IBC), a government-sequestered television network operating under Republic Act No. 8954.

Under RA 12311, IBC is authorized to construct, install, establish, operate, and maintain radio and television broadcasting stations throughout the Philippines, including digital television systems and other emerging broadcast technologies, for commercial purposes and in the public interest.

The law mandates that IBC shall secure the necessary permits and licenses from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and ensure that its broadcast operations do not interfere with existing frequencies.

The law further emphasizes the network’s responsibility to provide adequate public service time, promote balanced and child-friendly programming, and support the government’s public information and education efforts.

In times of national emergency, calamity, or public peril, the law also reserves the President’s authority to temporarily take over or suspend the operations of the network in the interest of public safety and welfare.

The renewed franchise requires IBC to create employment opportunities, comply with labor standards, and ensure transparency through annual reporting to Congress on its operations, financial performance, and ownership structure.

The corporation must also offer at least 30 percent of its outstanding capital stock to Filipino citizens within five years from the effectivity of the Act to encourage public participation.

Failure to comply with key provisions — such as continuous operation, reportorial submissions, and dispersal of ownership —may result in the revocation of the franchise.

Republic Act No. 12311 ensures that IBC continues to serve the Filipino public as a relevant and responsible broadcast network aligned with the nation’s goals of transparent governance, informed citizenry, and technological advancement. | PND

Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the national government’s unwavering assistance to the earthquake-hit province, particularly in the recent Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Bayanihan Aid Caravan.

“Mr. President, maraming salamat hindi mo kami pinabayaan dito sa Cebu,” Baricuatro said in her video message on Wednesday during the ongoing aid caravan relief operations.

Baricuatro also lauded the PCSO for being among the first agencies to respond to the earthquake relief efforts, commending PCSO General Manager Mel Robles for his leadership and for facilitating her request for help from President Marcos.

“And of course, I want to thank General Manager Mel Robles. GM, maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong tulong sa amin dito sa Cebu. Salamat for facilitating my request for help to the President,” Baricuatro said.

She also thanked all the staff of PCSO as well as the mayors of the province of Cebu.

“Thank you very much for your help, your assistance, and your support to the province of Cebu. Thank you very much,” Baricuatro said.

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Bogo City in northern Cebu on September 30, killing 72 people and causing massive damage to homes and infrastructure.

The Cebu governor also expressed appreciation for the delivery of new patient transport vehicles to 11 municipalities in the province, as part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare and public service.

“And also sa mga bagong patient transport ambulances dito for the 11 municipalities in the province of Cebu, we are eternally grateful,” Baricuatro said. | PND