President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. as executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Acorda will replace PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

President Marcos appointed Acorda as PNP chief from April 2023 to March 2024.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991, Acorda served as director of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence before he was appointed as PNP chief.

Cruz, a former Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) chief, was appointed as PAOCC Undersecretary in January 2023.

Created under Executive Order No. 295 in 2000, the PAOCC was tasked to adopt measures to ensure an effective and efficient anti-crime drive and to identify and prosecute criminal groups and their protectors in government through efficient intelligence and counterintelligence efforts.

In line with President Marcos’ directive for a nationwide ban, the PAOCC under Cruz led the crackdown on Philippine offshore gambling operations (POGO) due to the spate of human trafficking and other criminal activities. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is determined to pursue accountability and end the culture of corruption in government, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez assured in an interview on Tuesday.

During the The Big Story news program aired over One News PH channel, Gomez said the administration is working hard to restore public and investor confidence through transparency and reform.

“The President is really very concerned about the impact to the economy of all this noise happening. We really need to reassure the people that the wheels of justice are turning,” Gomez said.

The Chief Executive would ensure that all those involved in irregularities and misuse of public funds should face the consequences, Gomez added.

“And sabi nga ng Pangulo natin, walang sasantuhin dito. Nakita naman natin na ang Pangulo, galit na, pagod na siya, and he wants people na managot. Walang kamag-anak, walang kaibigan, walang sasantuhin. Gusto niya lahat managot.”

Gomez pointed out that President Marcos created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) not only to investigate and recommend charges against liable groups and individuals.

“And at the same time, if you look at the mandate of the ICI, it’s not just bringing the guilty to justice and recovering the stolen wealth. The mandate of the ICI is to recommend and help fix the system,” the PCO chief noted.

“Para matigil na itong sistema, itong kultura ng korupsyon. And that is part of the mandate of the ICI.”

Gomez expressed optimism that the government’s firm stance against corruption and its commitment to institutional reforms will help maintain investor trust and economic stability despite ongoing controversies.

“And I think if we can reassure the investing community, both local and international, that the government is doing everything it can to bring those responsible to justice and doing everything we can to institute genuine reforms to fix the system, I think the confidence will not erode and the economy will be pretty stable,” the PCO chief emphasized. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has carried through his commitment to stamp out corruption in government projects, being the only sitting president to publicly expose irregularities in his own administration, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez.

In an interview with The Big Story news program aired over One News PH channel on Tuesday, Gomez noted OCTA Research’s recent survey indicating that 83 percent of the respondents expressed support for President Marcos’ actions to expose anomalies in flood control projects.

“We must remember that it was the President himself who blew the whistle on this issue. I believe he is the only sitting President in Philippine history to expose corruption in his own administration,” Gomez said, recalling the President’s memorable line, “Mahiya naman kayo” during his July 28 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Gomez said President Marcos has since followed through on his anti-corruption stance, as several decisive measures have been implemented within weeks after the SONA.

“We must remember that was only two months and two weeks ago. And since then, a lot of things have happened. Marami nang nagawa ang executive at ang ating Pangulo,” the PCO chief stressed.

Gomez cited the “Isumbong sa Pangulo” website created by the President that has received more than 20,000 reports from the public on ghost or substandard flood control projects.

Gomez also pointed out that the licenses of the 15 contractors identified by the President to have cornered the lion’s share of flood control projects, have all been revoked, including couple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya who are undergoing criminal investigation and facing tax evasion charges.

The composition of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) has been reshuffled and the President named a new Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary.

Significantly, Gomez pointed out that President Marcos has created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which has started its investigation into irregularities in DPWH flood control projects.

“So many things have happened in just two months and two weeks’ time. But we understand the impatience of the people. Medyo naiinip pa rin sila,” Gomez acknowledged.

“What is important to understand at this point is the wheels of justice are now turning. Marami nang nangyari and marami pang mangyayari,” the PCO chief added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the new ambassadors of Belgium and the United Kingdom in separate formal ceremonies held at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

President Marcos received Resident Ambassador of Belgium Vladislava Iordanova, and Resident Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Sarah Hulton, as they formally presented their credentials.

In welcoming the new Belgian envoy, President Marcos expressed confidence that the Philippines and Belgium will continue to strengthen bilateral relations.

“Our two countries have enjoyed a long time of warm and cordial relations which I hope will continue and strengthen at every level, people-to-people level all the way to government-to-government level. I look forward to the work we will do to bring our countries closer together,” said the President.

Ambassador Iordanova conveyed her respect and enthusiasm in assuming her post, affirming her commitment to deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Belgium were established on July 4, 1946.

In receiving the credentials of the United Kingdom’s new envoy to the Philippines, President Marcos described the United Kingdom as a steadfast partner of the Philippines.

“The relations between the UK and the Philippines have certainly stood the test of time and have just grown stronger and deeper as the years go on,” said the President.

Ambassador Hulton expressed condolences for the victims of recent natural disasters in the Philippines.

“It is a great honor that I return to the Philippines after nearly 20 years, with a deep appreciation for our enduring friendship between our countries. We are proud to work alongside your government in advancing growth, climate, and security priorities,” Ambassador Hulton said.

The Philippines and the United Kingdom established diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered adherence to the National Farm-to-Market Roads Network Plan in the construction of roads meant to help farmers transport their produce.

“Farm-to-market road dahil alam naman natin ‘yan ang pinakamahalaga. Nakagawa na po tayo ng plano para sa buong Pilipinas sa farm-to-market road,” President Marcos said during the “Ugnayan” with farmers held in Claveria, Cagayan on Tuesday.

President Marcos acknowledged the importance of getting inputs from local government unit (LGU) officials for the proper implementation of the farm-to-market roads network.

“Siyempre pupuntahan din natin ang mga mayor natin, ang mga governor natin para itanong kung ‘ ‘yung plano namin ay maganda, kung tama ang dinadaanan nung farm-to-market road, kung ano ‘yung suggestion nila at ‘yun ang sinusunod natin na plano,” the Chief Executive said.

At the same time, the President said following the national plan would prevent politicking and wastage in the implementation of farm-to-market road projects.

“Hindi lang ‘yung kagaya ng dati na palakasan lang, nakikiusap lang. ‘Oh, lagyan ko ng farm-to-market road dito. ‘Pag medyo kaibigan, pag medyo kapartido, oh sige, approved.’ Walang plano. Kung minsan, kung saan-saan napupunta ang farm-to-market road na hindi naman nakakatulong sa ating mga magsasaka,” President Marcos said.

“Kaya’t ito’y inaayos na natin. Ginawan natin ng sistema para lahat ng ilalagay nating farm-to-market road ay makakatulong sa mabilis na pagdala ng inyong ani sa ating mga palengke,” the President assured the farmers during the dialogue. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday received Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman, marking the first-ever official visit to the Philippines by the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Croatia.

During a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace, President Marcos underscored the importance of the historic visit as a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and Croatia.

“Welcome to the Philippines, especially at this very important time. We celebrate our long relationship between our two countries, and now you have the opening of your office here in the Philippines,” President Marcos said.

Foreign Minister Radman expressed his gratitude to President Marcos and the Filipino people for the warm welcome extended to his delegation. He cited Croatia and the Philippines’ shared values and mutual respect for international law.

Foreign Minister Radman is in the Philippines from October 12 to 14, 2025, during which he met with key government officials, including the Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, and Migrant Workers, as well as legislative leaders.

The Philippines and Croatia formally established diplomatic relations on February 25, 1993. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. credited First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos for her key role in the success of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project, which has earned the 2025 Asian Townscape Award from the United Nations for its outstanding contribution to sustainable urban development.

The award will be formally presented in Hong Kong on November 27, 2025.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the recognition was confirmed by the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia, following deliberations held in Japan on September 17.

“Kinumpirma ng UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia ang naturang pagkilala sa Pilipinas ayon sa liham na ipinadala sa Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development ilang linggo matapos ang deliberations,” Castro said.

The Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project is a major initiative of the Marcos administration to transform the Pasig River and its banks into a recreational, cultural, and commercial hub that promotes connectivity, tourism, and economic activity.

The project is spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Urban Development under Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, with strong support from the First Lady.

Castro said President Marcos lauded Mrs. Marcos’ hands-on involvement and cultural advocacy, noting that her guidance has helped ensure that the Pasig River redevelopment embodies the nation’s identity and heritage.

“Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., masugid na nakasubaybay ang Unang Ginang sa pag-unlad ng mahalagang proyekto kagaya ng Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli dahil sa kanyang pagpapahalaga sa kasaysayan at kultura ng bansa,” Castro said.

The President emphasized that the First Lady’s vision has been instrumental in making the Pasig River a vital symbol of the country’s connected national identity.

Integrating environmental restoration, historical conservation, and modern design, the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project reflects the administration’s broader commitment to livable and inclusive urban development under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance. | PND

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the strong support of the majority of Filipinos for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption campaign, particularly the President’s efforts to expose irregularities in infrastructure projects.

According to OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from September 25 to 30 this year, 83 percent of Filipinos favored President Marcos’ decision to publicly reveal anomalies in flood control projects, reflecting the public’s strong call for greater transparency and accountability.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reaffirmed President Marcos’ commitment to holding those involved in corruption accountable.

“Sinimulan na po ng Pangulo. Ang commitment po ng Pangulo ay panagutin ang dapat na managot. Ito na po siguro ang pinakamabilis na pagsisiwalat ng mga diumanong anomalya sa flood control projects,” Castro said.

While acknowledging the public demand for immediate investigation results, the Palace Press Officer explained that proper legal procedures have to be observed to ensure credible and well-supported outcomes.

“Hindi po kasi ito nadadaan sa agad-agaran…Hindi po ito nadadaan sa pabilisan,” Castro said.

She urged the public to remain patient and allow the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to complete its work.

“Hayaan po natin ang ICI na bumuo ng kanilang imbestigasyon at kumpletuhin ang dokumento,” Castro said.

“Hayaan po lang natin sila makapag-ipon ng mga dokumento at ng mga ebidensya para po mas matibay ang mga kasong isasampa,” she added.

Castro also assured the public that the investigation is already underway and encouraged continued trust in the process.

“So, yun lamang po, sa taong-bayan, ‘wag po kayong mainip dahil sinimulan na po ito… Hintayin na lang po natin ang magandang magiging trabaho ng ICI para po mas maganda rin ang kalabasan at maging resulta nito,” Castro said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the government will provide assistance to rice farmers affected by the drop in palay prices, including imposing safeguard duties on rice imports to protect local farmers.

During the “Ugnayan” with farmers following the inauguration of the Union Water Impounding Dam in Claveria, Cagayan, President Marcos said the National Food Authority (NFA) will expand its program to purchase palay at higher prices than those from traders, who prey on farmers by bringing down palay prices to as low as PhP8 per kilo.

The NFA buying price for fresh/wet palay is PhP18 to PhP19 per kilo, and PhP21 to PhP23 for clean dry palay, said President Marcos.

“Kaya’t palalawakin natin ito at maglalagay din tayo doon sa mga tinamaan sa pagbaba ng presyo ng palay, magbibigay din tayo ng direct na tulong para sa ating mga magsasaka,” the Chief Executive said.

“Mayroon tayong pinaplano, tigsa-sampung libo, ‘yung mga nalugi dahil sa pagbagsak ng bilihan ng palay,” added the President, to cheers from farmers.

President Marcos said the government will impose safeguard duties on rice imports to ensure that local rice prices will not drop, to the detriment of Filipino farmers.

“Maglalagay tayo ng safeguard duties para sa importasyon para sa pag-import ay hindi masisira naman ang presyo dito sa atin. Dahil ang nagdidikta ng presyo ng bigas ay ‘yung imported rice,” the Chief Executive said.

“Pagka mag-import lang tayo nang mag-import at hindi natin ayusin ang production ay matatamaan ang ating mga farmer. Kaya’t ‘yun ay aming binabantayan at tinitingan namin lahat ng mga farmer na nalugi dahil nga bumagsak ang presyo ng palay, ay bibigyan po natin ng tulong,” added the President.

The President committed to further enhance government support to farmers.

“Alam naman po namin na hindi naman po madali ang buhay ng ating mga magsasaka at kaya’t lahat ng suporta na kaya naming ibigay ay binibigay natin dahil patitibayin natin,” said President Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday highlighted the role of local chief executives in ensuring that big ticket infrastructure projects are implemented properly and free of corruption.

During his visit in Cagayan, President Marcos lauded the newly inaugurated Union Water Impounding Dam in Claveria municipality, and the almost completed Camalaniugan Bridge in Camalaniugan municipalities as showcases of properly executed government projects.

“Kaya dito sa Cagayan thank you – sa ating mga mayor, sa ating mga chief executives, nandito si Gov. (Edgar) Egay Aglipay,” the President said during the inspection of the Camalaniugan Bridge.

“Binabantayan nila nang mabuti itong malalaking project para hindi masabi na nagkaproblema, na-ghost project, na hindi natapos, iyong mga nakikita nating problema sa ibang project kung minsan,” added the President.

The President said these projects show what the government is capable of doing if public money is spent for the intended purpose.

“Kaya nakakatuwa na makita natin na kung ano ang tunay na kakayahan ng pamahalaan kung talagang lahat ng bawat – tiyakin na ang bawat sentimo ay mapunta sa tama,” President Marcos said.

While congratulating the local chief executives, the President also thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by Secretary Vince Dizon for regularly monitoring the bridge project.

The President targets to open the 2.16-kilometer two-lane Camalaniugan Bridge this December, after commencing construction in May 2020.

Once opened, the Camalaniugan Bridge, considered as the longest cable-stayed bridge in Cagayan Valley (Region II), would reduce travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros municipalities from one hour to 20 minutes, benefitting 6,000 travelers a day. | PND