The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its programs in recent months to curb the rise of human immunodeficiency virus infections in the country, in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to accelerate the delivery of medical services to individuals living with HIV.

The DOH reported an average of 57 new HIV cases detected daily in the first quarter of 2025. HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.

If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said DOH’s work is continuing, noting the recommendation for the declaration of public health emergency came from the Philippine National AIDS Council, the highest governing body on government program to address AIDS.

“Mga anim na buwan na po kaming nag-aayos ng mga programa na pagpapaigting at saka malaking tulong ang binibigay ngayong atensyon ng ating media dito sa malaking taas ng mga kaso ng HIV sa Pilipinas.”

The health chief noted that the battle against HIV needs a multi-pronged approach such as through legislation, increased government funding, and aggressive information campaign with the help of the media. |PND

The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its programs in recent months to curb the rise of human immunodeficiency virus infections in the country, in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to accelerate the delivery of medical services to individuals living with HIV.

The DOH reported an average of 57 new HIV cases detected daily in the first quarter of 2025. HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.

If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said DOH’s work is continuing, noting the recommendation for the declaration of public health emergency came from the Philippine National AIDS Council, the highest governing body on government program to address AIDS.

“Mga anim na buwan na po kaming nag-aayos ng mga programa na pagpapaigting at saka malaking tulong ang binibigay ngayong atensyon ng ating media dito sa malaking taas ng mga kaso ng HIV sa Pilipinas.”

The health chief noted that the battle against HIV needs a multi-pronged approach such as through legislation, increased government funding, and aggressive information campaign with the help of the media. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will carefully study the potential economic implications of the proposed PhP200 increase in the daily minimum wage for private sector workers to ensure that any decision made will strike a balance between the welfare of workers and the sustainability of businesses.

“We will look at the economic implications of this and how to resolve this with the opinion of the wage boards, since the wage boards are also the creations of Congress,” the President said in a statement read on Thursday by Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

During a Palace press briefing, Castro relayed the President’s statement in response to questions on whether the President is inclined to sign the wage increase bill once it passes both chambers of Congress.

Palace Press Officer said that President Marcos is committed to supporting the welfare of Filipino workers while ensuring that decisions are sustainable for the economy.

“Nais po ng Pangulo na ibigay kung ano po ang makakabuti sa manggagawang Pilipino. Titingnan ang lahat ng aspeto at ang concerns ng lahat ng stakeholders,” she said.

With 171 yes votes, one no vote, and zero abstention, the House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 11376 which seeks to increase the daily minimum wage for private sector workers by PhP200.

The Senate has previously approved its version which proposes a PhP100 daily minimum wage hike under Senate Bill 2534.

If signed into law, it will be the first legislated nationwide wage hike since the Wage Rationalization Act in 1989.

Last Tuesday, President Marcos met with labor leaders in Malacañang where he reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights and advancing the interests of workers across the country. | PND

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to fight fake news, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz underscored Meta’s key role in curbing disinformation on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

During a hearing of the House tri-committee investigating fake news and online disinformation on Thursday, Ruiz shared his observation that even the government is defenseless when Meta refuses to take down false content.

Ruiz recounted an incident where a supposed memo falsely attributed to the Office of the Executive Secretary was circulated online.

The PCO chief said Meta refused to take down the content despite a certification from the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) that it was a fake memo.

“Alam mo sir, hindi nila tinanggal. Ang reason ng mga platforms is that ito is freedom of expression, may community standards kami, ang bawat isang user, siya ang accountable to his or her account,” Ruiz noted.

“So ano ito? Are we at the mercy of the platforms? Sabi namin hindi kayo dito naka-base, hindi pa kayo nagbabayad ng buwis, and yet you don’t regulate or stop fake news here in the Philippines,” the PCO chief added.

Ruiz emphasized that the dissemination of false narratives undermines public trust and can distort the government’s efforts to address the people’s needs.

He noted that platforms like Meta must act responsibly and proactively in curbing fake content that misleads the public.

President Marcos pointed out the importance of providing accurate information to ensure the public can fully benefit from government programs, like the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program, which offers PhP20-per-kilo rice as part of the administration’s efforts to promote food security and social support.

Ruiz noted that in Singapore, online platforms may be subject to penalties of up to 6 percent of their revenue should they be found responsible for disseminating disinformation, an approach that underscores the country’s firm stance on digital accountability.

“May penalties against social media platforms na kapag nagpapalabas ka ng fake news, you will be penalized. Ang tinitira nila ang penalties mataas—6 percent of profit ang ginagawa nila,” the PCO secretary pointed out.

Ruiz also warned of the profound consequences of unchecked fake news on the country’s democratic process, especially during election periods.

“E paano kung ang tao binabase niya ang decision niya sa mga fake news o kasinungalingan? Isipin mo kung ang mga botante natin boboto base sa impormasyon ng kasinungalingan. Anong klaseng generation, anong klaseng democracy meron tayo?” he continued.

“Eventually, our people will no longer decide based on informed decisions, but based on lies. We agree that there is a right to information, but that right should be accurate information,” he added. | PND

Upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to digitalize key government services, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced that motorists will soon be able to check their traffic violations, including those under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), and pay fines through the eGovPH app.

During a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, DICT Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. said the DICT is working closely with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to link the NCAP violations monitoring system to the eGovPH app.

“Pag natapos po iyong integration, ang ganda po nito kasi makikita mo na doon kung ilan na po iyong violation mo at kahit nasa bahay ka na rin, puwede mong i-settle na rin iyong penalty mo,” Almirol said.

Once fully integrated, Almirol said users will be able to receive notifications of their violations supported with photos and videos from the MMDA.

“Pagpunta mo sa eGovPH app, may button po doon ng mga penalties; pagka-click mo, mapapanood mo na iyong video na nanggagaling kay MMDA kung ito iyong violation,” Almirol said.

Almirol said they are also integrating other traffic violations monitoring systems such as the MMDA’s single ticketing system platform and the Land Transportation Office (LTO)’s land transportation management system (LTMS) with the eGovPH app.

He said the e-government data exchange (eGovDX) platform links all these different systems to make it easier for motorists to monitor their status.

“Iyong eGovDX natin, dapat kita na rin ni LTO iyon. Para in the future ‘pag may magri-renew ng lisensiya doon or driver’s license, hindi ka puwede makapag-renew kasi you have to pay the penalty. So single entry lang po iyon so nag-uusap-usap po sila without sharing information,” Almirol said.

Aside from NCAP monitoring, Almirol also discussed other ongoing initiatives to integrate into the eGovPH app the services of the Social Security System (SSS) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)’s scholarship programs.

“Hindi po titigil ang DICT sa pagdagdag ng maraming features sa ating eGovPH Super App,” Almirol said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore remain robust and continue to deliver tangible benefits for both nations.

In a joint press conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after their bilateral meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday, President Marcos said both sides had detailed discussions on priority areas of cooperation.

The President shared that he and Prime Minister Wong engaged in comprehensive and constructive discussions, building on the outcomes of the recent ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur.

“We exchanged views on what we can further do together to make the ASEAN Community stronger and more resilient,” the President said.

President Marcos said he hoped the Philippines would continue to be an essential investment destination for Singapore, which remains one of the country’s most important investors.

The President expressed hope that Singapore would consider expanding its investments in the Philippines’ renewable energy sector, highlighting it as a key area for future collaboration.

On climate change mitigation, President Marcos said both countries reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on a carbon credit mechanism in line with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement by commencing negotiations on an implementing arrangement.

As the two countries continue to promote collaboration and facilitate training and exchanges between health experts, President Marcos expressed hope for the immediate conclusion of a bilateral agreement with Singapore on health cooperation.

The President thanked Singapore for its efforts in ensuring the survival and propagation of some of the Philippines’ endemic and endangered species, most notably the Philippine Eagle.

President Marcos also thanked the Singapore Prime Minister for ensuring the welfare of the around 200,000 Filipinos residing in Singapore.

“It is appropriate that our respective agencies assist in the reintegration of the hardworking overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) once they have completed their work contracts in Singapore and have returned to the Philippines,” the President said.

President Marcos also expressed the Philippines’ commitment to continuing to advocate for a rules-based international order grounded in international law, equity, and justice, to achieve peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.

President Marcos extended his warm congratulations to the people of Singapore as they prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their independence this August.

“Your remarkable progress over six decades to become one of the world’s most stable, most admired countries is indeed an achievement worth celebrating and, for the Philippines, worth emulating,” the President said. | PND

In line with President Marcos’ directive to modernize the police force, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Wednesday announced plans to use forensics, drones, and body cameras to boost effectiveness and accountability.

During a Palace press briefing, Torre emphasized the critical role of science and technology in his ongoing efforts to modernize the police force, a part of the four strategic pillars he plans to implement during his leadership.

Torre said forensics will be a central element in modern law enforcement, with scientific evidence now taking precedence in police work.

“Science will always play a better role in our policy right now,” he stressed.

Torre also gave a glimpse into how the PNP is already integrating modern technologies into daily operations.

“Ang ating mga body cameras ay nakikita natin habang live na andoon sa field dala-dala ng ating mga tauhan and so many other things,” he said.

Torre said the PNP is reintroducing drone patrols as part of its enhanced surveillance capabilities.

“May mga drone patrols na tayo na babalik iyan at makikita ninyo na hindi lang tayo nagpa-patrolya sa ating mga lansangan, kundi nagpa-patrolya din tayo galing sa itaas gamit ang ating mga drones,” Torre said.

The modernization thrust is a key component of Torre’s larger reform framework, designed to enhance the credibility, responsiveness, and technological capabilities of the PNP. | PND

In response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand internet access nationwide, especially in remote areas, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is launching the Bayanihan SIM project, targeting teachers and students.

DICT Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday that under the project, around one million SIM cards will be distributed to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

“Ang layon po natin ay marami ang digital infrastructure which is iyong tower sa iba’t ibang lugar especially doon sa ating mga GIDA areas. Ang gagamitin po natin dito ay cell signal ‘no kasi towers po ang gagamitin natin,” Mercado said.

The DICT partnered with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to implement a three-year targeted project aimed at providing connectivity to underserved areas in the country.

“With that one million SIM cards, may subscription po. Ang uunahin po naming bigyan ay ang mga estudyante at guro kasi ang purpose po nito ay ang ating education.”

The SIM cards, with a 25GB monthly allocation, will be distributed free of charge to students and teachers, the DICT official said.

Mercado said the DICT will identify the GIDA locations in coordination with the NEDA, which will be posted on the DICT website.

The project will commence at the end of the second quarter to the third quarter of this year, he said, adding that the terms of reference (TOR) and the distribution guidelines were already finalized.

The initiative is also part of the government’s thrust to entice telcos to invest in remote areas of the country, Mercado said.

“Kapag malayo iyong lugar at hindi financially viable for them (telcos), hindi sila pumupunta; hindi sila magtatayo ng infrastructure eh,” he explained.

“So, ang ginawa na po namin sa DICT, kami na po ang maunang magtayo doon. Kapag nagtayo kami doon, maipakita namin sa MNOs (mobile network operators), ‘Ay, may benta pala dito.’” | PND

The eGov PH mobile application now integrates over a thousand government systems to streamline services, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve public service delivery, a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) official said Wednesday in Malacañang.

“Napakarami na pong features ang ating eGov app – in fact, nasa isang libo mahigit na po na government systems ang naka-integrate dito…both local saka national government agencies,” David Almirol Jr., Undersecretary for e-Government, said during the briefing.

The DICT stated that eGov PH, also known as e-Government Philippines, is a mobile application that streamlines transactions between the government and its citizens. With a vision to build a connected nation, this platform integrates the multi-sectoral government through a one-stop online system that aims to minimize economic costs for citizens, according to its website.

The eGov PH app aligns with President Marcos’ directive to promote the government’s campaign to strengthen the delivery of key government services, create a more business-friendly environment, and enhance bureaucratic efficiency through online systems.

Aside from the existing features, some of those integrated are the National ID, Senior Citizen’s ID, Professional Regulation Commission ID, e-Health ID, and Overseas Filipino Workers ID, among others.

Those who have the mobile app could even access the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Pag-IBIG Fund, as well as other government agencies, he said.

Almirol said that soon, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will coordinate with the DICT and integrate the “No Contact Apprehension Policy” (NCAP) to ease processes.

He added that details of the violations can be viewed online, along with the penalties that need to be paid. Those notified can settle all of these through the online system, from anywhere. ǀ PND

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief P/Gen. Nicolas Torre III ordered the entire police force to strictly uphold human rights and due process by arresting criminals, not killing them.

“Uulitin ko, buhay ang tao na huhulihin,” Torre stressed during a Malacañang briefing on Wednesday. “Walang patay, and we will not condone wanton killings or wanton murders.”

Torre said the PNP’s “huli, hindi patay” mandate is to ensure that criminals will be given the right to counsel and afforded due process.

The PNP chief said the police force will work closely with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to address concerns of police abuse while ensuring transparency in their operations.

“We will talk to them (CHR) at gawin natin silang partners na pag mayroong abuso ang pulis. We will very much welcome the investigation to be launched by the CHR,” he said.

The new PNP chief affirmed full cooperation with the CHR, including the sharing of information for their investigation.

Torre said the CHR is open to receiving complaints from those who believe they were arrested without any legal basis. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal to foster inclusive digital transformation and empower all Filipinos through technology, the government will conduct a roadshow to disseminate information on internet connectivity in remote areas, including Tawi-Tawi and Batanes.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda shared the far-reaching impact of bringing digital connectivity to the country’s most remote areas.

Aguda said the DICT will hold a roadshow to mark the National Information and Communication Technology (NICT) Month 2025 across the country, showcasing how digital progress will reach even the most remote and underserved communities.

“Malaking bagay po iyan,” Aguda replied when asked about the effect of internet access in Tawi-Tawi.

Aguda said the NICT leg in Tawi-Tawi will boost tourism, e-commerce, and employment opportunities, especially for locals seeking online work.

“So, sa Tawi-Tawi, kaya excited din kaming pumunta, magaganda iyong mga beaches doon. So, tourism, madadagdagan ang turismo. Second, e-commerce sites,” Aguda said.

Aguda highlighted the benefits of internet access beyond livelihood.

“Trabaho, komersiyo at saka isa po, security rin. Kasi with digital, puwede ka na ring magkaroon ng safe city – puwede nang ma-monitor iyong kapaligiran 24/7,” Aguda said.

The National ICT Month will kick off in Basco, Batanes, on June 5–6, where the DICT will reaffirm its goal of generating eight million digital jobs by 2028 through inclusive, tech-driven employment.

On June 10–11, the celebration will move to Tawi-Tawi, where the DICT and telecom partners will commit to expanding reliable connectivity through technologies such as satellite broadband and community Wi-Fi.

Dumaguete City takes the spotlight on June 17–18, with a focus on digitizing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting grassroots innovation through information and communication technology (ICT).

The month-long celebration concludes on June 30 in Valenzuela City with the signing of an MOU between the DICT and the city government for the development of a premier ICT Hub.

Envisioned as a key component of the “Silicon Valenzuela” vision, the facility will house green data centers, business incubation hubs, co-working spaces, digital retail areas, and government services designed to create jobs, foster innovation, and uplift the quality of life for Valenzuelanos and residents of nearby localities. | PND