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PBBM orders gov’t agencies to intensify flood mitigation

24 July 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed key government agencies to intensify flood mitigation efforts nationwide as part of a broader initiative to enhance disaster resilience and protect communities.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos instructed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to continue its flood mitigation projects, ensuring that all pumping stations and floodgates are operational at their maximum capacity.

“Inatasan din ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang MMDA na ipagpatuloy ang flood mitigation project upang masiguro na ang lahat ng pumping stations at floodgates ay gumagana sa kanilang pinakamataas na kapasidad at paglilinis at pag-alis ng bara sa mga daluyan ng tubig,” Castro said on Thursday.

Castro said the President also ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to update their flood control and drainage master plans to ensure their effectiveness. The updates will cover Metro Manila, 18 major river basins, and other critical principal rivers.

The MMDA and DPWH are also tasked with expediting the update of the Comprehensive Drainage Master Plan. This strategic framework outlines a comprehensive long-term strategy for enhancing drainage systems and mitigating flood risk.

Highlighting the importance of unity and shared responsibility, President Marcos called on Filipinos to join the government in efforts to keep creeks and other waterways clean to prevent flooding.

“Hinimok din ng Pangulo ang bawat Pilipino na makiisa sa mga hakbang ng gobyerno na panatilihing malinis ang mga estero at iba pang daluyang-tubig upang maiwasan ang pagbaha,” Castro said.

“Lagi pong tandaan: Ang lahat ay dapat na nagtutulungan upang maiwasan ang anumang sakuna dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, bawat buhay ay mahalaga at ang bawat isa ay may bilang,” Castro said. | PND

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19% tariff on PH exports to US temporary — PH Ambassador to US

24 July 2025


The 19% tariff rate on Philippine exports to the United States, agreed upon during the meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington D.C., is provisional, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said on Thursday.

In a radio interview with dzRH, Romualdez said the matter may still be subject to adjustment before the August 1 deadline.

“‘Yung 1 percent na ‘yan ay parang pag-appease lang ‘yan. Parang sinabi ni President Trump, okay, gawin natin 19 percent ‘yan pero gawin nating free importation ng American goods sa Pilipinas,”Romualdez said in an interview on DZRH.

President Marcos had a three-day official visit to the United States to tackle key issues in Philippine-U.S. relations, including trade and investment, defense and security cooperation, and the welfare of overseas Filipinos. The visit also aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and promote economic opportunities for both nations.

Romualdez noted that the President’s economic team, led by Secretary Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, continues to coordinate with U.S. trade officials.

“In fact, mayroon mga government officials ng US na pupunta diyan na hopefully within the next couple of days at pag-uusapan nila ‘yung tariff. Ika-clarify natin exactly kung ano ‘yung ating agreement na puwede nating i-finalize. Remember, we have until August 1 to finalize everything,” the ambassador said.

Romualdez said, “So, medyo relaxed lang tayo dahil ‘di pa naman ‘yan ang final figure na pinag-uusapan natin…We’re happy that at least it’s lower than the 20 that is being given to almost everybody. But at the same time, we’re also going to look at the details on how we will be able to fine-tune it so that possibly we can lower it.”

At the same time, the ambassador assured that farmers and the agricultural sector are protected and that agricultural products are not part of the tariff concessions. He explained that only goods that the Philippines does not produce—or produces in very small amounts—are being considered for zero tariffs.

The Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. maintained that the visit was a success. President Trump even called President Marcos a tough negotiator.

“So, itong gusto ko lang ulitin na itong umpisa na 19 percent, eh nasa negotiation stage pa rin ‘yan. ‘Yung announcement nila just to really give an indication. In fact, ang tingin namin dito sa visit na ito was a very successful one,” Romualdez said.

“Nakita naman ninyo sa TV… ito rin sa tariff, nasabi nga ni President Trump na tough negotiator ito si President Marcos,” he added.

Trump loves Filipinos

Romualdez also shared that President Trump mentioned that “I love Filipinos,” and noted how the former U.S. leader praised Filipino-Americans working at his golf club.

The ambassador emphasized that the tariff issue is just one of many items on the growing U.S.–Philippine economic agenda.

On the status of undocumented Filipinos in the U.S., Romualdez urged them to regularize their status or consider voluntary repatriation if necessary.

“Kung wala silang ginawang masama eh by that I mean wala silang kaso na lumalabas sa computer. Obviously, nagka-exchange of information na ngayon eh. So, kung mayroon silang kasong ganoon, iklaro nilang mabuti na wala na ‘yun,” Romualdez said. | PND

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Zero tariffs on select U.S. products to ease local prices

24 July 2025


Allowing zero tariffs on select products imported from the United States will help lower the prices of essential goods in the Philippines, making items such as medicines, pork, chicken, and fish more affordable, a government official said Thursday.

During a press briefing in Malacañang with Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, Secretary Frederick Go clarified that only a few products from the United States will have zero tariffs and will not affect Philippine sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.

Go is the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.

“Yun mga pinapapasok natin na walang taripa ay ang purpose po noon ay ibaba ang presyo ng bilihin sa Pilipinas. So kapag nagpasok tayo ng gamot, for example, na walang taripa, mumura ang gamot,” Go said.

“Pag nagpasok tayo dito ng feeds dito na mura, mumura din ang presyo ng baboy, presyo ng manok, at presyo ng isda,” Go added. “So ang pinapapasok natin ay ang pagbaba ng presyo ng mga bilihin.”

Go emphasized that the Philippine government remains committed to protecting agriculture, fisheries, and other key sectors of the country.

Go clarified that the zero-tariff concessions agreed upon by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump apply only to products that the Philippines either does not produce or produces in minimal quantities, ensuring that local industries are not adversely affected.

“Maganda po ‘yan. Sadya namin tiningnan ‘yan dahil kapag mas maraming suppliers tayo ng pharma (pharmaceuticals) … mahal po kasi ang gamot sa Pilipinas. Kung pinasok po natin ‘yan na may taripa mas mahal pa po ang presyo ng gamot,” Go said.

“Kapag tariff-free po ang gamot makakababa po ‘yan ng presyo ng gamot sa ating bansa,” he added.

Go said that among the products the Philippines agreed to impose zero tariffs on under the agreement with the United States are U.S.-made goods such as automobiles, medicines, soy (used for livestock feed), and wheat.

Go was part of the Philippine delegation of President Marcos during the Chief Executive’s three-day official visit to Washington, D.C. from July 20 to 22, 2025. | PND

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San Mateo, Rizal evacuees thank PBBM for assistance

24 July 2025


Flood-hit families, who are now taking refuge in an elementary school converted into an evacuation site, expressed warm appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for personally checking on them and providing them with assistance, hours after his return from an official trip to the United States.

President Marcos visited Maly Elementary School Evacuation Center, in San Mateo, Rizal, to check on the victims and inspect the distribution of relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Assistance includes family food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, family water filtration kits, and ready-to-eat meals.

When interviewed by the Presidential News Desk on Thursday, Jocelyn Paman, a 56-year-old evacuee, expressed her gratitude for the President’s visit and assistance that eased their situation.

“Malaking bagay po sa amin ‘yan kasi malaking tulong din po ‘yung naipapaabot niya sa amin. Kahit papaano nakakaraos naman po kami rito,” Paman said.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami nang marami sa Pangulo natin na binigyan niya po kami ng ganito kahit papaano mairaraos po namin ang pang-araw-araw namin dito sa school. Kahit mahirap po nakakayanan naman po namin, nakakaraos naman po kami,” Paman said.

Another evacuee, Riah Serafin, said she was overjoyed to see the President.

“Para sa amin, masaya kasi nabisita kami ng pangulo kasi bihira lang naman mangyari sa buhay namin ‘yung ganoon,” Serafin said.

Serafin said she hopes that the assistance would continue, especially since many of them are unable to work.

“'[Sana] matulungan kasi ganyan ba na hindi kami nakakapaghanapbuhay. ’Yun po kahit ‘yun man lang sa mga pagkain, ‘yun ‘yung ano namin,” Serafin said.

Rosalia Dulay, a senior citizen, said the aid will help her and other evacuees to save money during these challenging times.

“Makakatipid kami ngayon,” Dulay said.

President Marcos’ visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support communities affected by disasters, ensuring timely relief and care for those in need.

The DSWD stated in a report that as of 4:00 a.m. on July 24, 546 families, or 2,102 individuals, were currently taking shelter at Malay Elementary School. | PND

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PBBM provides assistance to displaced families in San Mateo, Rizal

24 July 2025


Hours after arriving from the United States, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday visited the Maly Elementary School in San Mateo, Rizal, to personally deliver assistance to families displaced by floods who are now taking shelter at the school.

Upon his arrival at the Maly Elementary School, the President was warmly welcomed by evacuees and residents, showing appreciation for his visit.

The school echoed with loud cheers of “BBM! BBM! BBM!” as evacuees warmly welcomed the President, who walked through the area and personally interacted with those affected.

President Marcos returned to Manila shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday, following a three-day official visit to the United States, for bilateral meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and other high-ranking U.S. officials. The President held separate meetings with U.S. business leaders who expressed interest in investing in the Philippines.

At around 9 a.m. on Thursday, President Marcos supervised the distribution of relief assistance by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Family food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, family water filtration kits, and ready-to-eat meals were distributed.

The President was accompanied by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

The government provided child-friendly and women-friendly spaces inside the Maly Elementary School evacuation center to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable groups.

According to reports from the DSWD as of 4:00 a.m., a total of 546 families, or 2,102 individuals, are currently sheltered at Malay Elementary School.

Aside from Maly, other evacuation sites include Santa Ana Covered Court, which shelters around 497 families or 1,635 persons, and San Mateo Elementary School, which is hosting 744 families or 2,646 individuals.

Some families from the municipalities of Cainta and Taytay, Rizal, were also displaced due to heavy flooding.

All evacuation centers remain under close monitoring and are assisted by Local Government Units (LGUs), DSWD Field Office IV-A Quick Response Teams, and partner agencies. | PND

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PBBM orders medical teams dispatched to evacuation centers

24 July 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered concerned agencies to send medical teams and health professionals to various evacuation centers to prevent the possible outbreak of diseases among people taking shelter.

President Marcos expressed concern about congestion in evacuation centers, citing his firsthand observation during a visit to an evacuation center in Rizal province.

“I was concerned about noong nakita ko sa evacuation center, napaka-congested, ‘yung sakit. Pagka isa lang diyan ay nagkasakit, kakalat nang napakabilis niyan. And so, we are making sure every evacuation center has a medical team,” President Marcos said in a statement to the media in Camp Aguinaldo.

Medical teams should consist of doctors and nurses from both the national government and local government units, the Chief Executive said.

At the national level, concerned agencies should ensure that deployed medical teams have enough supplies, the President said.

“Ang trabaho lang talaga sa national ay tiyakin na mayroon silang sapat na supply ng mga gamit at saka ng gamot, and that’s what we’re doing now. So far that’s what we have to attend to,” President Marcos said.

The President was at Camp Aguinaldo to oversee the government’s response to the effects of the southwest monsoon, which were enhanced by Tropical Storm “Dante” and Typhoon “Emong.”

The President also attended the situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s operations center. | PND

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PBBM: PH, U.S. reaffirm ironclad commitment to MDT

23 July 2025


The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their ironclad defense and security commitment amid the current geopolitical developments in the Asia-Pacific, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday.

“In my meeting with President Trump, we reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” President Marcos said in his arrival statement after concluding his three-day official visit to the U.S.

“I thank the United States for its consistent support for the preservation of regional peace and stability and for upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea,” the President said.

The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) underscores the commitment of both nations to support each other, reflecting their shared resolve to uphold regional peace and security.

The President shared that his meeting with President Trump included discussions on strengthening cooperation in key areas such as cybersecurity, energy security, resilience, and the development of critical infrastructure.

At the same time, President Marcos emphasized the importance of multilateral engagement, particularly with neighboring countries, to further strengthen the network of common alliances in the region.

The President said that during his meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, they discussed key defense and security issues.

The President said that U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, in a separate meeting, also reaffirmed the vital role of the Philippine-U.S. alliance in promoting peace, stability, and security in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region. | PND

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PBBM vows to prioritize safety, well-being of Filipinos amid weather disturbances

23 July 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public that the government is continuously responding to the needs of communities affected by flooding due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

In his arrival statement following his three-day official visit to the United States, President Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to prioritize the safety and well-being of all Filipinos.

“Sa gitna ng kalamidad, inuuna (ng) inyong pamahalaan ang kaligtasan, kalusugan at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino,” President Marcos said. “Patuloy ang ating pagtugon sa epekto ng malakas na pag-ulan at pagbaha, dulot ng Habagat sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa.”

Various government agencies, in cooperation with local government units (LGUs), continue to conduct rescue and relief operations to ensure that families seeking help get the support they need.

Amid the heavy rains brought by two tropical storms and the enhanced southwest monsoon, President Marcos called on Filipinos to cooperate with the authorities, follow weather advisories, and evacuate to safer grounds if necessary.

The President also thanked the U.S. government and its people, not only for their warm hospitality during his brief visit, but also for pledging to support communities and areas affected by the southwest monsoon.

The Philippine government has requested the US Indo-Pacific Command for assistance in the ongoing relief operations in areas hit by severe tropical storm “Crising.”

Shortly after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, President Marcos said during a press briefing that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites were being utilized to coordinate relief operations, which allowed for the quick deployment of aid to flood and landslide-affected communities.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who was with the President during the press conference, said relief goods have already been prepositioned in EDCA sites, including Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, as more weather disturbances threaten to worsen the situation in the affected region. | PND

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PBBM invites Trump to visit Manila in time for ASEAN summit in 2026

23 July 2025


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has invited U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the Philippines in 2026 to attend meetings related to the 44th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to be chaired by Manila.

President Marcos noted that the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit will also mark the commemoration of 80 years of diplomatic relations between Manila and Washington and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

“I look forward to hosting President Trump next year to attend the ASEAN meetings under the Philippines’ chair, which also coincides with the commemoration of our 80th year of diplomatic ties and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty,” the President said in his arrival statement after a three-day official visit to the United States.

Highlighting the significance of the country’s alliance with the United States, President Marcos emphasized the importance of his recent meeting with the U.S. President.

“The United States is our oldest and only treaty ally, and my visit to meet the new President is important in advancing our historic and dynamic cooperation, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests,” President Marcos said.

The President underscored the strength of the Philippine-U.S. alliance in maintaining regional stability.

President Marcos said his recent visit reaffirmed the two nations’ “ironclad commitment” to the MDT of 1951, which he described as a cornerstone of Philippine security policy. | PND