Malacañang has issued proclamations declaring special non-working days in five areas to give their residents the opportunity to fully participate in their respective occasions.

In Proclamation No. 1007, the Palace announced September 8 as a special non-working day in the City of Calbayog to mark the celebration of the Hadang Festival.

The Palace also declared September 10 as a special non-working day in two provinces, namely Quirino province in celebration of its 54th founding anniversary (Proclamation No. 1008); and Bais City, Negros Oriental in observance of the Hudyaka Festival: Festival of Harvests (Proclamation No. 1009).

Under Proclamation No. 1010, September 11 was declared a special non-working day in the province of Ilocos Norte in commemoration of the 108th birth anniversary of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

Lastly, Malacañang designated September 12 as a special non-working day in the municipality of Hingyon, province of Ifugao, to mark its founding anniversary (Proclamation No. 1011).

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin signed on September 3 the proclamations certifying the local special non-working days. | PND

Malacañang on Thursday urged the public to stay vigilant and be more discerning amid reports that communist rebels are using corruption issues in flood control projects to stir discontent and recruit new members.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) warned that rebels are exploiting public outrage over corruption as a tactic to boost their recruitment.

“Kaya nga po maging mapanuri. Iyan po ang request natin at panawagan natin sa lahat ng kababayan natin, kabataan man o mga matured na mga katulad natin. Mag-isip po tayo dahil hindi po ito nadadaan sa dahas,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“Hindi po ito kailangang gamitin para magalit kayo sa gobyerno o magalit kung kanino man. Magtulung-tulong po tayong lahat para masawata ang korapsyon dito sa bansa,” she added.

Castro said attempts by rebel groups to exploit the flood control projects investigation will be monitored, especially after the NTF-ELCAC reported the information.

NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement that the rebels are trying to exploit corruption issues by preying on the youth, students, and vulnerable sectors, including public servants, by twisting legitimate grievances into recruitment tactics for violent extremism.

“The most dangerous form of corruption is not only the plunder of public coffers but the corruption of the Filipino mind,” Torres said.

Torres said there is a need to ensure that schools and communities remain safe spaces for legitimate debate and constructive civic engagement. | PND

Malacañang on Thursday expressed readiness to conduct a comprehensive review of the proposed 2026 budgets of other government agencies, aside from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), should irregularities be uncovered.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is ready to issue the same directive to concerned agencies should questionable items be found to be included in their allocation under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“Kung may iba pang ahensya na involved, ay ganoon din po ang magiging utos ng Pangulo,” Castro said in a press briefing.

Castro, however, emphasized that accusations of alleged anomalies in the 2026 budget of other agencies must be supported by detailed facts before these are presented to the President for evaluation.

Castro added that it is important to provide details to the President in order to ascertain if there are indeed irregularities.

“Ngayon po ay kailangan lang tingnan. Hindi po natin masasabi na mayroon talagang mga anomalyang naisingit,” Castro added.

For now, President Marcos has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the DPWH to carefully evaluate the flagged items and make necessary corrections in the DPWH proposed 2026 budget.

Castro said congressional budget hearings currently remain on track and within the schedule. | PND

Malacañang on Thursday said the Department of Finance (DOF) would now be stricter in approving flood control projects in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to investigate anomalous projects.

Upon President Marcos’ directive, the DOF moved to tighten the approval process for flood control projects to prevent misuse of public funds through corruption.

“Para paigtingin pa ang pagbabantay sa kaban ng bayan, lalong hihigpitan ng Department of Finance ang approval process para sa mga flood control projects sa gitna ng isyu ng mga maanomalyang proyekto,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

“Alinsunod ito sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na wakasan ang mga tiwaling gawain sa pagpapatayo ng mga flood control projects,” Castro added.

Castro said the Economy and Development Council Investment Coordination Committee agreed to the stricter approval process for flood control projects during their meeting on August 12.

Under the new process, the Economy and Development Council’s Investment Coordination Committee will undertake a comprehensive review of flood control projects before implementation to ensure their quality and sustainability.

“Magsasagawa ng comprehensive review ng mga flood management projects ang nasabing committee at sisiguraduhing shovel-ready na ito bago pa man magsimula ang implementation,” said Castro.

“Layunin ng bagong hakbang na ito na siguraduhing wasto ang kalidad ng mga proyekto, maging kapaki-pakinabang ito sa mga mamamayan at kalaunan ay maabot ang long-term sustainability goals nito,” she added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants the independent commission that will investigate irregularities in flood control projects to have subpoena power.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacañang is finalizing an executive order (EO) creating the commission with the authority to issue subpoenas or summon individuals involved in order to carry out the probe effectively.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Castro said there is already a draft EO but it is still being finalized. The President wants the independent commission to have subpoena powers, Castro added.

“Ang nais po ng Pangulo sa nasabing independent commission ay mabigyan po ng lakas, mabigyan ng ngipin para po mas mapatupad kung ano ang mandato,” the Palace Press Officer said.

The Palace official said President Marcos would decide on the composition of the independent investigative body.

President Marcos ordered a thorough investigation into flood control projects in the past three years after personally confirming some infrastructure projects to be either substandard or nonexistent.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address last July 28, the President called out those behind the anomalous projects, saying “Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino!”

The President announced that a commission will be established to conduct a comprehensive review of projects, identify irregularities, and recommend measures to hold liable parties accountable, thereby safeguarding public trust in infrastructure spending.

President Marcos appointed a new Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary, Vince Dizon, who was tasked to conduct a full organizational sweep of the department and ensure that public funds are used solely for infrastructure that truly protects and benefits the Filipino people. | PND

Malacañang on Thursday appealed for calm after several individuals, including disaster survivors, staged a protest in front of a contractor’s property in Pasig City, where they threw mud and painted the word “magnanakaw” on the gate.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects was meant to bring clarity and accountability and not chaos.

“Hindi po nanaisin ng Pangulo na ganito ang mangyari. Sabi nga po ng Pangulo, sinusunod po natin ang due process,” the Palace official said during a Malacañang press briefing.

Castro stressed that the investigation into anomalous flood control projects is being conducted in the public interest.

“Sa mga kapwa natin Pilipino, ang pag-iimbestigang ginagawa po ng Pangulo, ang pag-uutos na imbestigahan lahat, ay para din po sa taong bayan,” Castro said, when asked about the possibility of violent incidents similar to those reported in another country.

The Palace Press Officer warned against the spread of false information that could stir public anger and disrupt peace.

“Hindi po nais na magkaroon ng kaguluhan dahil lamang sa may mga maling information. Dahil ito daw ay ginagamit para mas paalabin ang galit ng mga Pilipino. Hindi po ‘yun ang nais ng Pangulo,” she explained.

Instead, Castro said, the President’s orders to look into irregularities in flood control projects were intended to inform the public and ensure accountability.

“Nais ng Pangulo ay maliwanagan lahat tayo kung ano ang nangyayari sa mga flood control projects at maibigay ang nararapat sa taong bayan,” Castro added.

Malacañang also assured that concerned agencies and law enforcement units have been instructed to maintain peace and order.

“So, inuutos naman din po ng Pangulo sa mga concerned government agencies natin, sa mga law enforcement natin, na huwag niyo pong hayaan na mangyari po ito,” the Palace official said. | PND

Two career diplomats were honored today with the Order of Sikatuna.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred on Thursday the Order of Sikatuna on Ambassador Antonio Manuel R. Lagdameo and Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez, in recognition of their exceptional and meritorious contributions in the Philippine foreign service.

President Marcos bestowed the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Grand Cross (Datu), Gold Distinction on Lagdameo and Fernandez in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace.

Lagdameo, a seasoned diplomat who served the country for nearly two decades, was recognized for his numerous contributions, including his tenure as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York.

He was also recognized for facilitating or co-facilitating the adoption of various resolutions in the UN that favored the Philippines, and for building and strengthening bilateral relationships with the United Kingdom, Spain, and Mexico during his tenure as ambassador.

Lagdameo also facilitated the signing of an agreement between the Philippine Embassy in London and the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London in 2017 to enhance Philippine studies workshops, publications, research, and travel grants.

Meanwhile, Fernandez, a career officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), was recognized for her proven track record in the foreign service as a distinguished career diplomat and her significant contributions to the advancement of Philippine foreign policy.

These include serving as the Chief Coordinator under the Office of the DFA Secretary, maintaining a thriving engagement with the Filipino communities in northern Italy, arranging the repatriation of more than 300 Filipinos during the pandemic, improving consular services, and mobilizing partner agencies in assisting Filipino nationals, especially those who died of COVID-19 or lost their jobs during the pandemic.

Fernandez is the Philippines’ incoming ambassador to the Republic of Korea.

The Order of Sikatuna is an Order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines.

This is granted to diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.

The rank of Grand Cross (Datu) may be conferred upon a Crown Prince, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, or the equivalent, foreign minister, or other official of Cabinet rank, Ambassador, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary, or other persons of a rank similar or equivalent to the foregoing. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies as well as the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to support the 2025 Philippine Creative Industries Month with its theme, “We are a Creative Nation.”

The directive was contained in Memorandum Circular No. 95 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on September 2, 2025.

The circular supports Republic Act No. 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act which created the PCI Development Council (PCIDC) to spearhead the development and promotion of the creative industries in the country.

The law declared the month of September of every year as the “Philippine Creative Industries Month” to promote the goods, products, and services of the Philippine creative industries, and to raise awareness of their role in nation-building and socioeconomic advancement.

The PCIDC, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), shall lead its observance.

According to the DTI, the 2025 Philippine Creative Industries Month shall feature a variety of programs and activities intended to showcase the Filipino people’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic expression, with the end view of propelling the Philippines towards becoming Asia’s Premier Creative Hub by 2030.

RA 11904 states the government policy to promote and support the development of the Philippine creative industries by protecting and strengthening the rights and capacities of creative firms, artists, artisans, creators, workers, indigenous cultural communities, content providers, and stakeholders in the creative industries.

The Act directs all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), LGUs, and the private sector, to extend full support to and actively participate in the programs and activities of the Philippine Creative Industries Month. ǀ PND

“With this law, we send a very clear and powerful message: Progress shall never come at the cost of our people, nor our planet.”

Thus said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the ceremonial signing of the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act or Republic Act 12253 held at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday.

In his speech, President Marcos Jr. said that national progress will never come at the expense of the people or the environment, as the administration ensured accountability and transparency in the mining industry.

The President underscored the law’s reforms in ensuring accountability and transparency in the mining industry.

“Gone are the days when a mining contractor can bury its profits beneath the weight of losses. No longer can we use the one project’s failure to conceal another project’s success,” President Marcos said.

“Transparency is now the rule, accountability our standard, and fairness the measure by which we move forward,” the Chief Executive stressed.

President Marcos said the reform mandates mining companies that operate within the government’s designated mining sites to pay a royalty of five percent of their gross output.

Those operating outside mineral reservations, on the other hand, will be subject to a margin-based royalty on income from metallic mining operations.

It also imposes additional taxes when a company’s profit margin exceeds 30 percent.

When collecting taxes, each mining contractor is recognized as a separate taxable entity. This prevents the consolidation of income and expenses of all mining projects by the same taxpayer, the President also said.

With the new law, President Marcos said the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs will examine and audit all sales and exports of minerals and inspect mining company records, in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

In addition to the allotted national revenue collections, President Marcos said local government units will now receive 40 percent of the gross collections from excise taxes on mineral products, royalties, and other taxes or fees, ensuring that the communities that bear the brunt of mines will also experience their benefits.

Meanwhile, 10 percent of royalties from government-designated mining sites will go to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Metals Industry Research and Development Center, which guarantees that part of the revenues is reinvested in exploration, research, and above all, environmental protection and sustainable practices.

“Minerals are finite. Once extracted, they are gone forever. But if we use them wisely—tax them fairly, protect our environment as we mine, and ensure that revenues return to the people—then their value will outlive all of us,” said the President.

President Marcos also thanked the legislators and stakeholders who collaborated to pass the law that takes the country a step closer to the development of downstream industries and the manufacturing of essential products, which brings greater value.

“Together, let us build the mining industry that is a transparent, and accountable, and sustainable industry. One where our communities are empowered, our environment preserved, and our people are the ultimate beneficiaries of this progress,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the ceremonial signing of the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, or Republic Act 12253, a measure establishing a system to promote a fair, transparent, and responsive tax approach that benefits the people and the environment.

“With the signing of the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, we are putting into place a system that is fairer, that is clearer, and more responsive to the needs of both our people and the environment,” said President Marcos in his speech during the ceremony held at the Malacañan Palace.

“Sa ilalim ng batas na ito, mas magiging simple ang pamamalakad at paggamit sa pondo na mula sa pagmimina, matitiyak na may bahagi ang pamahalaan sa kita, maitataguyod ang malinaw at tapat na sistema, at maibibigay ang seguridad sa mga mamumuhunan,” the President said.

The measure aims to strengthen the protection of natural resources, at the same time ensure that affected communities would benefit more from mining operations.

Noting that the worldwide demand for critical minerals is surging, the President said, “We are blessed because the Philippines is rich in such resources. If the world needs these minerals, then we must make sure that our mining infrastructure is robust and that Filipinos, above all, benefit from it.”

President Marcos remarked that the reform mandates mining companies operating within the government’s designated mining sites to pay a royalty of five percent of their gross output.

Those operating outside mineral reservations, on the other hand, will be subject to a margin-based royalty on income from metallic mining operations.

The new law also imposes additional taxes when a company’s profit margin exceeds 30 percent, ensuring that the government receives its fair share from their extra profit and that their benefits will ripple into the lives of the people.

When collecting taxes, each mining contractor is recognized as a separate taxable entity. This prevents the consolidation of income and expenses of all mining projects by the same taxpayer, the President also said. ǀ PND