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

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday asserted the administration’s thrust towards responsible mining, adding that the revenue from the industry must directly benefit the Filipino people.

Irresponsible mining operations in the country will not be permitted, President Marcos said during the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition held at The Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The Chief Executive said the industry gathering comes at a crucial time as the country pushes for sustainability, job generation, and attracting investments in the mining sector.

“This Administration shares a common vision of a responsible, inclusive, and climate-resilient mining in the country,” President Marcos said.

“Irresponsible mining has no place in our nation. We will strictly enforce the laws against practices that destroy forests, that poison rivers, that endanger lives. Mining should build communities, not burden them,” the President declared.

The Chief Executive said every mining operation must be consistent with the country’s environmental commitments, including the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Philippine Energy Plan.

President Marcos emphasized that mining revenues must bring tangible benefits to the people.

“The wealth from our soil should translate into schools for our children, hospitals for families, and roads that link people with opportunities,” said the President.

Towards this end, the President said that the government is strengthening transparency and accountability in the mining sector, pointing out that the Filipino people deserve to know how the nation’s resources are being managed.

President Marcos commended the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines for uniting industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders and for adopting the Towards Sustainable Mining Program — making the Philippines the first in Asia to do so.

“Your adoption of the Towards Sustainable Mining Program—a global benchmark for environmental, social, and governance standards—proves that responsible mining is achievable,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also thanked mining industry leaders for their engagement in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, to help ensure that mining revenues are used for the good of the Filipino people.

“This is the kind of partnership that turns resource generation into human progress,” said the President.

With the theme, “From Policy to Progress: Driving Mining Through Innovation and Investment,” the two-day Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition convenes leading figures from the mining industry to discuss the future of mining in the Philippines and beyond. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued five proclamations declaring special non-working holidays in five localities this November to allow residents to participate in their respective local celebrations.

Proclamation No. 1064 declared November 20 a special non-working holiday in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, for the municipality’s founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1065 declared November 22 a special non-working holiday in Itogon, Benguet for the municipality’s 125th founding anniversary.

Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 1066 declared November 26 a special non-working holiday in Dasmariñas City, Cavite for the city’s founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1067 declared November 27 a special non-working holiday in Burgos, La Union for the municipality’s 100th founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1068 declared November 20 a special non-working holiday in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, to celebrate the annual festival of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

The proclamations said that declaring the holidays is fitting and proper to give the residents the full opportunity to participate in the occasions and enjoy the celebrations.

By the authority of President Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin signed the proclamations. | PND

“Bawat tapat na guro, sundalo, at pulis ay isang tagumpay laban sa katiwalian at pangungutya na sumasalot sa ating bansa.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos for exemplifying the “Bagong Pilipino” — honest, upright, and serving with compassion.

President Marcos said the 10 awardees, composed of teachers, soldiers and police officers, serve as an inspiration to correct wrong practices in government.

“It is always with the greatest pride, honor, and pleasure that I honor the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos because you are exemplary individuals who have gone the extra mile to transform lives, to uplift communities,” said the President as he led the awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

“Mga kababayan, ipinakita ninyo na ang tunay na paglilingkod sa bayan ay hindi nasusukat sa katayuan sa lipunan, kundi sa layuning maghatid ng pagbabago sa ating mga kababayan,” the President added.

“Kayo ang mukha ng Bagong Pilipino: matapat, may paninindigan, at buong pusong naghahatid ng serbisyo sa kapwa Pilipino.”

President Marcos said the stories of the awardees offer a renewed hope and reminder that integrity still lives within the government and their honor still defines what it means to be Filipino.

“Guro. Sundalo. Pulis. Anuman ang inyong propesyon o paraan ng paglilingkod, ipinapaalala ninyo na ang tunay na kadakilaan ay nasa serbisyo na may dangal at katarungan,” said the President.

“Bawat tapat na guro, sundalo, at pulis ay isang tagumpay laban sa katiwalian at pangungutya na sumasalot sa ating bansa. Kasama po kayo sa aming inspirasyon upang magsumikap na itama ang mga nakagawiang mali sa gobyerno,” the President added.

This year’s 10 Outstanding Filipinos who received the Medallion of Excellence include four teachers: Noel Sadinas, who was honored for turning a dumpsite into a learning space for indigenous students; Amando Perfecto Molin, whose acts of kindness brought inspiration to students across Southeast Asia; Dr. Mylene Uy, who pioneered natural products research in Mindanao; and Dr. Angelo Mark Walag, who championed experiential learning and empowered teachers in underserved schools.

Among the ranks of soldiers, the President awarded Underwater Operationsman First Class Anro Anthony Turallo for his courage that helped reclaim communities from violent extremism; Colonel Ricky Canatoy for rebuilding war-torn villages; and Colonel Joey Fontiveros for establishing the nation’s first Cyber Battalion.

In the police service, the Chief Executive honored Police Master Sergeant Ivan Velasco for community-driven programs that unite law enforcement and environmental protection; Police Major Elmira Relox for restoring the dignity of countless women and children through her rescue and reintegration efforts; and Police Colonel Frederick Obar for innovative reforms and digital learning system that have transformed the way the police serve the public. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday reiterated his commitment to cleanse the bureaucracy to ensure that every public official and public servant deserve the trust of the Filipino people.

“Patuloy tayo sa paglilinis ng hanay ng pamahalaan upang matiyak na ang bawat opisyal, bawat lingkod-bayan ay karapat-dapat sa tiwalang ibinibigay sa kanila ng taumbayan,” President Marcos said during the awarding of the 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in Malacañan Palace.

Amid the flood control corruption probe he initiated, the President acknowledged that the current challenges faced by the nation have shaken the public’s trust in government institutions.

“Hindi madali ang laban na ito. Marami pa tayong haharapin, marami tayong pagdadaanan,” said President Marcos.

“It will be hard and sometimes it will be painful, but it will be worth it because what we are fighting for is a country that our children will inherit and a nation that they can be proud of, that they can be proud to say I am Filipino.”

Addressing the question of whether the government can still be trusted, the Chief Executive pointed to the 10 honorees as living proof of hope and integrity in public service.

“In their service, you will find your answer. Because of them, we are reminded that hope is never lost, that integrity still lives in our institutions, and that honor still defines what it means to be Filipino,” President Marcos said.

Among this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awardees are four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers who all brought valuable contributions to the lives of many.

As the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program marks its 40th year, President Marcos said the award has become a “beacon of integrity and inspiration, proving that even at the most difficult times, there will always be Filipinos who remain committed to serving and leading with honor.”

The President extended his gratitude to Metrobank Foundation and its partners in the private sector – PSBank, Rotary Club of New Manila East, and Rotary Club of Makati Metro for honoring those who embody the best ideals of public service. | PND

Motorists can now traverse NLEX, SLEX and other tollways across Luzon using only one RFID.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called for unity in the name of public service to continue reforming and modernizing the country’s transportation system.

“Mga kababayan, patuloy po nating pinapahusay ang ating transport system. Mas gaganda pa po ito kung magtutulungan tayong lahat. Kaya tuloy-tuloy lang ang kooperasyon at disiplina sa kalsada,” President Marcos said during the launching of the One RFID, All Tollways in Calamba City, Laguna.

Under the One RFID, All Tollways system, motorists could now use a single RFID sticker when traversing all Luzon toll expressways.

Toll-paying motorists have the option to register for the new single RFID system, or to retain the current two RFID accounts – Autosweep and Easytrip – to be used depending on the expressway.

President Marcos cited the “continued trust, commitment, and flexibility” of the government’s partner concessionaires, operators, and Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)/RFID providers for making the toll collection interoperability project possible.

Years of consultation and cooperation with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), the Chief Executive said, have finally led to the adoption of a unified system that responds to the real needs of motorists.

“And true to the spirit of public service, you worked hand in hand not because you needed to but because you wanted to make travel easier for the Filipino people,” President Marcos said.

“This is the true Filipino spirit. One of unity, bayahinan, and pakikipag-kapwa.”

President Marcos thanked San Miguel Corporation Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan for “being part of the solution.”

“This is once more proof that together, we can create innovative solutions to the everyday challenges faced by our people,” said the President. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launching on Tuesday of the One RFID, All Tollways system for all Luzon expressways for the convenience of toll paying motorists.

During the launch held along the South Luzon Expressway in Calamba City, Laguna, President Marcos said the reform of the RFID system is part of the government’s efforts to modernize toll collection for easier passage on any toll road in Luzon.

The President said the registration for One RFID, All Tollways is free and optional, giving tollway users the choice whether to adopt the new system or to stick to the current two-card system.

“Hangad natin ang dire-diretsong biyahe mula hilaga hanggang timog dito sa Luzon. Reduce unnecessary stress. Reduce unnecessary delays,” the President said.

“Ang repormang ito sa RFID system ay bahagi ng mas malawak nating layunin na gawing mas moderno, konektado, at nakatuon sa pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino ang ating imprastraktura.”

With the One RFID, All Tollways system, motorists could now use a single RFID sticker when using Luzon toll expressways.

These are the Skyway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAx), Muntinlupa–Cavite Expressway (MCX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX), and C5 Southlink.

Under the old RFID tollways system, motorists use Autosweep when they pass through Skyway or TPLEX and switch to Easytrip when they use NLEX or SCTEX, causing inconvenience to travelers during account loading and payment.

“Nakikinig tayo sa hinaing ng ating mga kababayan. Kaya naman pinag-aralan natin ang problema, at nakahanap tayo ng magandang solusyon. Simula ngayon, iisang RFID sticker na lang ang kailangan para sa mga toll expressways natin sa buong Luzon,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive said the process for voluntary registration to the One RFID, All Tollways system is hassle-free.

“Kung ninanais ninyo nang mas simple (at) pinagsamang account, puwedeng-puwede na. Ginawa nating madali, abot-kamay, at hassle-free ang buong proseso. Pwede nang magparehistro online o walk-in.”

The group/fleet account for the One RFID, All Tollways system will be launched next year.

President Marcos said the interoperability of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and cash payment systems for toll expressways was made possible because of the continued trust, commitment, and flexibility of government partner concessionaires, operators, and ETC/RFID providers.

The President expressed gratitude to San Miguel Corporation and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation led by tycoons Ramon S. Ang and Manuel V. Pangilinan, respectively, “for being part of the solution.” | PND

Malacañang on Monday assured the business community that the government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is actively working to combat corruption while strengthening transparency and accountability within the bureaucracy.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro enumerated current initiatives by the Marcos administration to address corruption.

Castro cited the launching of the Sumbong sa Pangulo website and the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure through Executive Order No. 94 to investigate anomalous flood control projects and other infrastructure.

Castro also cited the freeze orders on the assets of those implicated in corruption cases, alongside the issuance of Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs) and the recommendation to file charges against former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.

“So, marami na pong nagawa at marami pa pong iniimbestigahan. Nararamdaman po ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon ang mga nararamdaman ng mga businessmen kaya po patuloy ang ginagawang pag-iimbestiga at patuloy ang pagpapabilis ng aksyon para po mapanagot ang dapat na mapanagot,” Castro said.

“Siguro ang hiling na lamang po natin doon sa mga obstructionists na gumagawa na lang ng iba’t ibang kuwento para sirain ang integridad ng ICI, bawasan nila ito o hintuan na nila dahil hindi po ito nakakatulong sa ekonomiya.”

On the call to legislate more power to the ICI, Castro said President Marcos would support moves to provide additional powers to the commission as long as it is for the benefit of the public.

“Mas maganda po talaga na magkaroon ng mas ngipin, pangil ang ICI. Pero sa ngayon po, nakikita naman po natin na maganda ang itinatakbo ng ICI,” the Palace official said.

Major business organizations in the country have called on the President to carry out urgent action against corruption. | PND

Malacañang on Monday issued a warning to employees who will be hired or promoted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fill up almost 2,000 vacant positions to not engage in any anomalous transactions.

During a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon plans to fire several officials and employees from the agency due to the corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

“Dahil nga sabi ni Sec. Vince (Dizon) ay maraming matatanggal at dahil dito, warning na po ito sa mga papasok,” Castro said.

Castro stressed that DPWH employees who would be hired or promoted by the DPWH must have integrity and must uphold the law and public service.

“Dapat kayo ay maging matino, dapat kayo ay may integridad, at dapat talaga tumugon kayo kung ano ang naaayon sa batas at kung ano ang maitutulong sa taumbayan,” the Palace Press Officer said.

During the flag ceremony on Monday at the DPWH, Dizon announced that nearly 2,000 vacant positions will be filled through the promotion of qualified personnel.

Dizon said the DPWH will prioritize contractual or “job order” personnel who have served for many years.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) created by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is investigating anomalous flood control and other projects of the DPWH to establish culpability.

Upon the directive of President Marcos, government agencies quickly acted to recover the embezzled public funds, which led to the freezing of bank assets and properties of individuals implicated in the anomalous projects. | PND

Malacañang on Monday assured the public that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to replenish and maintain sufficient relief supplies for residents affected by recent earthquakes and typhoons, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that no Filipino goes hungry during disasters.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos has ordered the continuous production and distribution of relief items to sustain the government’s response and support for affected communities.

“Sa kabila ng sunod-sunod na sakuna sa bansa — lindol at bagyo — siniguro ng DSWD na sapat at tuloy-tuloy ang replenishment ng relief supplies para sa mga apektadong residente,” Castro said.

“Alinsunod pa rin ito sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na siguruhing walang Pilipino na magugutom sa oras ng sakuna,” she added.

For the victims of the recent Tropical Storm Ramil, Castro reported that the DSWD has already prepared two million family food packs and PhP720,000 worth of assistance for storm-stricken areas.

Castro said the initiative follows President Marcos’ directive to ensure swift and sufficient aid to communities affected by TS Ramil.

The DSWD has also allocated over PhP169 million stand-by funds to support ongoing disaster response operations.

Castro said the DSWD has so far distributed 382 family food packs and 547 ready-to-eat food boxes worth PhP720,925, as part of the initial relief.

“Namahagi rin ang disaster response personnel ng DSWD ng mga ready-to-eat-food sa mga stranded passengers sa Bicol region kung saan nagkaroon ng suspension ng sea travel. Nagpaabot din ng tulong ang ahensya sa Sorsogon kung saan unang nag-landfall ang Bagyong Ramil,” Castro further said.

According to DSWD, 14,500 families or 30,368 individuals from 147 barangays in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas have been affected by the recent storm. | PND