President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the week of August 11 to 15, 2025 with decisive actions on flood control, police reform, food security, infrastructure, and foreign relations, underscoring his administration’s push for accountability, resilience, and global cooperation.

On August 11, President Marcos launched the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, sumbongsapangulo.ph, after ordering a nationwide audit of flood control projects. The President encouraged citizens to report anomalies after the initial review uncovered that PhP100 billion or 20 percent of the PhP545 billion worth of contracts in the past three years had been cornered by just 15 contractors.

That day, President Marcos inspected the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project in Marikina City, aimed at addressing flooding problems in Metro Manila.

The following day, August 12, the Chief Executive addressed the 124th Police Service Anniversary, lauding the Philippine National Police’s improved five-minute response time and service reforms, while cautioning against abuses and corruption.

The President also formally received the proposed PhP6.793 trillion National Expenditure Program for 2026 and witnessed the ceremonial presentation of the Government Optimization Act, which institutionalizes more efficient and transparent resource use.

On August 13, President Marcos inaugurated the rehabilitated Philippine Fisheries Development Authority-Iloilo Fish Port Complex in Iloilo City, a world-class, disaster-resilient facility that local officials and workers said would secure livelihoods and boost fisheries trade.

The Chief Executive announced plans to build 10 new modern fish ports nationwide to increase fisherfolk incomes and reduce middleman costs.

While in Iloilo, the President inspected the unfinished Anganan Flyover in Pavia town and the ongoing Jaro Flood Control Project, flagging contractors for substandard works and emphasizing the importance of durable, well-supervised infrastructure.

Postponing BSKE polls

President Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 12232 titled, “An Act Setting the Term of Office of Barangay Officials and Members of the Sangguniang Kabataan, and for Other Purposes.” The new law postponed the December 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and moved it to the first Monday of November 2026, and set the term of office of all elected barangay and SK officials to four years.

On August 14, President Marcos signed the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, strengthening the autonomy and authority of the Supreme Court for better efficiency in the administration of justice.

On the same day, President held his first phone call with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the Philippine–Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership and highlighting deeper cooperation in trade, defense, and people-to-people ties, laying the groundwork for strengthened regional collaboration.

President Marcos also received the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Arnaud Peral, in a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace, reaffirming the cooperation in attaining the country’s national development priorities.

On August 15, the Chief Executive addressed the graduating class of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in San Narciso, Zambales, urging the 252 cadets to serve with honor in the Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine service.

President Marcos commended the sacrifices of their parents, calling them true heroes for supporting the cadets’ journey.

Defective, unfinished dike

On August 15, President Marcos personally inspected the Calumpit River Protection Project and flood mitigation structure in Bulacan following residents’ reports of collapsed and missing sections.

The Chief Executive confirmed that portions of the dike had been left unfinished or constructed with substandard materials, resulting in safety hazards and waste of public funds.

President Marcos ordered a full probe into the defective rehabilitation works, called on citizens to keep reporting irregularities via sumbongsapangulo.ph, and vowed accountability for both contractors and government personnel who allowed the substandard structures to be certified as complete.

Through these efforts, President Marcos reinforced his administration’s commitment to transparency, resilience, and a people-centered approach to governance. | PND