In the last week to Christmas, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. brought the good news that Mary Jane Veloso was back in the country, imparting a message of hope to the nation and the millions of overseas Filipino workers who suffer indignities in their places of employment.

A collaboration between Daily Tribune and the Bureau of Communications Services of the Presidential Communications Office, these were the highlights of the President’s past week.

15 December

Film industry grateful

Filmmakers lauded the administration of President Marcos for helping the film industry, during the staging of “Konsyerto sa Palasyo: Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino.” The concert recognized the invaluable contributions of the film industry to the nation’s arts and culture.

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson and CEO Jose Javier Reyes expressed the film industry’s gratitude for the efforts of the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in spearheading the fifth installment of the Konsyerto.

16 December

Malacañang opens for Yuletide

In a social media post, Malacañang announced that the Palace grounds are open to the public starting 16 December up to 23 December, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., for the Christmas activity featuring holiday displays with joyful music, delicious Pinoy delicacies, and free carnival rides.

With the theme, “Tara sa Palasyo,” the public can complete the Misa de Gallo Masses from 16 to 24 December from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m.

World-class chips workforce

The President said the Philippines is building up world-class professionals to become a more valuable partner of choice in the global semiconductor business.

In a meeting with Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) president and CEO John Neuffer during his courtesy call at the Palace, Marcos said semiconductor manufacturing played a huge part in the country’s growth for many years.

The SIA is one of America’s top export industries, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, design and research.

State communicators honored

During the Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko, President Marcos recognized state communicators for their significant contributions to enhancing public awareness and empowering participation in Philippine governance.

In his speech, the President highlighted the importance of effective communication which, he said, fosters trust between the government and the citizens.

17 December

OFW Aksyon Center symbolizes Bagong Pilipinas

President Marcos led the inauguration of the One-Stop Overseas Filipino Workers Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Center.

The OFW AKSYON Center is the 23rd facility nationwide and the fifth in the National Capital Region.

The facility will accommodate OFWs in southern Metro Manila and provide them the necessary documents and assistance for employment abroad.

‘Best’ OFWs honored

At the same event, the President honored overseas Filipino workers for their exemplary contributions to national development. He lauded the OFWs for putting the Philippines on the radar for its pool of talented and skilled workers.

Speaking during the Pamaskong Handog Para sa Overseas Filipino Worker Family in Malacañang, Marcos said the courage of OFWs has been an example to other Filipinos, adding that their dedication to uplifting the condition of their families deserved recognition.

18 December

PBBM sues for more time on budget

The Chief Executive deferred the signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) to allow more time for “a rigorous and comprehensive review,” according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Bersamin said Marcos would personally lead the ongoing assessment of the proposed 2025 national budget, “in consultation with the heads of the major departments.” No specific date for the signing has been announced.

5 DoTr projects will ‘build PH future’

During the ceremonial signing in Malacañang, President Marcos highlighted the transformative impact of five new infrastructure projects of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) in Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete and Siargao.

The President emphasized the need for a proactive approach to bring about progress, saying, “The future will not simply come to us — we must be the ones to build it. And this is how we will move forward.”

Veloso home after 14 years

Mr. Marcos announced that convicted drug courier Mary Jane Veloso was back in the Philippines after languishing for 14 years on death row in Indonesia.

The President thanked the Indonesian government for its assistance in transferring Veloso to Philippine custody.

Veloso arrived in the country early Wednesday accompanied by officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Corrections.

Key irrigation, bridges get approval

In a meeting with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board, President Marcos approved the Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project (INISAIP) and the Accelerated Bridge Construction Project for Greater Economic Mobility and Calamity Response.

At the 23rd NEDA board meeting in Malacañang, Mr. Marcos said the P37.5-billion INISAIP project must be implemented with urgency.

19 December

New PAF chief welcomed

President Marcos congratulated incoming Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief, Lt. General Arthur M. Cordura.

The President expressed trust and confidence in Cordura to guide the PAF to become more agile, credible, and responsive to the demands of an ever-evolving security landscape.

2025 budget before yearend

The President said the 2025 national expenditure program, particularly some insertions that were not part of the original budget request, must be scrutinized.

In an interview following an event at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, the President said the proposed 2025 national budget was approved by both houses of Congress but it’s up to the executive branch to decide on the next move.

No reduction in PhilHealth services

PhilHealth will still be able to provide services to its members despite lawmakers rejecting its proposed subsidy for 2025, according to the Chief Executive.

Earlier this week, the bicameral conference committee disapproved PhilHealth’s proposed P74-billion subsidy for next year because the state insurer still had P600 billion in its coffers.

However, President Marcos vowed the government will exert measures to maximize the benefits that Filipinos can get from PhilHealth.

More polymer banknotes

The President led the historic unveiling of the first polymer banknote series, describing the introduction of the new bills as groundbreaking.

“Today, I stand before you with pride as we unveil the first Philippine polymer banknote series — a groundbreaking step that embodies the strength, ingenuity and forward momentum of our nation,” Marcos said.

‘Libreng Sakay’ for LRT, MRT

Commuters were treated to free rides on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems on Friday as a Christmas gift and gesture to ease their travel expenses during the holiday season.

“I am happy to announce to our commuters the free rides on the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 on 20 December,” the President said in a statement posted on his official social media pages. He said around 1.1 million passengers used the train lines this year.

Even stronger Phl-Japan ties

President Marcos expressed optimism about the strengthening partnership between the Philippines and Japan on defense, security and economic concerns.

“I’m very optimistic of the continuing strengthening of our partnership not only in terms of defense and security but even in the economic [area],” Marcos said during the courtesy call of Japan’s National Security Adviser Akiba Takeo at Malacañang.

The President said the partnership between Japan and the Philippines is strong. It “helps to strengthen our position when it comes to confronting all of the different issues that we are all facing,” he added.

20 December

7-K gratuity pay for gov’t workers

Mr. Marcos announced an increase in the gratuity pay up to P7,000 for contract of service (CoS) and job order workers in the government. The increase took effect on 15 December.

In Administrative Order 28 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, President Marcos said JOs and CoS employees who had rendered at least four months of satisfactory service as of 15 December were entitled to the gratuity pay.

Keep up honor, service, patriotism

Mr. Marcos called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to remain steadfast in upholding its core values.

The President made the call as he led the celebration of the 89th anniversary of the AFP in Quezon City on Friday.

“I encourage you to remain true to the values that have guided this institution for 89 years,” Marcos said in his speech.

Renovated museum launched

The President led the launch of the newly renovated Armed Forces of the Philippines Museum during the 89th AFP Anniversary Day on Friday.

The AFP Museum, which will soon be open to the public, features various types of military weaponry from cannons and rifles to tanks and helicopters.

The displays include a US M2 105mm howitzer, a 37mm Japanese anti-tank gun, a 106mm US recoilless cannon, a Huey helicopter, an MD 500 attack helicopter, US M41 Light Tank and a vintage presidential troop review vehicle.