President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday announced that the Court of Appeals has issued another freeze order on hundreds of bank accounts, assets, and aircraft linked to anomalous government flood control projects.

President Marcos said the CA freeze order covers properties associated with Silver Wolves Construction Corporation and Sky Yard Aviation Corporation, as well as individuals such as Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and ACT-CIS Party-list Edvic Yap.

“Mga kababayan ko, naglabas na ang Court of Appeals ng freeze order laban sa mga bank account, ari-arian at sasakyang panghimpapawid na may kaugnayan sa mga anomalyang flood control project na iniimbestigahan ngayon ng gobyerno,” the President said in a video message.

“Sakop ng freeze order ang mga account at ari-arian ng Silverwolves Construction Corporation at Sky Yard Aviation Corporation, pati na rin ang mga personal account at asset ng mga indibidwal na nasangkot sa imbestigasyon. Kabilang ay si Congressman Eric Yap at Edvic Yap,” President Marcos added.

President Marcos said the freeze order covers not only corporate assets but also personal accounts of individuals linked to the alleged scheme, noting the scale of the transactions involved.

“Kabilang ay si Congressman Eric Yap at Edvic Yap. May mahigit 16 billion na ang pumasok sa mga transaksyon ng Silverwolves mula 2022 hanggang 2025 na karamihan ay may kaugnayan sa mga flood control project ng DPWH,” the President said.

The President underscored the extent of the seized assets, emphasizing the government’s efforts to safeguard public funds while investigations remain ongoing.

The Chief Executive noted the breadth of properties and financial instruments covered.

“Kabuuang 280 bank account ang na-freeze, 22 insurance policy, tatlong securities account at walong sasakyang panghimpapawid, kabilang ang mga eroplano at helicopter na konektado sa Sky Yard Aviation. Kailangan natin ng mga freeze order na ito para hindi maibenta ang mga ari-arian at para maibalik natin sa ating mga kababayan ang bawat pisong pinaghihinalaang ninakaw,” President Marcos added.

President Marcos also provided an update on the ongoing legal proceedings involving officials linked to anomalies in the flood control project, emphasizing that the government is moving to hold all responsible parties accountable.

“Mayroon ding walong taga-DPWH sa Davao Occidental na nagpadala na ng sulat na sila ay magsu-surrender sa NBI dahil sa hinaharap nilang mga kaso. Inaasahan na rin nating lalabas ang warrant of arrest na ni Sara Discaya itong linggong ito at hindi na rin magtatagal ang pag-aresto sa kanya,” the President added.

President Marcos underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring accountability and recovering public funds, stressing that the investigation will continue until justice is served.

“Magpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon. Magpapatuloy ang pagpapanagot at titiyakin ng pamahalaan na ang pera ng bayan ay maibabalik sa taong-bayan,” the President emphasized. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday wished for the country’s officials to be guided by wisdom and discernment, institutions thoroughly cleansed, and Filipinos united in hope, following the example shown by the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In leading the nation in the observance of the Feast of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, President Marcos said the celebration invited reflection on Mother Mary’s life.

“As we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, may her example of purity, devotion, and unwavering faith inspire us to lead lives anchored in grace and purpose,” the President said in his message.

“Through her intercession, may our leaders be guided by wisdom and discernment, our institutions purified at the root, and our people united in hope. Let us draw strength from her life as we continue building a nation that places God at its center and holds fast to the dignity of every Filipino,” the President continued.

President Marcos said the Feast of the Immaculate Conception serves as a reminder of the importance of beginning a mission with good intentions and the right values, as Mary’s life began entirely in God’s favor.

“Preserved from sin from the very first moment of her existence, she was able to offer her “yes” to God with complete freedom and love,” the President said.

“This celebration also invites us to reflect as a people. The Immaculate Conception reminds us that the way we begin matters. Our intentions shape our outcomes, and the spirit in which we start a mission influences the fruit it bears. If we sow pride, we reap division; if we sow deceit, we reap distrust,” said the President.

“But if we begin with truth, humility, and compassion for the least among us, we can build a more just and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas: a nation where integrity, service, and the common good guide our every action,” the President emphasized.

President Marcos added that, “In Mary, the Church sees not a distant figure, but a Mother who journeys with us— interceding, guiding, and showing us what it truly means to belong to God wholeheartedly.”

Republic Act 10966 dated December 28, 2017 designates December 8 of each year as a special non-working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has designated seven parcels of land in Balamban, Cebu for inclusion into the existing West Cebu Industrial Park- Special Economic Zone.

Under Proclamation No. 1105 issued on December 4, 2025, President Marcos included seven parcels of land with a total aggregate area of 69,490 square meters located at Barangays Arpili and Buanoy in Balamban to the West Cebu Industrial Park- Special Economic Zone.

The land’s inclusion to the West Cebu Industrial Park-Special Economic Zone is subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, as amended by RA No. 8748, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Board of Directors Resolution No. 22-117 series of 2022.

In Barangay Arpili, the parcels of land included in the ecozone are covered by land titles Lot 4-A Sk-07-000192 TCT No. 113-2024000343 and Lot 1770 Sk-07-000190, TCT No. 113-2024000072.

Meanwhile, in Barangay Buanoy the included parcels of land are covered by five land titles, namely: Lot 1437-A-2-A-2 Sk-07-000191 TCT No. 113-2014000144; Lot 1437-A-2-B-2 Sk-07-000193 TCT No. 113-2014000351; Lot 1437-A-2-C-2 Sk-07-000191 TCT No. 113-2014000146; Lot 1686 Sk-07-000313 TCT No. 113-2025000701; and Lot 1695 Sk-07-000186 TCT No. 1132024000260. | PND

“The biggest treasure that we have here in the Philippines are these, our children, the future of our country.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the traditional gift-giving at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace on Saturday.

In welcoming the children to the Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya 2025 Nationwide Gift-Giving, President Marcos said having the children around brings cheer to the Palace and provides strength to surpass the challenges faced by the nation.

“Kaya ako, kami ay nagpapasalamat na kahit na mabigat ang hinaharap natin na mga hamon ay kahit papano meron tayong isang kaunting panahon, lalo na pag Pasko, na kailangan naman natin maalala ang mga swerte natin sa buhay, ang mga biyaya natin sa nakaraang taon,” said the President.

“At ang pinakamalaking biyaya, the biggest treasure that we have here in the Philippines are these, our children, the future of our country,” the President stressed.

The Chief Executive said the children are the reason why the administration strives to serve the people and improve the country.

“Kaming mga nagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan, kapag kami nakikita namin kayo, naaalala namin kaya kami nagtatrabaho, hindi para sa sarili namin, kung hindi para sa inyo,” said President Marcos.

“Kaya tumitibay ang loob namin, lumalakas ang loob namin, nagiging kami mas masipag kapag nakikita namin kayo, kayo ang dahilan sa lahat ng aming ginagawa,” the President added.

The Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Nationwide Gift-Giving was initiated by the Office of the President in 2022 to create meaningful Christmas experiences for Filipino children.

Now on its fourth year, the celebration once again transformed the Kalayaan grounds of the Palace into an amusement park with inflatables, games, circus acts, activity booths and food stalls for 3,000 children from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Centers and nearby barangays.

Simultaneous gift-giving activities were conducted in 56 DSWD Centers and 78 Department of Education (DepEd) schools nationwide for 19,000 children. | PND

Malacañang said it respected the decision of the Supreme Court on the transfer of PhP60 billion unused funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) even as the Office of the Solicitor General will review the decision and decide whether to file an appeal.

Last September 20, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. already restored PhilHealth’s PhP60 billion excess funds, in recognition of the agency’s improved performance and increased benefits for members.

“We respect the decision of the Supreme Court. The Office of the Solicitor General will review the ruling and decide on the appropriate course of action to take including the filing of a motion for reconsideration,” Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said in a statement Friday.

With regards to the funds transfer, Gomez said the Executive simply acted in accordance with the congressional mandate under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024.

“We note that majority of the members of the high tribunal declared as unconstitutional a provision of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024 passed by Congress. We note that the Executive simply complied with the congressional mandate under the said law,” the PCO chief said.

Gomez said President Marcos took proactive steps last September 25 to restore the PhilHealth’s excess fund worth PhP60 billion in “recognition of the agency’s stronger performance, increased absorptive capacity and expanded benefits in line with the government’s goal of delivering universal healthcare for all Filipinos.”

“The House of Representatives incorporated the restoration in the General Appropriations bill and the Senate likewise upheld the directive in its committee report,” Gomez added. | PND

Pinahahalagahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang pagseserbisyo at pagsasakripisyo ng military at uniformed personnel (MUP) para sa bansa, kaya naman mas pinalawak niya ang benepisyo para sa mga ito, gaya ng pagtaas ng kanilang base pay kamakailan.

Ito ang ipinahayag ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro sa isang press briefing sa Malacañang nitong Biyernes.

Nagsabi si Castro na iginagalang at kinikilala ni Pangulong Marcos ang araw-araw na pagsusugal ng buhay at sakripisyo ng bawat lalaki at babaeng sundalo gayundin ang mga uniformed personnel kaya mas lalong pinalakas at pinalawak ng Pangulo ang kanilang mga tinatanggap na benepisyo.

Alinsunod din anya ito sa patakaran ng pamahalaan at hindi sa kung anumang pressure sa pulitika.

“Kung nararapat silang bigyan ng mas magandang ayuda, pagtulong, kailangan din naman nating ibigay dahil ang kanilang sakripisyo sa bayan, buhay ang nakataya sa kanila,” ayon kay Castro.

Dagdag pa ni Castro, mas pinaparamdam ng Pangulo ang pagpapahalaga at pagmamalasakit sa mga kasundaluhan at MUP nang dalawin niya ang kampo ng military at sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa kanila para masigurong pinoprotektahan ang kanilang moral sa kahandaan sa pagtupad sa tungkulin.

“Hanggang may oras ang Pangulo, hindi ito dapat kinukuwestiyon. Ang pagbisita sa ating mga kasundaluhan, sa mga uniformed personnel ay nararapat lamang bilang Commander-in-Chief. So, wala itong kinalaman kung mayroon mang isyu ngayon, obligasyon ng Pangulo na bisitahin sila,” ayon pa kay Castro.

Kamakailan lang, pinagtibay ni Pangulong Marcos ang Executive Order 107 na nag-update sa base pay schedule at nagtaas sa daily subsistence allowance ng lahat ng MUP.

Magiging epektibo ang dagdag-sahod sa tatlong bugso: ang unang bugso ay sa Enero 1, 2026; ang ikalawa sa Enero 1, 2027; at ang huli sa Enero 1, 2028. Magsisimula naman ang PhP350 na daily subsistence allowance sa Enero 1, 2026.

Kahapon naman, bumisita si Pangulong Marcos sa Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) sa Davao City, kung saan pinuri niya ang mga tropa dahil sa kanilang huwarang pagganap sa internal security operations, counterinsurgency efforts, maritime patrols, disaster response, at sa patuloy na pagbagsak ng bilang ng mga grupong sangkot sa terorismo. | PND

“Umpisa pa lang ito. Marami pa tayong ipapakulong at marami pang magpapasko sa kulungan.”

Thus declared President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday as the Office of the Ombudsman recommended filing graft and malversation charges against several individuals over a nearly PhP100 million ghost flood control project in Davao Occidental, which was supposed to be completed in 2022 but was never even started.

In a video message, President Marcos said the Ombudsman anchored the charges from the complaint filed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) concerning a flood control project in Culaman, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

The project, valued at nearly Php100 million, was awarded on January 13, 2022 to St. Timothy Construction Corporation.

Those implicated in the complaint are individuals from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as well as Cezarah Rowena Discaya and Maria Roma Angeline Remando of St. Timothy Construction Corporation.

President Marcos gave the update as part of his commitment to keep the public informed about the findings of various government agencies on anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects.

The President said that although the project was reported as completed in 2022, an inspection by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on September 25, 2025 confirmed that no construction had taken place at the site.

Representatives of indigenous peoples and barangay officials confirmed in their joint affidavit that the project was never implemented.

The President also highlighted discrepancies in the documents and evidence submitted by the respondents, noting that even the videos and photos provided could not be verified as related to the project.

“Natuklasan ng Ombudsman ‘yung mga isinumiting final billing, certificate of completion at inspection reports ay palsipikado o hindi tumutugma sa aktwal na kalagayan ng proyekto. Maging mga video at larawan na hinarap ng respondent ay walang time stamp at hindi ma-validate na tumutukoy sa proyektong ito,” President Marcos noted.

The President said DPWH officials were also implicated in the case, as the Ombudsman reported that the respondents issued and approved documents used to request and release nearly Php100 million in funds, despite the fact that the project had neither been started nor completed.

“Meron pang mga ibang nasa ahensya ng DPWH na nasama rin sa kasong ito. Dahil ayon sa Ombudsman, ang mga respondent ay naglabas at nag-apruba ng mga dokumentong ginagamit para sa pag-request at pag-release ng buong halaga na halos PhP100 milion pesos kahit na walang natapos o nasimulang proyekto,” President Marcos added.

“Ayon sa kanilang finding, ang mga respondent na ito ay kumilos ng may manifest partiality, bad faith o gross negligence. Nagdulot sila ng undue injury sa gobyerno at nagbigay ng unwarranted benefit sa kontraktor at may pakikialam ang ilang private respondent sa nangyaring sabwatan,” the President said.

The Ombudsman has recommended filing charges of malversation through falsification and violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act under Section 3E, the President said.

The President also underscored the seriousness of the offenses, noting the legal consequences for those involved.

“Ang malversation ay non-bailable. Mabigat ito dahil hindi nila mababayaran ang kanilang paglaya. Pag naisampa na ang mga kasong ito sa korte, ang susunod na hakbang ng judiciary ay ang paglabas ng arrest warrant para sa mga pinangalanang indibidwal,” President Marcos said.

The President directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP to track the whereabouts of Discaya and the other respondents to ensure their immediate arrest upon issuance of the warrants. | PND

Tiniyak ng Malacañang ang buong suporta ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) para maimbestigahan ang mga korapsyon sa mga proyekto sa flood control.

Katunayan, inihayag ni Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, na noon pang Setyembre inilabas ng Department of Budget and Management ang Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) na halos kasabay ng pagbuo ng Pangulo ng ICI.

“At hindi naman nagkulang ang Pangulo dahil lahat ng kailangan ng ICI, lahat ng maibibigay na tulong na manggagaling po sa Pangulo, iyan ay ibinibigay,” ayon kay Castro sa isang press briefing sa Palasyo.

Noong Setyembre 11, 2025, nilagdaan ni Pangulong Marcos ang Executive Order 94 na bumuo sa ICI bilang isang fact-finding body na may tungkuling imbestigahan ang katiwalian sa mga proyekto ng flood control at iba pang imprastruktura sa nakalipas na sampung taon.

“Ayon sa DBM, iyong SARO ay as early as September nandiyan na. Ang natatangi lamang siguro nagkaroon ng konting delay ay iyong pag-i-implement or pagsasagawa ng MDS o iyong modified disbursement system,”dagdag pa ni Castro .

Nang tanungin kung sinusuportahan ng Pangulo ang pagpapalakas ng isang ahensya upang imbestigahan ang katiwalian sa mga proyekto ng imprastruktura, sinabi ni Castro na lahat ng institusyong may mandato na magsiyasat ng katiwalian ay dapat magkaroon ng sapat na kapangyarihan upang maisakatuparan ito.

“Ang lahat naman ng institusyon na mayroong power to investigate, lahat dapat ay malakas, mayroon silang kapangyarihan,” ani Castro.

Binigyang-diin ng Palace Press Officer na ang ICI ay nilikha ni Pangulong Marcos bilang isang fact-finding body upang maghanap ng konkretong ebidensya laban sa mga sangkot sa mga anomalya at pekeng proyekto ng flood control.

“Ito kasing isinagawa na ICI, independent commission, ito ay batay lang sa EO 94 at alam natin na ang purpose nito ay maging fact-finding commission, hindi para magbigay ng penalties sa hindi a-attend,” pahayag ni Castro.

“At ito ay tulong lamang makapag-concentrate para maimbestigahan, makapag-gather ng documents, facts, data para matulungan iyong Ombudsman o iyong DOJ (Department of Justice). So, iyon talaga ang pinaka-purpose ng ICI,” dagdag ni Castro.

Sa kanyang State of the Nation Address (SONA) noong Hulyo 28, 2025, tinuligsa ni Pangulong Marcos ang mga iregularidad sa mga proyekto sa pagbaha, na naglunsad ng malawakang pagsisiyasat sa sistematikong katiwalian sa mga proyektong pang-imprastraktura.

Base sa mga rekomendasyon mula sa ICI at Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), ang Office of the Ombudsman ay nagsampa na ng mga kasong graft at malversation laban sa ilang indibidwal. | PND

Malacañang on Friday said the recent adjustment in the base pay of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) is a clear expression of the government’s appreciation for their unwavering service and sacrifice to the nation.

At a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to enhance the benefits of the military is rooted in respect for the men and women who risk their lives daily to uphold peace and security across the country.

“Kung nararapat silang bigyan ng mas magandang ayuda, pagtulong, kailangan din naman nating ibigay dahil ang kanilang sakripisyo sa bayan, buhay ang nakataya sa kanila,” Castro said.

The Palace official emphasized that the President’s decision was guided by policy considerations rather than political pressures.

Castro further noted that the President’s visits to military camps and regular engagements with troops demonstrate his commitment to ensuring the welfare, morale, and readiness of the Armed Forces.

“Hanggang may oras ang Pangulo, hindi ito dapat kinukuwestiyon. Ang pagbisita sa ating mga kasundaluhan, sa mga uniformed personnel ay nararapat lamang bilang Commander-in-Chief. So, wala itong kinalaman kung mayroon mang isyu ngayon, obligasyon ng Pangulo na bisitahin sila,” the Palace official said.

President Marcos recently issued Executive Order 107, updating the base pay schedule and increasing the daily subsistence allowance of all MUP.

The base pay adjustment will be implemented in three tranches, with the first tranche beginning on January 1, 2026, the next on January 1, 2027, and the third on January 1, 2028. The daily subsistence allowance shall be at the rate of PhP350 effective January 1, 2026.

On Thursday, President Marcos visited Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) in Davao City, where he commended the troops for their exemplary performance in internal security operations, counterinsurgency efforts, maritime patrols, disaster response, and the continued decline of counterterrorism groups. | PND

Inutusan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang Department of Transportation (DOTr) na magsagawa ng masusing pagsusuri at agad na tugunan ang mga hinaing na inihain ng grupong pangtransportasyon na MANIBELA na nakaaapekto sa kabuhayan ng mga kasapi nito at kanilang mga pamilya.

Sa isang briefing sa Palasyo ngayong Biyernes, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na bukas ang administrasyon sa dayalogo upang maresolba ang usapin.

“Ipinag-utos naman sa pamunuan ng DOTr, tingnan mabuti kung ano ang hinaing ng grupo ng MANIBELA,” Castro said.

“So, kailangan rin ito maresolba kung mayroon naman talagang batayan ang kanilang reklamo, dapat itong masolusyonan agad,” dagdag ni Castro.

Ang MANIBELA, na nangangahulugang Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers para sa Karapatan sa Paggawa, ay nauna nang nag-anunsyo ng plano nitong magsagawa ng tatlong araw na transport strike simula Disyembre 9 bilang protesta sa mga isyu kaugnay ng proseso ng mga dokumento ng pamahalaan at umano’y mataas na multa.

Hinimok ni Castro ang grupo ng transportasyon na makipagtulungan para sa kapakanan ng mga pasahero, lalo na ngayong panahon ng Kapaskuhan.

“Tayo na rin ang mananagawan sa grupo ng MANIBELA. Alam naman natin na Christmas season, baka naman puwedeng ipamasko niyo na at mapag-usapan naman ‘yung mga hinaing nila. Pag-usapan para maresolba agad,” sinabi ni Castro. | PND