President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that the government intends to invest in new vessels, aircraft, equipment, and logistics for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as part of its commitment to strengthen the agency’s capabilities.

During the celebration of the PCG’s 124th founding anniversary at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila, President Marcos assured the government is solidly behind the PCG, which has proven its dedication and courage in protecting the Filipino people, especially during times of calamity.

“We will keep investing in new vessels, in aircraft, command posts, and communication systems. We will improve training, facilities, and logistics to provide every PCG personnel a sense of dignity in fulfilling their roles,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also announced plans to construct facilities “to ensure that your welfare, whether at sea or on land, remains a priority.”

These facilities include the PCG General Hospital, the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Misibis, and the First Responder and Nursing Service Facility.

President Marcos commended the PCG for exemplifying dedication to serving the people, which is essential to restoring public trust in government institutions.

“I know that these are difficult times that we live in. Our people’s trust in government has been shaken; we cannot deny it. But I am certain that trust can be regained if we remain transparent and true to our mission,” the President said.

“Whenever our people see you during rescue missions or in your day-to-day patrols, they will see that the government is still working diligently and is worthy of their trust.”

“Each time you sail, you remind the world that the Philippines will always protect what is ours,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday honored the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel for their unwavering dedication, exemplifying discipline, integrity, and excellence in public service.

During the celebration of the 124th PCG founding anniversary held at its headquarters in Port Area, Manila, President Marcos said that this year’s theme, “Committed in Service, Relentless in Purpose,” truly captures what the PCG has done for the Filipino people over the past century.

“The PCG is one of the government agencies that restores my faith in the dedication of the workers in government. When I see the PCG in action, I see what the best of government can look like. That is discipline, with integrity, with excellence working as one,” the President said.

President Marcos recognized that in the past two years, the PCG has faced disasters head-on to fulfill its duties, saving and evacuating over a million Filipinos during the worst tropical storms.

From January to September this year, the PCG ensured the safe passage of nearly 10 million passengers.

The PCG also confiscated nearly PhP2 billion worth of illegal drugs and smuggled items, and spearheaded coastal protection efforts by inspecting thousands of ships and planting hundreds of trees to make communities greener and more vibrant.

The Chief Executive also recognized the vital role of the PCG in the West Philippine Sea as first responders, ensuring the safety, dignity, and livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk.

“Alam ko po na hindi madali para sa ating mga mangingisda na maghanap-buhay na walang katiyakan sa kanilang pagbabalik. And yet, when they see you carrying the flag at sea, they feel hope that the Filipino spirit will never yield and that they are always in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos and our uniformed services,” President Marcos said.

The President also commended the PCG for its prompt response when a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu on September 30.

Within the crucial first 72 hours, PCG’s medical personnel were on the ground, while PCG ships and personnel delivered over 30,000 food relief packages and basic medical kits to the towns of Bogo and Daanbantayan.

“This is the PCG that works quietly and effectively,” said the President. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure that every Filipino family has access to a safe, decent, and affordable home.

The President made the assurance as he led the opening of the two-day National Housing Expo 2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

“Sa Housing Expo na ito, makikita natin ang bunga ng pagtutulungan ng gobyerno, pribadong sektor, at ng mga tinatawag nating housing agency,” President Marcos said.

The President highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to expand housing programs, streamline processes, and deepen support for the country’s housing sector.

The expo, President Marcos added, showcases a wide range of services—from home design and planning to financial assistance and housing loan processing.

President Marcos also underscored the Green Lane Program, which promotes the construction of climate-resilient homes designed to withstand the impacts of changing weather conditions.

The Chief Executive lauded the Pag-IBIG Fund as one of the government’s strongest and most reliable partners in the housing sector.

“Ngayong taon lang, sa pamamagitan ng Pag-IBIG, mahigit 57,000 miyembro ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon na makalipat sa sariling bahay o mapaayos ang kanilang tinitirahan,” President Marcos said.

The President further noted that nearly PhP75 billion in cash loans were released, benefiting around three million members and helping them meet their immediate financial needs.

Under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program, more Filipinos are gaining access to affordable housing assistance, said President Marcos.

Through Pag-IBIG Fund, low-income earners can avail of housing loans with interest rates as low as three percent per annum, while overseas Filipino workers may also benefit from the low interest rate.

Beneficiaries and graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are likewise eligible under the expanded 4PH initiative.

In celebration of National Shelter Month, the President announced that his administration will be awarding Notices of Approval.

Those who received Certificates of Entitlement through Presidential Proclamations—from areas such as Los Baños, Laguna; Lucena City; Iloilo City; and Caloocan City—can now finally claim ownership of the land they occupy, according to the President.

“Ilan lamang ito sa mga patunay na ang pangarap, basta’t sinamahan ng tiyaga at may suporta mula sa pamahalaan, sa pribadong sektor, lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan ay kayang maging reyalidad,” the President said.

President Marcos expressed his gratitude to the private sector, developers, financial institutions, and the entire housing sector for their continued partnership in serving the people.

“Nawa’y lalo pa nating patatagin ang ating paglilingkod upang mas marami pa tayong mga kababayang Pilipino na matutulungan,” the President said. | PND

Malacañang on Wednesday welcomed the inauguration of three state-of-the-art data centers in Carmona, Cavite, which are expected to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and support the growth of businesses in finance, telecommunications, and cloud services.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that the new data centers invested by Equinix — a US-based global digital infrastructure company — reflect the administration’s stronger push to advance the country’s digital landscape to enhance services across key sectors, including health, education, and peace and security.

“Muling binigyang diin ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang commitment ng pamahalaan na maiangat ang pamumuhay ng taumbayan dala ng pag-unlad ng bansa sa larangan ng makabagong teknolohiya,” Castro said.

“Ayon sa Pangulo, ang inagurasyon ng tatlong state-of-the-art data centers ang mas lalong maglalagay sa Pilipinas sa global digital economy,” she added.

In a message delivered by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda during the inauguration, President Marcos said the three new data centers demonstrate the country’s connectivity, competitiveness, and continued pursuit of programs that elevate its position in the digital sector.

The government advances the country’s digital future through programs such as the National Broadband Plan, Free Wi-Fi for All, and the National Fiber Backbone Project.

The President extended his gratitude to Equinix for its continued trust in the Philippines and for investing in the talent and capabilities of the Filipinos.

“Tiwala din ang Pangulo na ang kanilang investment sa Pilipinas ang siyang mag-aangat sa digital competitiveness ng bansa,” Castro said.

President Marcos also called on all concerned sectors to unite in further developing the country’s technology sector.

“Hinikayat ng Pangulo ang lahat na magkaisa tungo sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa sa larangan ng teknolohiya at sa pamumuhay ng bawat isa.” | PND

Upon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s orders, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PhP783.28 million for the 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) of members of the Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Air Force (PAF), and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

“Good news! Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force at NICA, makakatanggap ng kanilang Performance Based-Bonus bilang pagpupugay sa kanilang serbisyo at sakripisyo para sa bayan,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing on Wednesday.

Castro said the DBM released the full-year 2023 Performance-Based Bonus of the three agencies through separate Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO).

According to DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, the release of the 2023 PBB is a testament to President Marcos’ support and appreciation for the members of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and NICA, agencies that continue to serve and protect the public despite the dangers inherent in their work.

The DBM has earlier released PhP1.64 billion for the payment of the 2023 PBB of qualified officials and employees of the Philippine Army, and PhP3.39 billion to cover the payment of the 2023 PBB for eligible officials and personnel of the Philippine National Police. ǀ PND

Malacañang on Wednesday announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Education (DepEd), and local government units (LGUs) will join forces to accelerate the construction of classrooms nationwide.

The collaboration among government agencies is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide direct funding to LGUs to address classroom shortage, according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

“Alinsunod sa hangarin ni Pangulong Marcos na mabigyan ng direct funding ang mga lokal na pamahalaan para sa pagpapatayo ng mga classrooms sa bansa, nakatakdang magkaroon ng memorandum of agreement ang DPWH, DepEd at local government units upang mapatupad ito,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

President Marcos emphasized the urgency to complete the construction of classrooms, according to Castro.

“Ang nais ng Pangulo, ang kakulangan sa classrooms ay dapat na mapunan sa lalong madaling panahon para sa kabutihan ng mga mag-aaral. Hindi puwede ang mabagal kumilos, iyan ang direktiba ng Pangulo,” the Palace Press Officer said.

Castro said under the planned memorandum of agreement, funds will be downloaded to LGUs to implement the construction, while the DPWH and DepEd will oversee and monitor the progress.

“Nakatuon na ang paningin ng Pangulo sa mga mabilis na pagsasaayos ng mga classrooms dito sa DPWH, DepEd at LGU. Ang plano rito ay ipapaubaya ang pondo sa LGU at ang pagpapatupad at pagpapagawa ng mga classrooms ay imo-monitor ng DPWH at ng DepEd,” Castro said.

According to Castro, the joint effort of the DPWH, DepEd, and LGUs aims to complete around 2,370 classrooms.

Approximately 200 classrooms are expected to be completed by the DPWH before the end of the year, while 822 classrooms are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026. The target completion of 2,000 classrooms is by the third quarter of next year. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez as chairperson of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed Gutierrez’s appointment, noting that the latter will serve until September 17, 2031.

For Gutierrez’s appointment, Castro cited the President’s commitment to appointing capable leaders to key government posts.

“Unang-una naman, ang gusto ng Pangulo kapag ito ay kanyang itinalaga ay dapat na magaling na isang lider at isang magaling na namumuno,” Castro said.

Prior to her appointment to the NCSC, Gutierrez was a member of the Government Service Insurance System Board of Trustees.

Gutierrez previously served as Ombudsman from 2005 to 2011 and as Justice Secretary under then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Established in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11350, the NCSC is mandated to ensure the full implementation of laws, policies, and programs that promote the rights and welfare of senior citizens in the country. | PND

Any move to revive the death penalty must undergo careful and comprehensive study, a Malacañang official said on Wednesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has not yet taken a position on the issue, amid calls to impose capital punishment on corrupt politicians and public officials.

Castro said the return of capital punishment should not be rushed, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the five pillars of the justice system are working effectively and fairly.

“Dapat aralin ito dahil hindi lamang ito bigla-biglang sinasabi na dapat nandiyan na ang death penalty. Inaaral mabuti dahil dapat malinis, mabuti, maging maayos itong tinatawag nating five pillars of justice system,” she said.

The Palace official also warned against the risk of wrongful convictions in a flawed system, citing past instances where individuals admitted to planting evidence or fabricating accusations.

“Hindi tayo puwede na umaasa at maimpluwensiyahan. Dapat mawala sa impluwensiya ng mga Pilipino ‘yung mga nakaraang pangyayari kung saan may nag-admit na sila ay sanay gumawa ng intriga at magplanta ng ebidensiya,” Castro said.

“Paano kung ang inosente ay nagawan ng intriga at naplantahan ng ebidensiya? Death penalty ang maaaring ipataw. Kawawa naman po ‘yung masasabi nating inosente,” she added.

The Philippines abolished the death penalty in 1987, becoming the first country in Asia to eliminate capital punishment for all crimes in modern times.

It was reinstated in 1993 through Republic Act 7659 under then President Fidel Ramos, in response to rising crime rates. The law reimposed the death penalty for heinous crimes, initially through the electric chair. In 1996, Republic Act 8177 was enacted, designating lethal injection as the method of execution.

A moratorium on the death penalty was declared in 2000 by then President Joseph Estrada. His successor, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, maintained the moratorium and ultimately signed Republic Act 9346 in 2006, which once again repealed the death penalty. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, who made history on Tuesday as the first woman to assume the post.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on her historic election as Japan’s first female Prime Minister,” President Marcos said in a statement.

“Her assumption demonstrates Japan’s firm democratic advocacy, and reflects the country’s commitment to progress and representation,” the President added.

President Marcos expressed his eagerness to work with Prime Minister Takaichi in strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially as both countries prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

“I look forward to working with her in commemorating the 70th Anniversary of 🇵🇭🇯🇵 diplomatic ties in 2026, and in deepening the 🇵🇭🇯🇵 Strengthened Strategic Partnership for the peace and prosperity of our peoples. 🇵🇭🤝🇯🇵,” the President said.

The Philippines and Japan officially established diplomatic relations on July 23, 1956. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government welcomes mining investments from companies that comply with the country’s laws, respect the Filipino people and ensure environmental protection.

During the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition at The Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, President Marcos urged industry leaders to discuss how to make the Philippines a reliable source of critical minerals for clean energy, promote regional industrialization and create jobs, and attract investments without compromising the environment.

“To fully attain the aspiration of this sector, we must continue to attract investors who share our values—those who respect our laws, those who respect our people, and those that respect our environment,” the President said.

The Chief Executive underscored the importance of sustainability that is “measured by how many lives we uplift and how faithfully we guard the blessings of our land for the generations to come.”

To realize this vision, the government has adopted key reforms, President Marcos said.

The Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act creates a fair, transparent, and consistent taxation framework for the sector, strengthening public trust and investor confidence.

The Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act ensures continuous checking of the nation’s natural wealth by assessing the forests, minerals, and ecosystems to prevent unchecked exploitation.

President Marcos also asked mining operators to align their Social Development and Management Programs with national and global development frameworks, ensuring that they contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“And to attract quality investments, we are simplifying the procedures in the processing of mining applications,” said President Marcos.

“As we continue to explore this field, may our operations remain underpinned by science, guided by sustainable goals, and anchored on shared interests,” the President added. | PND