In the face of tension in the region, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated on Tuesday that his administration remains steadfast in protecting the country’s territories and maritime zones, notably the West Philippine Sea.

“We stand firm. We will never tolerate any act of disrespect against our sovereignty,” the President said in his speech during the 127th Philippine Navy (PN) anniversary celebration in Subic, Zambales.

The Commander-in-Chief issued a strong message against foreign encroachment and emphasized that the country will continue to uphold its maritime entitlements following international law.

“We will continue to safeguard our maritime zones and exercise our maritime entitlements, in accordance with international law,” President Marcos said. “Wala tayong isusuko, wala tayong papabayaan.”

“We reaffirm our commitment to being a responsible member of the international community, engaging in all matters diplomatically and upholding the established principles under international law,” the President added.

The Philippines’ commitment is reflected in the proactive and sustained engagement in international defense and security efforts, the President said, citing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ participation in various exercises such as the Balikatan, Sama Sama, Rim of the Pacific, and Multilateral Naval Exercise Kakadu.

President Marcos said the Philippines also conducted staff-to-staff talks with other countries and hosted the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security.

“All of these are aligned with our broader efforts to foster cooperation and to maintain peace—both within our borders and across the region,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday lauded the Philippine Navy’s dedication, courage, resilience, and contribution to the generally orderly and peaceful conduct of the May 12 elections.

In a speech during the 127th Philippine Navy (PN) anniversary celebration at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales, President Marcos cited the 1,856 Navy personnel deployed for their assistance in ensuring that the May 2025 polls were orderly, successful and peaceful.

“Nitong mga nakaraang linggo, nakita natin ang dedikasyon, tapang, at tatag ng ating mga sundalong mandaragat sa kanilang pagtulong na masigurong maayos, matagumpay, at mapayapa ang halalan,” President Marcos said.

The President said, “They (Navy) played a key role in ensuring its safe and orderly conduct, particularly in vulnerable areas of the country.”

In addition to securing the democratic process, the President also cited the Navy’s readiness to respond to every crisis, natural or man-made.

“Despite rough seas, existing dangers, the psychological toll, you serve—not simply out of duty for the Republic, but because that is innately who you are: you are guardians of our people,” the President said.

President Marcos said the Navy has been a constant force in the country’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, deploying fleet-marine teams to rescue distressed fishing vessels and immediately respond to disasters.

President Marcos congratulated the Philippine Navy on its 127th Anniversary.

“We celebrate an enduring legacy of an institution, built by the fortitude of its men and women, whose one-hundred-year and more history profoundly shaped the destiny of our nation,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended members of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) for rescuing a 10-year-old child from drowning in the Madlum River in Bulacan last March, calling their act a true display of heroism, duty, and compassion.

President Marcos hailed Corporal Jestoni Dalman and Private First Class Jaypee Navales, both Scout Sniper Candidates, while on their way conducting a site survey for a training activity, to revive a 10-year-old child from drowning.

“Isa itong patunay sa ating lahat na ang tunay na bayani ay kumikilos hindi lang dahil kinakailangan, kundi dahil din sa katapatan sa tungkulin at sa pagmamahal sa kapwa,” the President said.

In a Facebook post, the PMC said two personnel saw a crowd and found the child unresponsive after being pulled from the river by a bystander. PFC Navales, trained in Basic Life Support, quickly performed CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until medical help arrived.

The swift response of local health units and the First Scout Ranger Regiment later declared the child in stable condition. Their actions exemplify the Marines’ dedication to duty and public service.

President Marcos also honored Intelligence Specialist Third Class Jeff C. Villanueva as Enlisted Personnel of the Year, and Architect Sherwin T. Cornejo as Civilian Human Resource of the Year (Supervisor Category).

“Ang inyong natatanging tapang, galing, at husay ay nagbigay ng karagdagang lakas at inspirasyon sa buong Hukbong Dagat,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos congratulated the Philippine Navy on its 127th Anniversary, celebrating an enduring legacy of an institution built by the fortitude of its men and women, and whose 100-year history profoundly shaped the destiny of our nation.

“At hanggang ngayon, ipinapakita ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas na ang serbisyo ay hindi lang bahagi ng ating kasaysayan, bahagi rin ito ng ating kasalukuyan,” the President also said. | PND

Saying he does not want trouble, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed openness to reconciling with the Duterte family, emphasizing his desire to avoid conflict and promote unity for the sake of national stability.

During the maiden episode of the BBM Podcast on Monday, the President was asked whether he still wished to mend ties with the Dutertes, as Vice President Sara Duterte was his running mate in the presidential and vice presidential elections in 2022.

“Oo. Ako, ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao. Mas maganda,” President Marcos noted.

Recently, the Vice President made sharp remarks on key administration events against the President.

President Marcos maintained that he values peace and cooperation over division, stressing that he needs allies, not enemies. “Hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway. Kailangan ko kaibigan,” the Chief Executive added.

President Marcos admitted that his goal is to maintain political stability and a peaceful environment so that his administration can focus on delivering public service.

“Hangga’t maaari, ako, ang habol ko ay ‘yung stability, peaceful para magawa namin ‘yung trabaho namin,” the President said.

He also reiterated his openness to working with those who may not share his policies, as long as mutual respect and cooperation are maintained.

“I’m always open to any approach na, ‘halika, magtulungan tayo.’ Kahit na hindi tayo magkasundo sa polisiya… gawin mo ‘yung trabaho mo pero huwag na tayong nanggugulo.”

“Huwag na natin – tanggalin natin ‘yung gulo,” the President added, pointing out his call for unity and collaboration. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he looked forward to bolstering diplomatic relations with Mongolia, as he received Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh at Malacañan Palace on Monday.

“I hope that your visit will spark more interactions between our two countries,” President Marcos told the Mongolian Foreign Minister.

Battsetseg’s visit marks the first official visit by a Mongolian Foreign Minister to the Philippines in 41 years. The last visit was made by then Foreign Minister TS Gombosuren in 1984, during the administration of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

The Philippines and Mongolia established diplomatic relations on October 11, 1973. This year marks the 52nd anniversary of those ties.

Around 500 Filipinos are currently residing in Mongolia, working as teachers, representatives in international organizations, and members of the clergy. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the administration had to first crack down on corrupt rice importers and smuggling syndicates before implementing the P20-per-kilo rice program, which was not yet feasible during the early years of his term.

During the BBM Podcast, which aired on Monday, President Marcos responded to the question of why the P20-per-kilo rice was only implemented halfway through his term.

“Noong 2022, 2023, hindi pa namin kayang gawin,“ admitted the President, who said a significant factor in keeping rice prices high is the rampant importation and smuggling.

“Ang katotohanan, ang nakita namin ang pang-control doon sa presyo ng bigas ay ang smuggled na bigas. Kaya nagho-hoard,” said the President, citing the raids in various warehouses that revealed hoarded rice.

The Chief Executive admitted that rice importation has become excessive due to connivance by public officials.

“Dahil ang nag-i-i-smuggle mga opisyal din ng gobyerno. Kumikita sila. O ‘di bakit nila papalitan? Sige, pasok lang sila nang pasok,” the President said.

“Hindi nila iniintindi ang production. Hindi nila iniintindi ‘yung sistema. Hindi nila iniintindi ang presyo ng palay, ang presyo ng bigas, ang kikitain ng magsasaka. Wala, walang ganoon,” President Marcos continued.

Aside from addressing rice smuggling and hoarding, the President said his government also had to undertake bureaucratic and legislative reforms and boost rice production infrastructure and support.

“So ngayon lang namin nabuo lahat,” he said.

Last week, low-income residents began to have access to the PhP20 per kilo of rice in Kadiwa Metro Manila and Calabarzon centers. | PND

Usually described as a kind person or “mabait,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he prefers to be a respected leader but is also ready to be fierce or “mabagsik.”

In the maiden episode of the BBM Podcast on Monday, the President responded to a question that he is “too kind” by saying, “Anong gagawin ko? Maging masamang tao? Siguro dapat nga talaga maging mas mabagsik talaga.”

“I want to be respected, but maybe fear is better,” President Marcos.

The President expressed frustration at the delay in major national projects and widespread illegal activities and corruption.

President Marcos suggested he needed to be stricter to push through bureaucratic delays on long-term projects.

“Maraming nagsasabi sa akin niyan. Eh anong gagawin ko? Maging masamang tao? Hindi ko na mababago ‘yung ugali ko,” the Chief Executive said.

“Pero alam mo siguro, dapat nga talaga maging mas mabagsik talaga dahil wala eh, eh kailangan talagang maging mas efficient ang ano, mas mabilis ang pagdating,” President Marcos acknowledged.

“Kasama na siguro ‘yan sa leksyon namin dito sa naging eleksyon nung nakaraan,” President added.

The President said he has fired several appointed officials based on validated reports of corruption without announcing their dismissal.

“Marami na. Marami na talagang- Pero hindi na namin pinag-uusapan kasi gulo na naman eh. Basta umalis ka na, kung hindi kakasuhan ka namin. Ikukulong kita. Umalis ka na lang,” said the President. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called for increased police visibility to deter crime and implement a unified emergency hotline for faster crisis response.

During the maiden episode of the BBM Podcast on Monday, the President tasked the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to ensure the police are closer to the people.

“So ang una naming ginawa, inutusan ko silang – ng DILG at saka Chief PNP – sinabi ko sa kanila, dapat laging may nakikita na pulis na naglalakad. Kasi pagtagal ng panahon, nakikilala mo na ‘yun,” President Marcos said.

“O, ‘di – maging kaibigan ‘yung pulis para ‘pag nakita, safe kami rito. Nandiyan si Sergeant ganito, ganyan. Kailangan ang pakiramdam ng tao, laging may pulis dito,” he added.

The President said he wanted the police to respond more quickly, noting the police officers must be at the scene in less than five minutes.

The President noted that several current emergency numbers could add to confusion, so the government would implement a single crisis hotline for emergency hotlines during the crisis.

“Di ba mayroon tayong iba-iba eh – 119, 911, 999, kung ano-ano. Gagawin naming isa,” the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the recent May 2025 election results show that Filipinos are “tired of politics” and want more actions from their leaders, acknowledging public disappointment over slow government services in addressing immediate, day-to-day needs.

“Ito talagang narealize ko na hindi natin nabigyan nang sapat na attention ‘yung mas maliit na bagay para maging mas maginhawa ang pang araw-araw ng buhay ng tao. Yung mga ganyang klase, para naman mas maginhawa ang buhay ng tao,” the President noted.

In the first episode of BBM Podcast, President Marcos shared his reflections on the recent election results, underscoring the need to shift away from politics and a focus on governance that directly benefits the public.

The President reiterated his resolve to break free from the “business as usual” mentality from the moment he took office.

President Marcos also emphasized the growing frustration among Filipinos with the cycle of politics. He observed that the electorate’s message is clear that they are “sick and tired” of political maneuvering and call for a government that prioritizes effective leadership and action over politics.

“Para sa akin, I have two conclusions dito sa eleksyon. Una, nagsawa na ang Pilipino sa pulitika. Sawang-sawa na sa pulitika. Ang mensahe, sa amin lahat – hindi lamang sa akin, kung hindi sa aming lahat – tama na ‘yung pamumulitika ninyo at kami naman ang asikasuhin ninyo,” President Marcos stated.

“Tama na ‘yung pulitika. Magtrabaho – gawin na natin lahat ng kailangang gawin,” the President added.

President Marcos also acknowledged the public’s dissatisfaction with the pace and tangible impact of government services.

The Chief Executive recognized that many Filipinos feel disconnected from government projects and have yet to see the real benefits of these initiatives in their everyday lives.

“Disappointed ang tao sa serbisyo ng gobyerno. Hindi nila nararamdaman at masyadong mabagal ang galaw nang pagbubuo ng mga project na hindi pa nila maramdaman,” the President noted.

President Marcos assured the public that, “Asahan nila na tayo naman, kahit nasa matatas na posisyon, asahan nila, lagi kaming nakikinig. Lagi kaming nakikinig sa kanilang hinaing, sa kanilang nagiging problema. At hahanapan natin ng long-term solutions. At ngayon, talagang mamadaliin na namin yung immediate solutions na pwedeng gawin, gawain na kaagad. At yun ang mararamdaman ng taong bayan.”

The first episode of the BBM Podcast offers listeners a deeper understanding of President Marcos’ perspective on the current political climate and his vision for a future driven by real action, effective governance, and lasting progress for the Filipino people. | PND

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure affordable rice for Filipinos, the government has announced that one million sacks of milled rice are readily available for distribution through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

“Ang total natin, we have one million sacks available na milled rice na iyon, merely milled rice,” Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced in a briefing in Malacañang on Monday.

Tiu Laurel said shipments from Mindoro have already reached Cebu, while Bohol is scheduled to receive its supply this week.

According to Tiu Laurel, there are already 37 participating local government units (LGUs) in Cebu alone. They sold nearly 12,000 sacks this week. Tiu Laurel said 34 Kadiwa stores have already begun operations, noting that people are happy with the program.

The DA said they will address the queuing process during distribution to improve the experience further. This includes adding chairs, electric fans, and tents for shade.

“Alam ninyo naman mainit ngayon kaya ia-address natin iyan para maging mas maganda iyong experience ng ating mga mamimili,” Laurel said.

The DA is also preparing to launch Phase 2 of the Kadiwa program this July, focusing on high-poverty areas in Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Maguindanao Del Norte, Maguindanao Del Sur, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Davao Oriental, and Sorsogon.

By next month, the number of Kadiwa outlets will increase to 55.

Laurel also clarified that the rice sold is part of the National Food Authority (NFA) buffer stock acquired through the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

He said the government has not yet spent additional funds for the program besides logistics costs.

“Sa ngayon ang stocks natin ngayon ng palay is noong nagsasabi ako 300,000 tons na, ngayon nasa 400 plus thousand na,” Laurel said.

“So, lahat iyan is iyong NFA na bigas na binili galing sa GAA namin… Iyan pa rin iyong bigas na binibenta natin so technically except for the logistics of it wala pang nilalabas na dagdag pera ang gobyerno natin while selling this rice,” he added.

The DA aims to serve 15 million families or about 60 million Filipinos by 2028. | PND