President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday commended the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) for its 150 years of enduring commitment to the Philippines, citing the bank’s role in strengthening financial stability, supporting enterprises, and improving the lives of Filipinos.

“As we gather tonight, we celebrate yet another milestone in the long history of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) in the Philippines, as well as the enduring partnership among the public sector, private sector, and the Filipino people,” President Marcos said during HSBC’s 150th Anniversary Gala Night in Taguig City.

“For generations, this collaboration has helped shape our national story, reminding us that progress is built when all sectors move with a shared vision,” the President added.

President Marcos emphasized that since HSBC opened its first branch in Binondo in 1875, the bank has played a key role in supporting the country’s trade, infrastructure, and enterprise, reinforcing the economic foundations that enable Filipinos to build better lives.

As HSBC continues to evolve amid a rapidly changing global landscape, the President expressed confidence that the bank will remain committed to offering more inclusive, secure, and accessible financial services to Filipinos.

President Marcos highlighted HSBC’s strong support for government initiatives, including its participation in recent bond issuances such as the SEC-registered USD3.3-billion equivalent dual-currency global bond offering, which has enabled vital public programs to continue despite challenging times.

“These programs—whether on infrastructure, education, or social protection—directly benefit our people, especially those who rely on stable public services,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive further cited HSBC’s efforts to benchmark borrowing costs, promote secure investments for savers, and guide global investors toward Philippine enterprises.

The President also recognized the bank’s active role on global platforms, such as the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.

“In a country often at the mercy of storms, floods, and rising seas, engaging in climate discussions is necessary to protect lives and secure our future,” President Marcos said.

The President also lauded HSBC’s collaboration with government agencies, such as the Board of Investments and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, to create jobs, expand training programs, and provide opportunities for Filipino workers.

On the government’s part, President Marcos stressed that his administration continues to fortify the financial system that supports HSBC’s aspirations.

The President cited the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) ongoing efforts to refine capital, liquidity, and governance standards to ensure the resiliency of banks.

“A safe financial system protects depositors, secures savings, and preserves trust,” the President said.

President Marcos also highlighted reforms such as adopting the Basel III New Standardized Approach, implementing the National Risk Assessment, and clarifying guidelines for the disqualification of erring officers – all measures that reinforce accountability and safeguard consumers.

President Marcos also noted BSP initiatives in Application Programming Interface security, digital prudential standards, and supervisory technology tools that provide faster, more reliable services while protecting Filipinos from fraud.

In the face of increasingly complex cyber threats, the President cited efforts such as the Financial Cyber Resilience Governance Council to safeguard the hard-earned money of every Filipino.

“As HSBC carries forward a legacy over a century old, we believe that you will always keep the Filipino at the center of your mission. Whether you are supporting enterprises or guiding individuals through major financial decisions, I hope that you will continue nurturing the trust that the public places in you,” the President said.

“Together, let us all build a more progressive Philippine economy where people can access reliable financial services, obtain meaningful opportunities, and live more dignified, comfortable lives,” President Marcos added.

“Let us continue creating an environment where investors, stakeholders, and most importantly, our citizens see the Philippines as a nation of promise,” the President concluded. | PND

Tiniyak ng Malacañang na maaabot ng pamahalaan ang target na petsa para sa pagpasa ng pambansang badyet para sa 2026 sa kabila ng mga pagbabago sa mga economic manager ng administrasyon.

Sa isang press briefing nitong Martes, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na ang pagtatalaga ng mga bagong pinuno sa Department of Finance (DOF) at Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ay hindi makakaantala sa proseso ng badyet.

Ipinahayag ng Palasyo kamakailan na papalitan ni Finance Secretary Ralph Recto si Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, habang si Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go ang hahalili kay Recto bilang kalihim ng DOF.

Samantala, si DBM Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo naman ang itinalagang officer-in-charge kapalit ni Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“We were able to talk to Secretary Go and according to him, (on the) reassignments of the Cabinet members to DOF and DBM, they are all the same people who worked on the budget, who worked on the finances. So there will be no problem with that,” Ayon kay Castro

Dagdag pa niya, “Yes, there will be (the timely passage of the national budget). They are working on that.”

Noong Oktubre 13, inaprubahan na ng House of Representatives ang P6.793 trilyong panukalang badyet, habang isinasagawa na ng Senado ang huling bahagi ng plenary debates para rito.

Pagkatapos nito, pagsasamahin ng bicameral conference committee ang mga bersyon ng Senado at Kamara bago isumite sa Malacañang para sa pinal na pag-apruba.

Samantala, inanunsyo rin ng Palasyo na tinanggap ni Pangulong Marcos ang pagbibitiw nina Bersamin at Pangandaman upang bigyang-daan ang imbestigasyon sa umano’y iregularidad sa mga proyektong flood control.

Tinanggap din ng Pangulo ang pagbibitiw ni Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin ng Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO). | PND

Malacañang assured Tuesday that the Philippine economy remains stable and open to investors while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. undertakes reforms to rid public infrastructure projects of corruption.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the country’s economic standing remains secure as the Marcos administration takes steps to end widespread corruption, promote honest governance, and address the people’s grievances.

“Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., nanatiling matatag ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas na may matibay na pundasyon at bukas na pagkakataon para sa mga mamumuhunan,” Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Citing a message from the Department of Finance (DOF) under then Finance Secretary now incoming Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Castro said President Marcos will not be swayed from exacting accountability from all those involved in corrupt practices.

“Hindi matitinag si Pangulong Marcos sa pag-usig sa sinumang nasa likod ng mga tiwaling gawain – kamag-anak man, kaalyado, o kahit na ang sariling kadugo,” Castro stressed.

“Naninindigan ang pamahalaan na ang lahat ng ito ay tinutugunan sa pamamagitan ng konkreto at mabilis na aksyon- alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong Marcos,” the Palace Press Officer added.

Castro said the administration has a comprehensive catch-up plan based on national priorities, to accelerate economic growth.

“Unti-unti ring ibababa ng pamahalaan ang deficit at utang habang lumilikha ng mas maraming trabaho, tumataas ang kita ng mga Pilipino, at mas marami pang aangat ang buhay,” Castro added.

Under the leadership of President Marcos, the government continues to listen to the public, acts swiftly to address problems, and prioritizes the interests of the country and the public.

“Ito rin ay isang gobyernong tumutupad sa pangako — walang takot, walang pinapaboran, at walang pag-aatubiling pinapanagot ang sinuman,” Castro emphasized. ǀ PND

Malacañang asserted that the government will meet the target date for the passage of the 2026 national budget despite the changes in the administration’s economic managers.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the designation of new heads for the Department of Finance (DOF) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would not disrupt the budget process.

The Palace announced the other day that Finance Secretary Ralph Recto would replace Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, while Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go would assume Recto’s post.

At the same time, the Palace said DBM Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo would replace Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in an officer-in-charge capacity.

“We were able to talk to Secretary Go and according to him, (on the) reassignments of the Cabinet members to DOF and DBM, they are all the same people who worked on the budget, who worked on the finances. So there will be no problem with that,” Castro said.

“Yes, there will be (the timely passage of the national budget). They are working on that,” Castro added.

The House of Representatives approved the P6.793 trillion spending plan last October 13, while the Senate is conducting last-stage plenary debates for the proposed 2026 national budget.

The Senate and the House of Representatives would reconcile their respective budget versions through the bicameral conference committee and submit the final version to Malacañang for approval.

Malacañang on Monday announced that President Marcos has accepted the resignations of Bersamin and Pangandaman, who left voluntarily to give way to the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

The Palace also said President Marcos has accepted the resignation of Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) head, Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin.

In accepting their resignation, President Marcos extended his gratitude to Bersamin and Pangandaman for their exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to their respective offices. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. strengthened his administration’s commitment to the agriculture sector with the launch of the “Buwan ng Butil” Serbisyo Caravan, an initiative designed to bring essential agricultural services directly to the public.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the caravan – launched in various cities across Metro Manila – aims to deepen public awareness and appreciation of the agriculture sector.

“Sa ilalim ng programa, inilalapit mismo ng DA sa mga mamamayan ang mga serbisyo nito upang ipamalas ang suporta ng pamahalaan sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at mamimili,” Castro said.

The caravan features key initiatives, including the Kadiwa Program, which offers affordable rice at PhP20 per kilo, the distribution of free seedlings, fingerlings, and coconut seedlings, as well as training on organic agriculture.

The program also promotes food security and sustainable farming practices, according to Castro.

The caravan is located in several areas in the metro, such as the BPI Compound in Malate, the FTI Administration Building in Taguig, and the NFA Building in Visayas Avenue in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Castro announced that the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na” program has already been rolled out in Catanduanes, one of the provinces heavily affected by Super Typhoon Uwan.

“Ito’y bahagi ng adbokasiya ng administrasyong Marcos Jr. upang gawing abot-kamay ang pagkain para sa mga kabilang sa vulnerable sectors,” Castro said.

The program prioritizes vulnerable sectors, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and senior citizens.

Castro urged all eligible beneficiaries to visit the Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlet located in the Capitol Grounds in Virac, Catanduanes, to avail of the service. | PND

Para sa Pangulo, patuloy ang serbisyo sa taumbayan.

Bumisita si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa Cararayan-Naga Elementary School (CNES) sa Tiwi, Albay nitong Martes upang personal na tiyakin ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga naapektuhang residente matapos ang hagupit ng Super Typhoon Uwan.
Ininspeksyon ng Pangulo ang ilang nasirang silid-aralan at pasilidad ng paaralan at nakipag-usap din sa mga mag-aaral na nasa kanilang morning classes.
Kasalukuyang nagpapatupad ang CNES ng class-shifting scheme upang ma-accommodate ang 157 apektadong mag-aaral mula sa kabuuang 917.

Namahagi ang Department of Education (DepEd) ng mga learning materials sa pagbisita ng Pangulo.

Nagbigay din ang Office of the President ng isang Starlink unit sa CNES at isa pa para sa Tiwi Central School.

Nagpaabot din ang Office of the President ng 343 school bags at mga snacks para sa mga mag-aaral at mga benepisyaryo ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Ayon kay DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Bernie Despabiladero, pitong silid-aralan ang matinding napinsala na tinatayang aabot sa PhP 3.5 milyon, habang walong classrooms naman ang may minor damage na PhP 392,000 ang tantiya.

Nasira rin ang tatlong WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities, at 200 learning materials at 50 desks.

Dagdag pa ni Despabiladero, nakatanggap na ang paaralan ng iba’t ibang tulong mula sa pamahalaan tulad ng learners’ kits mula sa DepEd Albay, psychological first aid, at Starlink installation mula sa DICT.

Tumulong din ang mga volunteer mula sa DPWH at mga LGU sa clean-up at clearing operations.
Nagpaabot siya ng pasasalamat kay Pangulong Marcos sa pagbisita sa CNES, na aniya ay nagpapakita ng pagpapahalaga ng Pangulo sa edukasyon.

“On behalf of the entire Schools Division Office of Albay, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your visit to Cararayan-Naga Elementary School in Tiwi. Higit sa pasasalamat ay ang aming karangalan na mapuntahan ng pinakamataas na pinuno ng bansa,” ani Despabiladero.

Dagdag pa niya, nagsilbing inspirasyon ang pagbisita ng Pangulo at nakapagpataas ng morale ng mga guro at mag-aaral, pati na rin naghatid ng pambansang atensyon sa pangangailangan ng lokal na edukasyon.

“The visit likewise encourages active participation and shared responsibility among the community- and other stakeholders in supporting the school,” wika pa niya.

Nagpasalamat din ang guro ng CNES na si Marisa Ustares sa Pangulo sa paglalaan ng panahon para bisitahin at tingnan ang kanilang sitwasyon.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kasi kahit papaano, kahit napakalayo ng school namin, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na mabisita kami,” ayon kay Ustares.

Matapos ang inspeksyon, nagsagawa si Pangulong Marcos ng situation briefing kasama ang mga miyembro ng Gabinete, national at local officials ng gobyerno para suriin ang epekto nng Super Typhoon Uwan sa Albay at matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na relief at rehabilitasyon.

Kasama sa mga assistance ang emergency cash transfer mula sa DSWD na nagkakahalagang PhP10,263 at mga family, hygiene and kitchen kits sa bawat isa sa mga 141 pamilyang nasiraan ng bahay. | PND

For President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., service to the country must go on.

The President on Tuesday visited the typhoon-hit province of Albay, ensuring that assistance is given to affected residents following the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan.

The Chief Executive inspected the Cararayan-Naga Elementary School (CNES) in the town of Tiwi and interacted with students who were attending their morning classes.

The CNES is currently implementing a class-shift scheme to accommodate the 157 affected learners out of the total 917 enrolled students.

During the President’s visit, the Department of Education (DepEd) distributed learning materials.

The Office of the President also donated a Starlink unit to CNES, and another unit to Tiwi Central School.

The Office of the President also distributed 343 school bags and snacks for the pupils and beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

According to DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Bernie Despabiladero, seven classrooms of CNES sustained major damage estimated at PhP3.5 million, while eight classrooms had minor damage estimated at PhP392,000.

The school’s three water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities were also destroyed, while 200 learning resources and 50 desks were damaged.

According to Despabiladero, the school has already received government assistance, including learners’ kits from DepEd Albay, psychological first aid, and Starlink installed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), while volunteers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units (LGUs) conducted clean-up and clearing operations.

Despabiladero expressed gratitude to President Marcos for visiting CNES, saying the visit underscored the President’s commitment to prioritizing education.

“On behalf of the entire Schools Division Office of Albay, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your visit to Cararayan-Naga Elementary School in Tiwi. Higit sa pasasalamat ay ang aming karangalan na mapuntahan ng pinakamataas na pinuno ng bansa,” said Despabiladero.

Despabiladero considers the President’s visit an inspiration, boosting the morale of learners and teachers, and drawing national attention to local educational needs.

“The visit likewise encourages active participation and shared responsibility among the community- and other stakeholders in supporting the school,” Despabiladero said.

CNES teacher Marisa Ustares likewise thanked the President for taking the time to visit and check on their situation.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kasi kahit papaano naman na napakalayo namin, ng school namin, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na mabisita kami,” Ustares said.

After the inspection, President Marcos convened a situation briefing with Cabinet members, national and local government officials, to assess the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan in Albay province and to ensure sustained relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The assistance included the emergency cash transfer provided by the DSWD worth PhP10,263, and family, hygiene and kitchen kits to each of the 141 families whose houses were totally damaged. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally accepted the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the announcement during a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday.

“Both officials respectfully offered and tendered their resignations out of delicadeza, after their departments were mentioned in allegations related to the flood control anomaly currently under investigation, and in recognition of the responsibility to allow the administration to address the matter appropriately,” Castro said.

Castro announced that Bersamin will be replaced by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto while Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go will assume Recto’s post.

“Secretary Recto’s long record in economic policymaking, fiscal legislation, and national planning positions him well to oversee the day-to-day operations of government and coordinate the implementation of high-impact programs,” said Castro.

On Secretary Go’s appointment, Castro noted that he “has played a central role in advancing investments, strengthening investor confidence, and aligning economic initiatives across agencies.”

“He will now oversee the country’s fiscal direction and the implementation of the administration’s economic agenda,” she said.

The DBM will now be led by Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo, who has been designated as officer in charge, according to Castro.

“As head of the Budget Preparation and Execution Group, OIC Toledo brings extensive technical expertise in national budgeting, fiscal transparency, and budget execution. His designation ensures uninterrupted operations as the government prepares for the rollout of next year’s budget, ongoing recovery efforts in disaster-affected regions, and the continued funding of social and economic programs,” said Castro.

Meanwhile, Castro said President Marcos has conveyed his deep appreciation to both Bersamin and Pangandaman for their exemplary leadership at the Office of the Executive Secretary and DBM, respectively.

“A former Chief Justice, ES Bersamin brought to Malacañang decades of legal wisdom, calm stewardship, and a deep respect for institution-building. His contributions will remain part of the foundation on which continuing reforms stand,” said Castro.

“The President likewise extends his sincere gratitude to Secretary Pangandaman, whose work at DBM strengthened the government’s fiscal management, guided the timely passage of national budgets, and ensured that social programs and frontline services were funded and delivered,” she added.

Castro stressed that the changes in the Cabinet “reinforce the President’s commitment to strengthening institutions, improving coordination across government, and keeping the administration focused on delivering stability, opportunity, and security to Filipino families.”

“The Office of the President assures the public that all agencies will continue to operate without interruption and with the same commitment to effective governance and public service,” she said. | PND

Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Lunes ang panunumpa sa tungkulin ni Fredderick A. Vida bilang bagong Kalihim ng Department of Justice (DOJ).

Pormal nang umupo si Vida bilang pinuno ng DOJ, kapalit ni dating Kalihim Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla na itinalaga bilang Ombudsman noong Oktubre.

Si Vida ay unang hinirang bilang assistant secretary ng DOJ noong Enero 2023 at kalaunan ay na-promote bilang undersecretary noong Oktubre ng parehong taon.

Bago maitalaga sa DOJ, nagsilbi si Vida bilang assistant secretary sa Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.

Bago naman pumasok sa gobyerno, matagal siyang naglingkod sa lokal na pamahalaan. Siya ay nahalal bilang Mayor ng bayan ng Mendez-Nuñez, Cavite mula 2013 hanggang 2022, at nagsilbi rin bilang Pangulo ng Mayor’s League of Cavite mula 2019 hanggang 2022.

Nagsimula ang kanyang serbisyo-publiko noong 2007 nang mahalal siya bilang bise alkalde ng Mendez-Nuñez.

Natapos ni Vida ang kanyang Bachelor of Arts in Political Science sa University of the Philippines at kumuha ng pag-aaral sa batas, kung saan nagtapos siya ng Juris Doctor mula sa Ateneo School of Law bilang Silver Medalist.

Ipinasa niya ang 1996 Philippine Bar Exam at sinimulan ang kanyang propesyunal na karera bilang associate sa isang pribadong law firm bago siya nakapagpatayo ng sarili niyang law practice. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued eight proclamations declaring special non-working days to mark founding anniversaries and local celebrations in six municipalities and two cities across the country.

Proclamation Nos. 1088 to 1095 were all signed on November 12, 2025 by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, by authority of the President.

Proclamation No. 1088 declared November 20 a special non-working day in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, to mark the municipality’s founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1089 declared November 29 a special non-working day in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, in celebration of the Badak Festival or the Adlaw sa Aurora.

Proclamation No. 1090 declared December 1 a special non-working day in Cainta, Rizal to celebrate the municipality’s founding anniversary and the Sumbingtik Festival.

Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 1091 declared December 9 a special non-working day in Burgos, Ilocos Norte to commemorate the municipality’s founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1092 declared December 18 a special non-working day in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan to observe the city’s Charter anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1093 declared December 23 a special non-working day in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental to mark the city’s 25th Charter anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1094 declared December 23 a special non-working day in Sto. Niño, South Cotabato to celebrate the municipality’s 45th founding anniversary and the 26th Hinublag Festival.

Lastly, Proclamation No. 1095 declared December 23 a special non-working day in Mayantoc, Tarlac in commemoration of the municipality’s founding anniversary. ǀ PND