President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for increased police visibility to deter crime and implement a unified emergency hotline for faster crisis response.

During the maiden episode of the BBM Podcast on Monday, the President tasked the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to ensure the police are closer to the people.

“So ang una naming ginawa, inutusan ko silang – ng DILG at saka Chief PNP – sinabi ko sa kanila, dapat laging may nakikita na pulis na naglalakad. Kasi pagtagal ng panahon, nakikilala mo na ‘yun,” President Marcos said.

“O, ‘di – maging kaibigan ‘yung pulis para ‘pag nakita, safe kami rito. Nandiyan si Sergeant ganito, ganyan. Kailangan ang pakiramdam ng tao, laging may pulis dito,” he added.

The President said he wanted the police to respond more quickly, noting the police officers must be at the scene in less than five minutes.

The President noted that several current emergency numbers could add to confusion, so the government would implement a single crisis hotline for emergency hotlines during the crisis.

“Di ba mayroon tayong iba-iba eh – 119, 911, 999, kung ano-ano. Gagawin naming isa,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the recent May 2025 election results show that Filipinos are “tired of politics” and want more actions from their leaders, acknowledging public disappointment over slow government services in addressing immediate, day-to-day needs.

“Ito talagang narealize ko na hindi natin nabigyan nang sapat na attention ‘yung mas maliit na bagay para maging mas maginhawa ang pang araw-araw ng buhay ng tao. Yung mga ganyang klase, para naman mas maginhawa ang buhay ng tao,” the President noted.

In the first episode of BBM Podcast, President Marcos shared his reflections on the recent election results, underscoring the need to shift away from politics and a focus on governance that directly benefits the public.

The President reiterated his resolve to break free from the “business as usual” mentality from the moment he took office.

President Marcos also emphasized the growing frustration among Filipinos with the cycle of politics. He observed that the electorate’s message is clear that they are “sick and tired” of political maneuvering and call for a government that prioritizes effective leadership and action over politics.

“Para sa akin, I have two conclusions dito sa eleksyon. Una, nagsawa na ang Pilipino sa pulitika. Sawang-sawa na sa pulitika. Ang mensahe, sa amin lahat – hindi lamang sa akin, kung hindi sa aming lahat – tama na ‘yung pamumulitika ninyo at kami naman ang asikasuhin ninyo,” President Marcos stated.

“Tama na ‘yung pulitika. Magtrabaho – gawin na natin lahat ng kailangang gawin,” the President added.

President Marcos also acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction with the pace and tangible impact of government services.

The Chief Executive recognized that many Filipinos feel disconnected from government projects and have yet to see the real benefits of these initiatives in their everyday lives.

“Disappointed ang tao sa serbisyo ng gobyerno. Hindi nila nararamdaman at masyadong mabagal ang galaw nang pagbubuo ng mga project na hindi pa nila maramdaman,” the President noted.

President Marcos assured the public that, “Asahan nila na tayo naman, kahit nasa matatas na posisyon, asahan nila, lagi kaming nakikinig. Lagi kaming nakikinig sa kanilang hinaing, sa kanilang nagiging problema. At hahanapan natin ng long-term solutions. At ngayon, talagang mamadaliin na namin yung immediate solutions na pwedeng gawin, gawain na kaagad. At yun ang mararamdaman ng taong bayan.”

The first episode of the BBM Podcast offers listeners a deeper understanding of President Marcos’ perspective on the current political climate and his vision for a future driven by real action, effective governance, and lasting progress for the Filipino people. | PND

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure affordable rice for Filipinos, the government has announced that one million sacks of milled rice are readily available for distribution through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

“Ang total natin, we have one million sacks available na milled rice na iyon, merely milled rice,” Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced in a briefing in Malacañang on Monday.

Tiu Laurel said shipments from Mindoro have already reached Cebu, while Bohol is scheduled to receive its supply this week.

According to Tiu Laurel, there are already 37 participating local government units (LGUs) in Cebu alone. They sold nearly 12,000 sacks this week. Tiu Laurel said 34 Kadiwa stores have already begun operations, noting that people are happy with the program.

The DA said they will address the queuing process during distribution to improve the experience further. This includes adding chairs, electric fans, and tents for shade.

“Alam ninyo naman mainit ngayon kaya ia-address natin iyan para maging mas maganda iyong experience ng ating mga mamimili,” Laurel said.

The DA is also preparing to launch Phase 2 of the Kadiwa program this July, focusing on high-poverty areas in Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Maguindanao Del Norte, Maguindanao Del Sur, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Davao Oriental, and Sorsogon.

By next month, the number of Kadiwa outlets will increase to 55.

Laurel also clarified that the rice sold is part of the National Food Authority (NFA) buffer stock acquired through the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

He said the government has not yet spent additional funds for the program besides logistics costs.

“Sa ngayon ang stocks natin ngayon ng palay is noong nagsasabi ako 300,000 tons na, ngayon nasa 400 plus thousand na,” Laurel said.

“So, lahat iyan is iyong NFA na bigas na binili galing sa GAA namin… Iyan pa rin iyong bigas na binibenta natin so technically except for the logistics of it wala pang nilalabas na dagdag pera ang gobyerno natin while selling this rice,” he added.

The DA aims to serve 15 million families or about 60 million Filipinos by 2028. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration vowed to intensify its efforts to support local farmers by ensuring fair prices for their rice harvests and addressing concerns over trader exploitation.

In a Malacañang press briefing on Monday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. addressed concerns that some traders exploit local farmers by buying palay at unreasonably low prices.

He said the Department of Agriculture has identified 32 areas where such practices occur in Luzon and has begun investigating the traders involved.

“We have a list of areas where traders buy rice at very low prices, as low as P13, P14, and P15 per kilo. We are investigating these traders and will send our mobile marketing and procurement teams to these areas during the next harvest season to ensure that farmers are paid fair prices,” Tiu Laurel said.

In response to these issues, the DA is exploring implementing a “floor price” for palay to protect farmers from being underpaid.

“The goal of the floor price is to ensure that farmers are not at risk of losing money. If they are not losing money, they can break even and be encouraged to plant again,” Tiu Laurel explained.

Tiu Laurel also said the DA is investigating reports that some individuals are attempting to exploit the Kadiwa program by falsely claiming to represent senior citizens or other vulnerable groups.

He said that appropriate actions are being taken to improve the integrity of the Kadiwa rice distribution program and ensure the staple reaches the vulnerable sectors as intended.

“We are listing down iyong mga ganoong nagki-claim and we will be counterchecking siguro sa kanilang tahanan at bisitahin sila para makita lang talaga,” Laurel said.

“We really need to dispose and move out our stocks… Maganda ang quality ng bigas para tuluy-tuloy na at least makinabang din ang iba,” he added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday his “dream” is to fully digitalize all government services—especially in the health sector—to ensure faster and more efficient delivery.

“Talaga ang dream ko na lahat ng serbisyo ng gobyerno hangga’t maari, pati payment ng gobyerno … gagawin natin by computer para hindi na mahirapan ang tao. Hindi na kailangan bumiyahi ng kalayo-layo,” President Marcos said during the first episode of the BBM Podcast.

The Chief Executive particularly cited the case of state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), where he saw around 200 patients lined up to have the agency’s documents processed in a hospital, which took around two hours to finish.

“Digitalization lang ang sagot diyan,“ the Chief Executive said, citing the PhilHealth membership is being expanded.

The President said he was saddened by a survey result about PhilHealth, which showed respondents hoped the government would prioritize addressing the country’s top 10 diseases.

“Alam mo kung bakit ako nalungkot?” the President asked. “Ginagawa na namin—hindi lang alam ng tao. Kagaya ng sinabi mo.”

The President said the government also created “e-gov apps” and expanded internet coverage nationwide.

When asked about other agencies that fund health services, the President said agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office should also go digital. Hence, patients or their families no longer need to leave their homes to receive assistance.

President Marcos said the administration has already started digitalizing PhilHealth’s records; however, many people are still unaware that this has already been done by the government. The President had earlier expressed full support for PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dr. Edwin Mercado’s plan to go digital.

President Marcos also noted that by making the processes easier and faster, the government would be able to help lower or even fully cover the costs of the public’s health and hospital services, which is now nearing this goal.

“Malapit na tayo doon,” the President said. “Pinaparami na talaga yung binibigyan ng benepisyo. Hindi na pwedeng kinakamay. Kailangan talaga nasa computer na.”

President Marcos also said the government has expanded PhilHealth’s health coverage.

Another service the administration has started is the Bagong Urgent Care Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers, a 24-hour health center that addresses the ambulatory medical and surgical care needs of Filipinos.

“Para hindi na kailangan pumunta sa malalaking hospital,” the President also said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government is pursuing both primary and small-scale drug dealers while strictly upholding due process and carrying out the anti-drug campaign without resorting to killings.

In the maiden episode of the BBM Podcast on Monday, President Marcos assured the public of the government’s renewed focus on addressing the country’s illegal drug problem.

“So ngayon, in the same vein, part of the lesson of this election, let’s go back to ‘yung sa grassroots level. Kung inaalala ng tao, sinasabi, nagbabalikan (ang drugs) dito, sige, tuloy natin ‘yung malalaking drug bust,” President Marcos said during the podcast’s first episode.

“Tuloy natin… ikukulong natin ‘yung mga sangkot diyan sa drugs. Pero tingnan na muna natin ‘yung mas small offender,” the President said.

President Marcos said the renewed anti-narcotics efforts is part of the campaign, in which policemen conduct daily street patrols.

He noted that while anti-drug agencies focus on small drug dealers, due process is observed.

“Kasi talaga, iniwasan ko, ‘yung basta may suspect siya o may hinala o may sumbong, basta kung huli, papatayin na lang, di ba? Ah, wala. ‘Yun, doon kami lumayo,” the President pointed out.

The President also acknowledged the difficulty of neutralizing drug syndicates in the country, considering the large amount of grease money involved.

“Ang sindikato kasama na diyan ‘yung police, kasama na diyan ‘yung local government. Laking pera eh,” he pointed out.

“Ang dami nilang pera. Kaya kahit sa ‘yung mga judge, kaya nilang bilhin lahat. Para sa prosecutor, kaya nilang bilhin lahat. Walang panama ‘yung sweldo nila sa gobyerno dun sa binibigay ng mga sindikato. Kaya ‘yun ang binubuwag namin.” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday that underperforming and corrupt officials may face removal or charges, as the administration conducts a thorough performance review of cabinet members and government agencies to address inefficiencies and improve public service delivery.

In the first episode of “BBM Podcast,” President Marcos emphasized that the review aims to assess whether government targets are being met, and identify issues hindering public service delivery.

“Maganda naman ang takbo, pero performance review. Ito yung target natin, ba’t ’di natin naabot? O ito, nakuha natin. Ito, overpriced na naman. All of these things—performance review,” President Marcos said.

The President added that the review seeks to answer key questions: “Bakit mabagal ang baba ng serbisyo? Ano yung iba? Anong gagawin natin para pabilisin? ‘Yun ang importante.”

When asked whether any Cabinet officials would be dismissed soon—amid a public clamor for accountability—Marcos acknowledged that it could happen, depending on the evaluation outcome.

“Baka mangyari ’yan. Dito nga sa ginagawa naming performance review, ’yun ang warning ko sa kanila. Kung talagang may nagkukulang o corrupt, eh kung talagang masyadong mabigat ‘yung kanilang kasalanan, eh kakasuhan namin,” he said.

The President’s remarks came in response to questions about whether officials are being given a “graceful exit” through resignations often attributed to health reasons, which some believe fails to deter misconduct or poor performance.

President Marcos instructed government officials, “Don’t explain it to us anymore. Just do it. Tama na yung mga magagandang paliwanag with the good statistics at yung drawing. Basta gawin na lang ninyo.”

As the performance review continued, Marcos assured the public that the government was serious about accountability and improving efficiency across all agencies. | PND

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public of a sufficient supply of poultry products despite the impending temporary import ban on Brazil following reports of its first bird flu outbreak.

Tiu Laurel confirmed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will impose a countrywide poultry ban on Brazil, the country’s top meat supplier.

During the Palace press briefing on Monday, Tiu Laurel said Brazil is not the Philippines’ sole supplier of poultry, noting the imposition of the poultry import ban will result in market diversion.

The advantage of Brazil is its lower prices compared to other suppliers, he said.

“I think the price difference is a few percentage lang. So, as far as supply is concerned, I really don’t see any issue. Baka may brief supply gap lang na baka one or two weeks, because they have to change origins,” Tiu Laurel said.

“But in general, I don’t see any issue, because even our local poultry industry is medyo maganda ang production eh. So, wala masyado akong nakikitang isyu,” he stressed.

Brazil’s bird flu outbreak, the first in the South American country, triggered import bans from various countries including China, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay. | PND

Malacañang on Monday appealed for public understanding regarding the impending rehabilitation of the iconic San Juanico Bridge.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. views the ongoing rehabilitation of the 52-year-old San Juanico Bridge as a proactive step to safeguard the public, although it may cause temporary inconvenience.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro pointed out the necessity of repairing the San Juanico Bridge to avoid potential hazards and ensure the well-being of the people.

“Ito lamang po ang una nating ipaparating, ito ay ayon sa ating Pangulo: ang pagre-rehabilitate po masasabi natin magkakaroon ng epekto sa taongbayan, sa concerned citizens na nandoon sa lugar. Pero tingnan po natin ito sa mas positibong aspeto dahil ito po ay rehabilitation,” Castro said.

“Mas nanaisin po talaga na maiwasan kung anuman ang maaaring idulot na disgrasya kung ito man ay hindi maayos nang maagap,” she added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico bridge is scheduled to undergo a two-year rehabilitation worth around PhP900 million following recent structural vulnerability findings.

Castro said government agencies involved in the project have been instructed to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders to minimize disruptions.

The Press Officer also noted that several mitigating measures are being implemented to address public concerns during rehabilitation.

Among these is the declaration of a blue alert status in the Eastern Visayas region, placing all regional response teams and resources on standby. The move allows agencies to mobilize personnel swiftly and utilize quick response funds.

The blue alert status was prompted by the imposition of a ban on vehicles weighing over three tons from traversing the bridge to protect it from further deterioration.

Castro said alternative transport options are being deployed to ease mobility limitations during the rehabilitation.

She added that the DPWH will deploy 13 shuttle buses around the clock to assist commuters affected by the load limits.

Meanwhile, the DPWH also works with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and LGUs to facilitate ferry services for buses and passengers using barges.

Castro said a multi-agency task force has also been created to oversee public safety, operational coordination, and security throughout rehabilitation.

“Magkakaroon din po ng public assistance desk on both sides doon sa bridge at may 24-hour patrol unit na rin po for safety monitoring,” she added. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the education system, the government has created 16,000 new teaching positions in time for the opening of classes in June this year.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Monday’s press briefing that the 16,000 new positions are part of the first phase of a larger plan to hire 20,000 teachers.

Castro also emphasized that President Marcos wants to address the teacher shortage and improve the quality of education for Filipino students. She said that PhP4.19 billion in funding for this initiative has already been allocated to the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Unang-una po, it is the directive of our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen the education system. Ang gusto po talaga ng Pangulo ay mapabawasan ang kakulangan ng mga guro sa bawat eskwela,” Castro said.

“[The] 16,000 teaching positions ay unang parte lamang po dahil ang target po ay 20,000 teaching positions,” she added.

The initiative supports the efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) to address the 56,000 shortage of teachers in 2024, and a move toward a more effective teacher-student ratio.

The new teaching positions aim to reduce overcrowding in classrooms, particularly in schools with sufficient infrastructure but that struggle with high student-to-teacher ratios.

The national classroom-to-student ratio is 1:40, above DepEd’s ideal of 1:30. Many primary schools also exceed the 1:35 target. Smaller classes allow teachers to give more focused attention and improve learning outcomes.

“Ang nais po natin at ang nais po ng Pangulo ay mabigyan po ang bawat estudyante, matutukan po ng kanilang guro para po mas maging maganda ang kanilang pagsasanay at pag-aaral,” Castro said. | PND