“It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations.”President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for the courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries.

“This is not business as usual,” the President said. “The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act.”

The request for courtesy resignations is aimed at giving the President the elbow room to evaluate the performance of each department and determine who will continue to serve in line with his administration’s recalibrated priorities.

“This is not about personalities—it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency,” the President added. “Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized. But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over.”

This step marks a clear transition from the early phase of governance to a more focused and performance-driven approach. The President emphasized that while many have served with dedication and professionalism, the evolving needs of the country require a renewed alignment, faster execution, and a results-first mindset.

Government services will remain uninterrupted during this transition, and the President reiterated that stability, continuity, and meritocracy will guide the formation of his leadership team moving forward.

With this bold reset, the Marcos administration signals a new phase—sharper, faster, and fully focused on the people’s most pressing needs. ###

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing production of the Hollywood romantic comedy “The Last Resort,” which “hit all the high spots” for showing the natural beauty and culture of the Philippines.

President Marcos welcomed the production team led by executive producer PLDT Chairman Manuel Pangilinan, producers Ernesto “Bong “ Sta. Maria Jr., Raja Collins, and noted Hollywood rom-com director Donald Petrie during a courtesy call in Malacañang on Wednesday.

“It’s all terribly exciting for all of us,” President Marcos said.

“Thank you for coming to the Philippines, hopefully helping us project the Philippines to the world the way Filipinos see our own country,” the President told the 16 production team members, who also included lead stars Daisy Ridley, Alden Ehrenreich, and Sam Neill.

All Hollywood stars were wearing formal barong and Filipiniana.

The President was shown a few minutes of finished scenes, which earned applause from everyone in the Malacañang President’s Hall.

“You hit all the high spots,” remarked President Marcos, who was given a clapper signed by the film producers and cast as a symbol of gratitude.

Reports said “The Last Resort” is a romantic comedy about a resort empire heir played by Ridley, who comes to the Philippines to look for a new resort location and meets an expatriate pilot played by Ehrenreich, who shows her the beauty of the Philippines.

The President assured the film’s producers and cast that the government would support the remainder of the film’s production in several scenic areas of the country.

President Marcos said the Philippines is a natural film location, recalling that several big Hollywood films were filmed in the Philippines, particularly citing the 1979 Francis Ford Coppola-directed Vietnam War movie, “Apocalypse Now.” | PND

As the government prepares for the rehabilitation of EDSA, one of Metro Manila’s busiest highways, concerned agencies are working closely to develop traffic management plans to minimize public inconvenience.

The EDSA rehabilitation is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion and flooding through road repairs and drainage improvements.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) are closely coordinating and currently planning measures to mitigate congestion during the EDSA rehabilitation period, which is expected to begin in June.

“I’m sure that there will be some inconvenience to some extent as some spaces (along EDSA) will be used as we do the rehabilitation work,” DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said during a briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Approximately 24 kilometers long, the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), is a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila. It stretches from the Bonifacio Monumento Circle in Caloocan to Pasay City.

Since contractors and construction workers will occupy parts of EDSA as they repair the highway, Bonoan said the MMDA and DOTr are identifying alternate routes and studying ways to manage traffic along EDSA during rehabilitation.

Bonoan said the DOTr is planning to coordinate with private concessionaires to allow certain vehicles to use the Skyway as a rerouting option to further ease traffic congestion.

The DPWH secretary said the MMDA is studying designating specific lanes for motor vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles to avoid lane congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow. | PND

The removal of two senior officials from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) serves as a warning to all public servants to perform their duties with professionalism, honesty, and integrity, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that former OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio and Deputy Administrator Emma Sinclair were dismissed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and did not resign.

President Marcos dismissed the two OWWA officials following their alleged involvement in a questionable PhP1.4 billion land deal. The DMW said a thorough investigation into the matter is ongoing.

“Ito lamang po ay isang senyales. Maaari nating sabihin na ito ay panawagan ng Pangulo sa lahat ng mga nagtatrabaho sa ilalim niya na gampanan ninyo ang inyong trabaho,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

“Tanggalin ang panloloko o lokohan sa inyong pagtatrabaho,” Castro stressed. “Dahil hindi po mangingimi ang Pangulong tanggalin kayo sa pwesto. You will all be fired, kapag hindi ninyo tinupad ang inyong mga obligasyon sa bayan.”

Last week, President Marcos appointed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan as OWWA administrator to replace Ignacio. | PND

As part of preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in early 2026, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is taking significant steps to ensure smoother traffic flow in Metro Manila during the event.

In a Malacañang press briefing on Wednesday, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the department is prioritizing the rehabilitation of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), with a specific focus on sections of the busy thoroughfare in preparation for the ASEAN meetings.

Bonoan said they are prioritizing both lanes of the EDSA segment from Pasay City to Shaw Boulevard, where the summit’s concentration will be held.

“Ang timetable po namin dito is we hope that we can complete those segments, iyong segments na iyan, towards the end of the year,” Bonoan said.

As part of a broader effort to ease congestion and improve infrastructure in Metro Manila, the DPWH is taking a phased approach to rehabilitating EDSA, ensuring minimal disruption to commuters and traffic during the work.

“Ang plano po namin dito, while we’re going to put priority to those sections from Pasay to Shaw Boulevard, then maybe other sections that we may start also na hindi naman masyadong makakaabala doon sa traffic during the summit in Manila,” Bonoan said.

The Philippines will host the ASEAN Summit in 2026, and preparatory meetings starting in January are expected to impact traffic flow in Metro Manila.

The projected traffic issues prompted the DPWH to prioritize critical infrastructure improvements to create a more efficient transportation network, ultimately benefiting not only summit participants but also the millions of commuters who rely on EDSA for daily travel. | PND

President Marcos approved the National AI Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS-PH) during a Sectoral Meeting in Malacañang on Tuesday.

The President emphasized the need to determine the best use of AI technology for the country’s needs, given the fast-evolving technology that enables machines to simulate human abilities.

President Marcos also stressed the need to maximize AI technology’s benefits while carefully avoiding or mitigating its potential risks.

Last March, President Marcos tasked the DOST to lead the think tank that would study all aspects of AI.

Following the President’s directive, the DOST developed the NAI-PH, in consultation with experts, government agencies, the private sector, and the academe.

It outlines the country’s AI Program Framework, implementation strategies, and roles of relevant agencies, and focuses on five key areas: infrastructure, workforce, innovation, data governance and policy, and AI deployment.

It also envisions that by 2028, AI will power inclusive innovation, strengthen governance, uplift communities, and drive globally competitive industries in the country.

The Philippines improved to 56th place (from 65th in 2023) out of 188 countries in the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 published by Oxford Insights.

The AI Readiness Index measures the countries’ readiness to integrate AI into public services. It is based on indicators under three core pillars: government, technology sector, and data and infrastructure. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent call for reconciliation is a message to the entire nation, not directed at any specific political group or individual, since the rule of law must prevail over personal or political interests, according to the Palace Press Officer.

In a Malacañang press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos’ remarks on reconciliation were aimed at fostering unity for the country’s progress and were not meant to weaken accountability or the rule of law.

“Hindi po tatalikuran at babaliktarin ng Pangulo ang batas para lamang pagsilibihan ang personal na interest ng iilan. So tandaan po natin, lagi pong sa batas ang Pangulo. Kaibigan o batas, batas pa rin po ang pipiliin ng Pangulo,” Undersecretary Castro said.

Underscoring the President’s intention to promote unity beyond political lines, Castro said: “Maliwanag po ang sinabi ng Pangulo sa lahat ng tao na maaaring hindi kapareho ng kaniyang paniniwala o ng prinsipyo o ng polisiya. Mas maganda kung lahat ng tao ay makakasundo niya para po sa taumbayan, para magkaroon na po nang tuluy-tuloy na pagtatrabaho para sa bansa.”

Castro also addressed concerns that the call for reconciliation was intended only for the Duterte family, clarifying that President Marcos’ invitation for unity extends to all Filipinos, regardless of political affiliation.

“So, huwag nating isentro ang open for reconciliation sa mga Duterte. Hindi po gagawin ng Pangulo na lumabag sa batas para lamang sa isang rekonsilasyon,” Castro said, reaffirming that the President will not sacrifice the Constitution or legal integrity for any reconciliation.

When asked about claims from Duterte allies that reconciliation depends on the former president’s return to the country, Castro clarified that personal or political interests will not influence President Marcos.

“Hindi po magpapahawak sa leeg at hindi po magpapadikta ang Pangulo sa mali. Hindi po tatalikuran at babaligtarin ng Pangulo ang batas para lamang pagsilbihan ang personal na interes ng iilan,” Castro said.

Castro said the President’s call for reconciliation was driven by a desire to foster national stability and unity, and not to placate any faction or individual for political gain.

“Ang pakikipagkasundo po ay para taumbayan hindi para sa personal na interes ng iba. Alalahanin po natin, maliwanag, uulit-ulitin ko ang sinabi ng Pangulo, sa lahat ng tao gusto niya pong makipagkasundo para magkaroon ng stability, magampanan ang dapat magampanan at hindi madiskaril ang trabaho ng gobyerno,” Castro said.

With President Marcos usually described as a kind person or “mabait,” Castro said: “Ayaw po niya (the President) ng away! So ang awayan na ito ang siyang nagpapabagal sa trabaho ng gobyerno dahil puro paninira, puro fake news ang natatanggap ng Pangulo,” she added. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure public safety and mobility, government offices and private sectors are now offering free shuttle services, which will help ease travel disruptions during the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the department has started coordinating with the local government and other government offices to minimize the public’s inconvenience during the bridge repair.

“We will provide (shuttle), actually, free naman po itong shuttle. As long as kailangan po ng shuttle, iyan po ang arrangement natin,” Bonoan said in a press briefing at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.

The DPWH assured the public that several mitigating measures are in place to address the impact of temporary vehicle restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge while it is being retrofitted and rehabilitated.

“Sa ngayon, as I speak, ginagawa po ‘yung immediate retrofitting doon sa mga segments that are found to be deteriorated at saka dangerous for heavy loads. We are expediting the process,” Bonoan said.

Starting May 14, authorities imposed a three-ton weight limit on all vehicles crossing the San Juanico Bridge.

Bonoan explained that the weight limit is only temporary and will be adjusted after the retrofitting process is completed.

“In the next few months, actually, ‘pag natapos po namin iyong retrofitting of some of the segments, we might be able to increase a little bit on the load limits po,” he said.

To mitigate the effects of vehicle restrictions, the DPWH, in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units, has implemented several measures, such as providing free shuttle services for affected passengers.

Bonoan added that the PPA is considering rerouting cargo shipments from Luzon through alternative ports, specifically redirecting shipments from the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon to Carigara Port in Leyte to avoid further burdening the San Juanico Bridge.

The DPWH chief said the department is also closely coordinating with the PNP to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, Bonoan announced plans to construct a new bridge adjacent to the existing 2.6-kilometer San Juanico Bridge.

Bonoan said the new bridge will be longer than the existing bridge and will be financed through official development assistance from the Japanese government.

“This will be one of the flagship projects under this administration. It is now under detailed engineering design. We hope that the detailed engineering design will be completed by 2026 and the construction will follow immediately,” Bonoan said. | PND

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s continued push to boost youth engagement and education support, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to hire more than 1,200 interns for its central and field offices to provide them with financial aid and government work experience, Malacañang announced Wednesday.

The DSWD announced that a total of 1,235 interns will be hired, with 75 slots allocated for each of the 16 Field Offices (FO) and 35 slots for the central office in Batasan Road, Quezon City.

“May pagkakataon po kayong sumali sa Government Internship Program (GIP) ng Department of Social Welfare and Development,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a briefing in Malacañang.

The GIP application is open to college students aged 18-25, preferably incoming 3rd—and 4th-year students during the coming school year.

The applicant’s monthly family income should not exceed the Philippine Statistics Authority’s latest regional poverty threshold.

Castro said that each individual selected for GIP will receive a stipend in exchange for 30 working days of service.

The DSWD said the GIP is one component of the Kabataan 2000 program initiated by the government. This program offers hands-on experience while working in various government agencies.

Those stationed at the FOs will support the operations of the DSWD regional units.

From 2017 to 2024, close to 8,000 college students have benefited from the initiative, which provided them with practical exposure and a deeper understanding of public service, the DSWD said. | PND

In the face of tension in the region, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated on Tuesday that his administration remains steadfast in protecting the country’s territories and maritime zones, notably the West Philippine Sea.

“We stand firm. We will never tolerate any act of disrespect against our sovereignty,” the President said in his speech during the 127th Philippine Navy (PN) anniversary celebration in Subic, Zambales.

The Commander-in-Chief issued a strong message against foreign encroachment and emphasized that the country will continue to uphold its maritime entitlements following international law.

“We will continue to safeguard our maritime zones and exercise our maritime entitlements, in accordance with international law,” President Marcos said. “Wala tayong isusuko, wala tayong papabayaan.”

“We reaffirm our commitment to being a responsible member of the international community, engaging in all matters diplomatically and upholding the established principles under international law,” the President added.

The Philippines’ commitment is reflected in the proactive and sustained engagement in international defense and security efforts, the President said, citing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ participation in various exercises such as the Balikatan, Sama Sama, Rim of the Pacific, and Multilateral Naval Exercise Kakadu.

President Marcos said the Philippines also conducted staff-to-staff talks with other countries and hosted the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security.

“All of these are aligned with our broader efforts to foster cooperation and to maintain peace—both within our borders and across the region,” the President said. | PND