The Office of the President (OP) has affirmed that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue to serve as the legitimate governing body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following the Supreme Court’s decision to postpone the October 13, 2025 BARMM elections to a date not later than March 31, 2026.

Since no election took place, under Republic Act No. 12123, the BTA shall continue to exercise full powers and authority during the extended transition period until new officials are duly elected or appointed.

“The authority to make changes in the composition of the BTA during the transition remains with the Office of the President, as provided by law. No formal reappointment is necessary, as current members continue to hold office by operation of law until replaced or succeeded,” Malacañang said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The Palace said the continued authority of the BTA ensures “continuity of governance, legal stability, and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro,” consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, RA No. 12123, and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ali v. COMELEC.

The Office of the President reiterated its commitment to peace, self-governance, and inclusive development in the region.

Enacted in February 2025, RA No. 12123 reset the first regular elections in the BARRM to October 13, 2025, from the original date of May 2025, and mandated that the next election shall be synchronized with the 2028 national elections and every three years thereafter.

Last month, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) suspended preparations for the October 13, 2025 elections in the BARRM after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against implementing the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77, or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Redistricting Act, pending the court’s decision on two cases that questioned the reallocation of seven parliamentary seats originally assigned to Sulu province.

The Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that Sulu is not part of BARMM. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined boxing fans on Wednesday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary “Thrilla in Manila,” one of the most iconic bouts in boxing history.

Dubbed “Thrilla in Manila 2,” the commemorative boxing competition pays tribute to the historic heavyweight match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that was held on October 1, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

President Marcos arrived with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and were welcomed by former Senator Manny Pacquiao Jr., CEO of MP Promotions that organized the event; former Senator Mar Roxas II, owner of Araneta City; and Jorge L. Araneta, Chairman of the Araneta Group of Companies.

The President witnessed the fight between Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and Thai boxer Kittisak Klinson in a middleweight clash. The match resulted in a draw.

The Thrilla in Manila 2 also featured top Filipino boxers pitted against foreign fighters.

They include World Boxing Council (WBC) Strawweight World Champion Melvin Jerusalem in the main event; Eumir Marcial in the WBC International Middleweight Championship bout; and Carl Jammes Martin and Marlon Tapales in the Junior Featherweight matches.

Aside from celebrating the iconic 1975 Ali-Frazier heavyweight championship boxing match, Thrilla in Manila 2 aims to highlight the Philippines’ rich sporting heritage and promote Filipino talent in the global boxing community.

Last September, Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular No. 99, directing all agencies and instrumentalities to support the celebration of the golden anniversary of the boxing classic.

The 1975 Thrilla in Manila was personally attended by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and the First Family.

Ali won against Frazier by TKO in their 14-round fight to reclaim the heavyweight title. The legendary boxer received a trophy from President Marcos Sr.

President Marcos Jr.’s attendance at the Thrilla in Manila 2 underscores the administration’s commitment to supporting sports development and inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12313, or the Lifelong Learning Development Framework (LLDF), that seeks to promote continuous learning opportunities for Filipinos to create an inclusive, skilled, and productive nation.

Under RA 12313, the LLDF establishes standards and guidelines for implementing lifelong learning initiatives in cities, municipalities, barangays and lifelong learning providers.

Lifelong learning, as defined by the Act, recognizes learning as a continuous process that occurs through all life stages, enhancing know-how, skills, and competencies, in which the LLDF seeks to strengthen even further.

Based on RA 12313, the LLDF shall promote functional literacy across all sectors, ensure inclusive education, revitalize learning in families and communities, and support workplace learning, with the participation of industry and other stakeholders. It also seeks to extend the use of modern learning technologies, uphold learning quality, and foster a culture of learning throughout life.

The law also broadens and strengthens the mandate of the Philippine Qualifications Framework – National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC), established by virtue of Republic Act No. 10968, adding the Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as members.

All members of the PQF-NCC are directed to formulate, implement, review, and amend the LLDF, including the action components and success measures; develop a master plan in promoting lifelong learning and for designating learning cities, municipalities, or barangays; and monitor and evaluate the master plan, and work with the LGUs on its mandatory implementation and execution.

The Council shall also implement the Philippine Credit Transfer System (PCTS) within and across the different levels of education and modalities of delivery and recognition, along with lifelong learning institutions, and the Philippine Qualifications Register (PhQuaR); include in its annual report to the Office of the President (OP), the Senate, and the House of Representatives (HOR) its progress and accomplishments relating to LLDF; and support capability-building activities of the designated learning city, municipality, or barangay to effectively implement and measure the Master Plan’s achievements or outcomes.

In addition, the PQF-NCC shall integrate relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 8759 or the “Public Employment Service Office Act of 1999” to facilitate a seamless transition between education and employment; and recommend criteria for recognizing local government initiatives that promote sustainable education under Republic Act No. 11292 or the “The Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019”.

Within six months from the law’s effectivity, the PQF-NCC, together with relevant stakeholders, must craft the national master plan aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). The master plan will be reviewed every five years to ensure alignment with evolving national development goals and stakeholder needs.

President Marcos signed RA 12313 on October 23. The law shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has recently signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, or the “Anti-POGO Act of 2025,” which institutionalizes the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

President Marcos signed RA 12312 on October 23, 2025, repealing Republic Act No. 11590, otherwise known as “An Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.” Republic Act No. 11590 previously imposed taxes on both offshore gaming licensees and their service providers operating in the Philippines.

“The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” the new law said.

The Act was passed by the Senate of the Philippines as Senate Bill No. 2868 on June 9, 2025, and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill No. 10987 on June 11, 2025.

In November 2024, citing risks posed by POGO operations in the country, President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74 imposing an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming.

In issuing the EO 74, President Marcos said, “the State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.”

During the State of the Nation Address on July 22, 2024, President Marcos declared a POGO ban due to crimes, such as human trafficking and torture, associated with POGO hubs.

President Marcos said that banning all POGOs will solve many of the problems the Philippines is encountering.

Under the law, first time violators will face imprisonment of 6 to 8 years and a fine between PhP300,000 and PhP15 million; for the second offense will be imprisonment of 8 years and 1 day to 10 years and a fine between PhP15 million and PhP30 million; and for the third offense will be imprisonment of 10 years and 1 day to 12 years and a fine between PhP30 million and PhP50 million.

If the offender is a public official or employee, the maximum penalty under the applicable category will be imposed. If the guilty party is/are a foreigner/s, they will be deported immediately after serving their sentence and permanently banned from re-entering the Philippines. | PND

Malacañang has declared November 25 as a special non-working day in Luna, La Union, in celebration of its town fiesta.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Municipality of Luna be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” Proclamation No. 1070 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin read.

Proclamation 1070 was signed on October 27, 2025. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed the social media characterization of the Philippines as the “chill dude” member of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN).

In a media interview following his successful participation in the 47th ASEAN and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, President Marcos said the description reflects the Filipino people’s well-known values of hospitality and friendliness.

“I’m glad that ang starting point natin, ang tingin sa Pilipino ay ‘yun na nga ‘chill’ at madaling kausap. That’s a big help pagka you’re trying to find consensus,” President Marcos said.

The President stressed that the Filipinos’ nature of being lighthearted and approachable continues to serve the country well, especially in international relations.

“I agree. Sa palagay ko naman totoo din naman na talagang ganoon ang Pinoy. Magaan ang ugali ng Pinoy talaga. And that is to our advantage,” President Marcos said.

“We will present always the best possible side so that we are met with the most possible successes,” the President added.

Asked what image the Philippines intends to project as ASEAN Chair in 2026, President Marcos gladly replied: “chill and hospitable.”

President Marcos formally received the ASEAN chairmanship gavel from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the symbolic handover at the closing ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit, marking the Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN chairship next year.

The Philippines last hosted the ASEAN Summit in 2017. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is more than ready to lead the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, when the Philippines assumes the Chairship of the 11-nation bloc.

The President assured that the Philippines is fully capable and ready to host the biannual international event, particularly in terms of logistics and infrastructure.

Aside from the physical preparations involved in hosting the next ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, the Philippines has also prepared the agenda for next year.

“When you are the Chair of ASEAN, you lead. And that is what we are ready to do because we have a very, very good idea of what the elements are that we feel need to be part of the discussions of ASEAN during our Chairship,” President Marcos said during the Kapihan with the Media in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.

“We are now in the process of putting together the different elements of where we think ASEAN should be focusing,” the President said during the media interview, capping his successful participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from October 26 to 28.

“So one of the things is the COC, for example. Number one para sa atin. The other member states, that’s not as a big priority to them as it is to us. So, this is our chance to really promote that and to highlight that, and hopefully we will succeed,” the President said, referring to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea being negotiated among ASEAN member states and China.

President Marcos said the country has been preparing since early this year, relating a conversation with outgoing ASEAN Chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about Malaysia’s hosting of the Summit.

“And he said, ‘You know this is what we’re having to do and these are the things that we are having to arrange. It’s a big…’ And so immediately I said, ‘We’re next, we have to start preparing,” the President said.

“So we have been preparing for it for about, eight months now, since nag-usap kami ni Anwar. Sabi ko, ‘Wow, malaking bagay pala ito. Ang dami palang kailangang gawin.’ So, pinaghahandaan na talaga namin. So, ‘yan, we are prepared,” the President stated. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. explained the need not to rush the legal cases being prepared against those believed to have pocketed billions of pesos in public funds from anomalous flood control and other projects, in order not to jeopardize the cases and result in their dismissal.

During the Kapihan with the Media in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday, President Marcos said he understood that many feel frustrated that those who have been identified to be involved in the wide-scale corruption are not yet put behind bars.

“I understand the frustration because we do have a very good idea about who these people are. But you have to take them to court. You have to present evidence. They have to be convicted,” President Marcos said in the media interview at the end of his four-day visit where he joined other world leaders in the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits from October 26 to 28.

“And as I’m sure anyone who has been involved in any kind of legal proceeding we are all very frustrated, especially non-lawyers are very frustrated by how long it takes. Ang sagot naman ng mga abogado sa atin is that may kasabihan sa kanila: The wheels of justice grind slowly but they grind very well. So, we are counting on that,” the President said.

Saying that he personally receives messages daily clamoring to put to jail the suspects in the flood control corruption and to forfeit their assets, President Marcos explained the need to observe due process and proper evidence gathering to ensure that the legal cases are airtight.

“Can you imagine these people who have stolen billions from the government and from the people, nakawala dahil hindi maganda pag-handle ng evidence? That would be a much worse result. So due process must be observed,” said the Chief Executive.

The President said those who stole public funds should be made to pay for their crimes through the legal system.

“I think it’s more important that we get one chance at this. Isa lang ang chance natin. We cannot waste that opportunity to bring those people to justice and to bring justice to the Filipino people,” said President Marcos.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to defend its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in accordance with international law.

In his arrival message after attending the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, President Marcos emphasized that the country will observe international law in defending jurisdiction in the WPS.

“I reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue to remain firm, calm, and resolute in defending our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with, of course, international law,” the President added.

The reaffirmation came amid continuing tensions and recent incidents in the WPS involving Chinese vessels in areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The President’s statement reflects the government’s consistent approach of firm diplomacy and adherence to international law—particularly the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea that upholds the country’s maritime entitlements.

The President also underscored the importance of collaborating with like-minded nations to pursue shared goals for regional stability and growth.

“We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with all countries who share our values and our commitment to peace, to stability, and to economic progress.”

President Marcos added that ASEAN leaders also addressed pressing regional concerns, particularly the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and emphasized the bloc’s unified support for a peaceful resolution.

“The leaders and I also discussed the ongoing situation in Myanmar and the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus to bring about a peaceful and lasting solution, which is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the Philippines will assume the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, following Malaysia’s term.

In his arrival statement after attending the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Marcos vowed to continue ASEAN’s thrust toward unity, inclusivity, and sustainability as the region navigates future challenges together.

The President met with leaders of Cambodia, Canada, Thailand, Japan, the EU, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Nations Secretary-General, and discussed ways to further strengthen our partnerships and expand cooperation in strategic areas.

“I thank them for expressing their support for our ASEAN Chairship in 2026,” President Marcos added.

The President also said “the Philippine delegation and I are grateful to Malaysia, the Chair of ASEAN this year, and our generous host for the successful 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits and 2025 Chairship of ASEAN.”

“During the closing ceremony of the summits, Malaysia turned over the ASEAN Chairship to us. As the 2026 Chair of ASEAN, the Philippines looks forward to building on the gains of Malaysia’s inclusivity and sustainability theme and carry ASEAN forward as we, as is our theme, ‘Navigate our Future, Together,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos also shared that “during this past 47th summit, we welcomed the full accession of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN. This is a historic step that reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to unity and inclusivity.”

“We remain committed to pursuing initiatives that will support Timor-Leste’s capacity to assume its obligations as a full member of ASEAN, with the end goal of further building a people-centered ASEAN,” the President noted. | PND