Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., three new laws have taken effect creating two additional barangays in Bulacan and Pampanga, and renaming an existing barangay in Muntinlupa City.

Republic Act (RA) No. 12279 established Barangay Friendship Village Resources—to be known as Barangay FVR—in the municipality of Norzagaray, Bulacan. The measure grants the community full status as a barangay with its own local government unit.

RA No. 12280 created Barangay Pulung Bulu in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, giving residents more direct representation and improved access to government services.

Meanwhile, RA No. 12281 renamed Barangay New Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City as Barangay Ayala Alabang. The change shall take effect upon ratification by a majority of qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted by the Commission on Elections within 120 days, with expenses to be shouldered by the City of Muntinlupa.

For the two newly created barangays, the laws provide that the previously conducted plebiscites shall serve as compliance with the Local Government Code requirement. Incumbent officials will remain in office until their successors are elected and qualified.

All existing public infrastructures and facilities are transferred to and shall be managed by the new barangays without cost. They will likewise be entitled to National Tax Allotment (NTA) shares under the Local Government Code. Finally, all inconsistent laws and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly. | PND

Five new regional trial courts (RTCs) have been created in Zamboanga del Norte and Palawan provinces under Republic Acts (RA) 12266 and 12267, aimed at expanding judicial access.

RA No. 12266 created an additional RTC branch in the municipality of Labason in Zamboanga del Norte.

Meanwhile, RA No. 12267 created four additional RTC branches in Palawan.

Two of them are located in Coron, while the other two RTC branches are located in Brooke’s Point and in Roxas.

The Supreme Court Chief Justice, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary, shall immediately include in the Court’s program the operationalization of the additional branches of RTCs in Zamboanga del Norte and Palawan.

The Supreme Court shall also issue necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the new laws, and if warranted, the realignment of seats of existing branches and their territorial jurisdictions.

The funds necessary for the operations of these courts shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual organization of the courts and the appointment of personnel.

These Republic Acts shall take effect 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette or in newspapers of general circulation. | PND

Two electric cooperatives were granted 25-year franchises to construct and distribute electric power to 20 towns in Laguna and Camarines Sur.

Republic Act (RA) No. 12278 granted a 25-year franchise to First Laguna Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FLECO) to construct, operate, and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to the end-users in the municipalities of Cavinti, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan, Famy, Mabitac, and Sta. Maria, all in the province of Laguna.

Meanwhile, RA No. 12277 granted the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO IV) a similar 25-year franchise to operate in the municipalities of Ocampo, Tigaon, Sagñay, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Garchitorena, and Caramoan, all in the province of Camarines Sur.

The two electric cooperatives are allowed to make excavations in any public places for the purpose of erecting and maintaining electric poles or other supports, with the approval of the Department of Public Works and Highways

(DPWH).

“If the grantees fail to repair any highway, road, street, lane, alley, avenue, sidewalk, or bridge they have altered within 10 days, the DPWH or the concerned local government unit shall undertake the repair and replacement, and charge the grantees double the cost and expenses incurred,” the two laws stated.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) shall regulate the retail rates and charges for the distribution of electric power by FLECO and CASURECO IV.

The two electric cooperatives are required to report on their operations to the Senate and House of Representatives every April 30. If they fail to do so, they will be penalized PhP500 per working day of non-compliance. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen its presence across various domains as geopolitical challenges evolve.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I call on you to continue to strengthen our presence in the air, on land, and at sea,” President Marcos said during the oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP.

“We must guard the peace we have gained and deepen our ties with partners who also envision a freer, more stable region,” President Marcos added.

The Commander-in-Chief acknowledged the AFP’s multiple achievements this year.

The President mentioned strengthening the country’s international defense posture through joint and multinational exercises, such as Balikatan 40, Exercise ALON with Australia, Talisman Sabre, and engagements with partners across the Indo-Pacific.

President Marcos said the AFP has also continued to maintain readiness through training, simulations, and command exercises, thus improving its tactical responsiveness to ensure that it is prepared to defend the country.

At the same time, the AFP has demonstrated its reliability in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, from typhoons and volcanic eruptions to earthquakes here in the country and even in Myanmar, the President said.

“You have shown our people and the world that the Filipino soldier is always ready to save lives, deliver relief, and rebuild communities,” President Marcos said.

The President said the accomplishments underscore the professionalism, dedication, and readiness of the AFP, as well as strengthen the people’s confidence in the country’s ability to protect its sovereignty and uphold its values.

Recognizing the AFP’s sacrifices in serving the nation, President Marcos assured that his administration “will do the best we can to provide you with the resources and benefits so that you can focus on your duty.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday he expects the military to remain loyal to both the Constitution and the Filipino people, as the Commander-in-Chief led the swearing-in ceremony for newly promoted high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Huwag kalimutan: Ang panunumpa ninyo ngayon ay sa Republika at sa bawat Pilipinong nagtitiwala na dahil sa inyo, sila ay mabubuhay nang ligtas at may dangal,” President Marcos said during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly promoted generals and flag officers in Malacañan Palace.

“Today is not only a milestone but a renewed pledge that your loyalty remains with the Constitution and the Filipino people,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

The President said he expects the newly promoted military top brass to always act with integrity, uphold the rule of law, and defend democracy.

As the new AFP officials took their oath, President Marcos reminded them to set an example for the young men and women in the uniformed services “who will look to you for your leadership.”

“These new stars you’ll carry will demand your utmost discipline, honor, and service,” the President said.

The Commander-in-Chief acknowledged that their promotion is well-deserved, as he recognized the AFP’s various achievements this year.

“These accomplishments underscore the professionalism, the dedication, and the readiness of the Armed Forces,” the President said.

“They also strengthen the confidence of our people in your ability to protect our sovereignty and to uphold the values that we hold as a nation.”

The military has also continued to sustain readiness through training, simulations, and command exercises, the President said.

These initiatives have improved the tactical responsiveness of the AFP, ensuring that it remains prepared to defend the country. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday said that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) tasked with investigating anomalous flood control projects, will collaborate with, rather than overlap or contradict, other government agencies conducting separate investigations into these projects.

“Ang ICI po ay binigyan ng kapangyarihan upang makipag-collaborate, upang tawagin ang anumang ahensiya ng gobyerno na maaaring makatulong sa pag-iimbestiga,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Castro cited investigations to be conducted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“Kasama na rin diyan ang NBI at ang iba pong mga law enforcement agencies. At ang gagawin ng DOJ ay hindi naman po sila gagawa ng maaaring kumontra o mag-overlap sa adhikain at misyon ng ICI,” said Castro.

The DOJ has created a special task force to investigate alleged corruption and bid-rigging in flood control projects.

According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon will chair the Public Works Corruption and Bid-Rigging Task Force, with the NBI’s Public Corruption Division acting as lead investigator.

“Malamang at maaari nating masabi, ang gagawin pong task force na ito ay para mapabilis ang mga nauna nilang naimbestigahan. Kung mayroon na silang naimbestigahan noon, maaari na agad magsampa ng kaso, at hindi naman ito tututulan ng ICI,” said Castro, when asked to comment on the DOJ’s plan. | PND

Malacañang encouraged Filipinos to voice their strong disapproval of corrupt practices and illegal enrichment by politicians, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s rallying call against corruption.

“Alam mo kahit na marami tayong batas, kahit iyong namumuno natin ay matino at ayaw ng korupsiyon, kung ang mga nasa ilalim ay walang kadala-dala na gumawa ng krimen, tayo na mismong taumbayan ang magpaalala sa mga politiko na walang ginawa kundi ang magpayaman,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in press briefing on Tuesday.

“Tayo na lagi, taumbayan na ang laging magpaalala sa kanila ng sinabi ng Pangulo, ‘Mahiya naman kayo,” Castro urged, repeating President Marcos’ memorable words during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28.

“Kaya sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino!” the President had said during the last SONA where he denounced the massive kickbacks in flood control projects.

Castro’s remarks were in response to a question about any measures to prevent local government units (LGUs) from being influenced into approving anomalous infrastructure projects.

Last Monday, President Marcos ordered that LGUs will once again be required to formally accept completed national infrastructure projects in their areas, reviving a safeguard removed by the previous administration.

The President said that LGU acceptance is crucial to ensure that national infrastructure projects, such as roads and flood control systems, meet proper standards.

President Marcos reinstated the LGU acceptance requirement as part of the reforms and investigation by an Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) into the systemic corruption in flood control and related infrastructure projects. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday affirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. respects the people’s grievances and hears their sentiments over corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects recently exposed by the President himself.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured that the people’s sentiments will be acknowledged and given due regard as protest actions are set to be held on Sunday.

“Ang Pangulo ay nirerespeto ang mga tinig ng taong-bayan. Kung anong hinaing, ‘yan po ay nadidinig at nararamdaman ng Pangulo,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer, however, cautioned that, “Huwag lamang haluan ng ibang intensyon para mismong gibain ang gobyerno.”

At the same time, Castro said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other uniformed personnel should not be dragged into any political maneuvering or be used in attempts to destabilize the government, in light of the planned anti-corruption protests.

“Ang ayaw lang po ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon mismo, at mismo ng AFP at PNP, gamitin itong damdamin ng tao, sentimyento ng tao ng mga elemento na maaaring magpagiba sa gobyerno,” Castro stressed.

“Ito pagpo-protesta na ‘to ay huwag natin ihalo ‘yung mga militar, uniformed personnel dahil ang protestang ito ay manggagaling talaga sa taong-bayan. At hindi sila dapat gamitin para magkaroon ng destabilization,” Castro added.

The Department of National Defense (DND) and AFP recently issued a statement condemning politically motivated calls for them to withdraw support from the government, reiterating they remain steadfast defenders of the nation and democratic institutions.

The DND and the AFP leadership also expressed full support for the anti-corruption campaign led by President Marcos, recognizing it as a “national crusade for good governance, justice, and progress.”

Initiating efforts to combat corruption, the President established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate and expose irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed legislative proposals to institutionalize and grant more power to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which was created by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to investigate corruption and abuses in the implementation of government infrastructure projects.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the two proposed measures—Senate Bill 1215 and House Bill 4453- which seek to institutionalize and grant contempt powers to the ICI—reflect lawmakers’ support of President Marcos’ decision to create the commission.

“Ang sabi po ng Pangulo, ito’y fact-finding commission. So, hindi po kinakailangan talaga po na magkaroon ng power na mag-punish doon sa mga taong hindi dadalo,” Castro said.

“Pero kung iyon po ay ibibigay sa Independent Commission ng mga mambabatas, maganda po iyang suhestiyon at iyan po ay welcome na welcome po sa Pangulo,” she added.

Castro said the Palace will back any measure as long as it favors public interest.

“Malamang nakita rin po ng mga mambabatas kung anong kahalagahan ng ginawa ng Pangulo na mag-create po ng independent commission,” Castro said when asked about Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s statement that he would formally request the President to certify SB 1215 as urgent to hasten its passage.

“Welcome po ang lahat ng maaaring maitulong para mas maging malakas pa po ang kapangyarihan ng Independent Commission na ito dahil iisa lamang din po ang adhikain nito: mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot,” Castro emphasized.

President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 94 on September 11, creating 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. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday affirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to skip the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York City next week reflects on his commitment to prioritize pressing domestic concerns, assuring that there is no direct threat to his life.

“Maliban po sa naging pagbabanta dati ng Bise Presidente sa buhay ng Pangulo, base po sa National Security Council ADG (Assistant Director General) Cornelio Valencia, wala po na direct threat sa buhay ng Pangulo,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Despite the absence of a specific threat, Castro noted that measures are in place and security forces remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of the President.

“Pero hindi po sila magiging kampante sa pagsiguro at bigyan ng seguridad ang buhay ng Pangulo,” Castro added.

Malacañang on Monday announced that President Marcos has delegated his UNGA engagements to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro “to allow him to focus on local issues.”

When asked if the anti-corruption demonstrations planned during the weekend factored into the President’s decision not to attend the UNGA, Castro said the Chief Executive is not worried about the mass actions since he initiated the investigation into massive anomalies in flood control projects.

“Hindi naman po nangangamba ang Pangulo dahil alam po niya na ang pagpuprotesta ng taumbayan ay tungkol sa paglaban sa korapsiyon. At binanggit din po niya kahapon na siya mismo ang nagsimula upang mapaimbestigahan itong mga maanomalyang flood control projects,” the Palace Press Officer said.

“So, hindi po nangangamba ang Pangulo sa gagawing protesta dahil alam po niya na ang magpuprotesta dito ay kakampi rin po niya, kakampi sa kaniyang adhikain. Dahil sabi nga po niya kahapon, kung hindi siya presidente, malamang ay makakasama rin siya sa pagprotesta laban sa korapsiyon,” Castro added.

President Marcos on Monday completed the composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) he created to investigate anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects within the last 10 years and to recommend appropriate legal action against those liable for the misuse of public funds.

The President named retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as ICI chairperson, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo as members, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser. | PND